Quebec Interactive Street Theatre: “Crimes in New France”

If you’re looking for a night activity in Quebec City that combines history, entertainment, and a touch of ghostly intrigue, the “Crimes in New France” street theatre tour offers just that. This 2-hour walk through Old Quebec is more than a typical ghost story — it’s a theatrical journey into the city’s more scandalous and criminal past, brought vividly to life by talented actors and a knowledgeable guide.

What we really like about this experience is its ability to make history engaging and accessible, especially through its interactive style that keeps visitors involved. Plus, at just $24, it offers a surprisingly rich experience for a modest price. On the flip side, the outdoor nature of the tour means you’ll need to dress appropriately for weather and be prepared for a fair amount of walking.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, families with older kids, or anyone who enjoys a good story told with humor and theatrical flair. If you appreciate stories of criminals and ghosts, and want to see Quebec City after dark in a unique way, this tour could be just your ticket.

Key Points

• Historical storytelling combined with interactive street theatre makes for a memorable experience.
• Guides and actors are highly praised for their engaging and authentic performances.
• The tour covers 10 notorious criminals, giving insights into Quebec’s past as “New France.”
• Outdoor, rain or shine, so weather-appropriate clothing is essential.
• The tour’s cost of $24 offers a good value considering its entertainment and educational elements.
• Meeting point is conveniently located near city landmarks, making it easy to find.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Setting the Scene: Old Quebec at Night

The tour begins from the front of the Morrin Centre, just behind St. Andrew’s Church and a one-minute walk from Quebec’s City Hall. The start time varies, so checking availability beforehand is wise. As you step outside, you immediately feel the charm of Old Quebec — cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a quiet that accentuates the spooky theme.

The atmosphere of the city after dark, with its centuries-old architecture and narrow alleys, lends itself perfectly to a ghost-themed tour. You’ll walk through some of the most atmospheric parts of Old Quebec, ideal for conjuring images of past misdeeds and ghostly apparitions.

The Performers and Their Role

A standout feature of this tour is the performance aspect. Guided by Marie Rivière or Jean Rattier, you’ll encounter actors who portray ghosts, criminals, or historical figures. The fact that they stay in character throughout the two hours makes the storytelling more immersive, according to rave reviews. As one reviewer noted, “Louis, our guide, stayed in character the entire time and was quick-witted, fun, and friendly… and ghostly, of course!”

The actors do a great job of blending humor and history, making the tour accessible for a wide range of ages. The reviews highlight that, despite the spooky theme, it’s “not too scary for kids,” with families reporting that younger children found it entertaining rather than frightening.

Meeting the Criminals of New France

The core of the tour is the stories of 10 infamous criminals who once walked these streets. You’ll learn about their crimes, their lives, and their ghosts. The narrative is lively, with the actors bringing these figures to life through storytelling and interactive scenes.

One reviewer shared, “I was surprised to learn there was the first serial killer in Quebec’s history,” illustrating how the tour offers surprising nuggets of local history. Another mentioned their connection to historical figures like the McLean clan, affirming that the stories are both engaging and educational.

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The Route and Stops

While the exact route isn’t detailed in the provided info, the tour includes several scenic and historically significant locations in Old Quebec. The focus is on walking at a leisurely pace, so expect to see a variety of sights and shadows that lend themselves to the ghostly tales.

Each stop is an opportunity for actors to perform, tell stories, and interact with the group. The reviews indicate that the different routes and stops keep the experience fresh and engaging, with some saying, “the variety of places we saw was great.”

Weather and Practicalities

Since the tour is outdoors, dressing warmly and comfortably is important, especially in Quebec’s unpredictable weather. An umbrella and rain gear are recommended, and the tour proceeds rain or shine. The reviews confirm that the ghosts walk among us regardless of weather, adding an authentic touch to the experience.

The meeting point is very accessible, right behind St. Andrew’s Church, making it easy to find even for first-time visitors.

Value for Money

At $24 per person, this experience offers excellent value. You get a well-guided walk, captivating performances, and a chance to learn about Quebec’s lesser-known history in a memorable way. Several reviews praise the quality of the actors and the storytelling, calling it “a fantastic time” and “highly recommended.”

Accessibility and Language

The tour is offered in both French and English, accommodating a broad range of visitors. The group size tends to be manageable, ensuring personalized interactions and attention from guides.

Overall Impression

This tour is more than just a spooky walk; it’s a theatrical history lesson that entertains while informing. The reviews consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides, excellent acting, and the stunning views of Old Quebec after dark.

It’s clear that this experience is designed to be fun and educational, making it perfect for those who want a different perspective on the city’s past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a family with kids, or someone who enjoys a good ghost story, you’ll find something to love here.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you enjoy stories of crime, ghosts, and history told with humor and theatrical flair, this tour will suit you perfectly. It’s also a good option for visitors who want an outdoor activity, especially as it offers a different take on Quebec City’s nighttime ambiance.

However, if you’re sensitive to spooky themes or have mobility issues, keep in mind that the 2-hour walk involves quite a bit of outdoor strolling. Also, dressing warmly is advisable since weather can vary.

Final Thoughts

The “Crimes in New France” street theatre tour stands out as a lively, fun way to explore Quebec City’s past. It combines storytelling, acting, and beautiful nighttime views into a memorable experience that goes beyond a simple ghost walk.

Affordable, engaging, and educational, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone ready to see Quebec through the lens of its darker history. The high praise in reviews for the guides and actors suggests you’ll be in good hands, and the interactive, theatrical style keeps things lively and memorable.

For those who love a good story, enjoy historical tales, or want a night out with a bit of mystery and humor, this tour is worth considering. It’s a clever way to discover Quebec’s shadowy side while being thoroughly entertained.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many families with kids have enjoyed it, and it’s considered not too scary for children. The stories are told with humor and theatrical flair, making it engaging rather than frightening.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, including walking through various streets of Old Quebec.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended. Since the tour takes place outside rain or shine, a raincoat and umbrella are advisable.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at the front of the Morrin Centre, 44, Chaussée des Écossais street, near St. Andrew’s Church and City Hall.

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

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers the guided walking tour and the performance by actors. No additional costs are mentioned.

Is this a good value for the price?
Absolutely. For $24, you get a lively, theatrical history walk led by talented performers, making it a fun and affordable evening activity.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers’ changing plans.

This review aims to give you a clear, detailed picture of what to expect from the “Crimes in New France” street theatre tour. Whether you’re a history buff, a casual visitor, or someone who loves a ghost story, it’s a lively way to spend an evening exploring Old Quebec’s mysterious, criminal past.

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