Quebec : Death in New-France Animated Walking tour

If you’re curious about Quebec’s darker history, the Death in New-France animated walking tour offers an unusual glimpse into the city’s morbid past. This 75-minute outdoor experience takes you on a ghostly journey through some of Quebec’s oldest cemeteries and historic sites, revealing how people in the 17th century dealt with death and dying.

What we love about this tour is its vivid storytelling—your guide will entertain you with colorful legends and spine-tingling historical facts. Plus, it’s quite affordable at just $19 per person, making it a compelling option for history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, or anyone interested in authentic local tales. The potential drawback? Since it’s an outdoor tour only, weather can impact your experience, so be prepared with rain gear or warm clothing.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history, storytelling, and a touch of the supernatural. If you’re looking for a lively, insightful walk that explores Quebec’s burial customs, this tour will hit the mark. However, if you prefer interior visits or more interactive museum experiences, you might find it a bit limited.

Key Points

• Authentic local stories about funeral rites and burial traditions in 17th century Quebec.
• Affordable price point at $19, offering good value.
• Outdoor experience only, so weather considerations are important.
• Historical sites include old cemeteries, Notre-Dame Basilica, and the Hôtel-Dieu.
• Guided storytelling blends legend, history, and morbid curiosity.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

The Quebec: Death in New-France animated walking tour is a fascinating way to uncover the city’s darker past, especially if you’re drawn to history intertwined with ghost stories. The tour begins at Place d’Armes, once a burial ground for early colonists, setting the scene for a journey that uncovers Quebec’s complex relationship with death.

What makes this tour stand out is its storytelling approach—your guide isn’t just reciting facts but bringing the city’s ghostly history to life. For example, you’ll learn about funeral rites in Old Quebec, including processions, blessings, and burial customs that reveal much about the cultural attitudes of the time.

You’ll stop in front of Notre-Dame Basilica to hear about its crypt and the city’s earliest cemeteries, adding historical depth to your walk. Moving through the Latin Quarter, you’ll see the Cemetery of the Poor and the Smallpox Cemetery, which remind us of the epidemics that shaped the city’s history. Visiting the Hôtel-Dieu, a historic hospital, will highlight the end-of-life care and medical challenges faced during past epidemics.

The last stop at the Morrin Centre, a former jail and colonial college, ties the tour together with stories of justice, punishment, and colonial life. Throughout, the guide shares legends and tales that make the morbid subject surprisingly entertaining, often infused with humor and local lore.

Why It’s Worth the Price

At $19, this tour offers great value—especially given its duration and depth. While it’s strictly outdoor and doesn’t include entry into buildings, the storytelling and historic sites compensate well. For those wanting a deeper understanding of Quebec’s early history, especially its funeral customs and how death was viewed in the 17th century, this tour provides a vivid picture.

The tour’s casual, walking pace means you can comfortably see several historic locations in 75 minutes without feeling rushed. Plus, with a 4.6 rating from past participants, it’s clear the guides deliver engaging, informative experiences that resonate with visitors.

What to Expect and Practical Details

The tour departs at 8:30 p.m. from Saint-François de Laval statue, so be prepared for an evening walk—perfect for a spooky vibe, but weather-dependent. The route ends at the Morrin Centre, making it easy to continue exploring afterward or head back to your accommodations.

Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and rain gear if needed. Since pets aren’t allowed (except assistance dogs), plan accordingly. Remember, it’s outdoor-only, so a sudden downpour could impact your experience.

The tour is available in French and English, making it accessible to a wide audience. Booking is flexible, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so you can plan with confidence.

The Experience Providers and Past Reviews

Les Promenades Fantômes has a solid reputation, rated 4.6 out of 5, for blending history, legend, and entertainment seamlessly. Past reviews praise the storytelling style, with one noting how “the tour mixes history and legend in a way that’s both informative and entertaining, never too heavy,” and “the guide’s enthusiasm kept us captivated from start to finish.”

Some reviewers mention the outdoor setting as a highlight, creating an atmospheric experience, though a few warn about weather concerns. Overall, visitors seem pleased with the value and the engaging narratives.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts who enjoy stories about the past, especially those with a penchant for ghost tales and legends. It’s also perfect for visitors seeking a unique evening activity that combines education and entertainment. The relatively low price and 75-minute duration make it accessible for most travelers, including families with older children and couples looking for a memorable night out.

However, if you prefer indoor museums or shorter, less walking-intensive activities, this may not be your best fit. It’s best suited for those comfortable with outdoor walking and those interested in exploring Old Quebec’s darker, more mysterious side.

Final Thoughts

The Death in New-France animated walking tour offers a rare look at Quebec’s early history through the lens of death, burial practices, and local legends. Its lively storytelling, historic sites, and atmospheric route make it a memorable experience—not just a walk through the city, but a journey into its most haunting stories.

At just $19, it’s an affordable way to add some intrigue to your Quebec visit. It’s especially well-suited for curious travelers who enjoy immersive narratives and aren’t deterred by a little outdoor chill or rain. With its balanced mix of history, legend, and morbid curiosity, this tour provides a genuine sense of Quebec’s ghostly past—perfect for those wanting a different perspective on this historic city.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for older children who can handle outdoor walking and sitting through stories, but check with the provider if you’re unsure about younger kids’ comfort with ghost stories and cemeteries.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must. Dress weather-appropriate—rain gear or warm clothing—since the tour is outdoors regardless of the weather.

Does the tour go inside any buildings?
No, it’s outdoor-only. You will see historic sites from the outside, but there’s no entry into buildings.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are available?
The tour is offered in both French and English.

Is there a lot of walking involved?
Yes, it’s a walking tour that covers several sites in Old Quebec, but it’s designed to be manageable in 75 minutes.

Is this tour good rain or shine?
Yes, the ghosts walk rain or shine. Bring appropriate clothing in case of rain.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 75 minutes.

What is the starting point?
The tour begins next to the Saint-François de Laval statue.

Will I learn about Quebec’s history or just ghost stories?
You’ll learn about both—historical funeral rites, burial sites, and local legends are woven together for an engaging experience.

Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of ghost stories, or just seeking a different way to explore Quebec’s past, this tour offers an atmospheric and educational evening. Its combination of storytelling, historic sites, and a bit of the spooky makes it a unique addition to your Quebec itinerary—one that will leave you with stories to tell long after you’ve left the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby