Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec

If you’re eyeing a way to add some spooky, story-rich fun to your visit to Quebec City, the Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec might catch your eye. This 90-minute adventure promises to take you through the shadows of the city’s past, revealing some of its darkest secrets, with guides dressed in period costumes who bring history to life. It’s a unique blend of storytelling, theater, and city strolling, all wrapped into a lively nighttime experience.

What really makes this tour stand out are its engaging guides—many reviews rave about how animated and entertaining they are—and the immersive storytelling that combines humor with horror, making history feel fresh and personal. However, it’s worth mentioning that the walk involves quite a bit of movement over uneven, hilly terrain, so it may not suit everyone, particularly those with mobility issues. This tour seems best suited for history buffs, fans of ghost stories, or travelers looking for something different after dark.

In this review, I’ll walk you through what to expect, highlight the valuable parts, and give you an honest look at whether it’s worth your time and money. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or even as a family (keeping in mind the mature themes), I’ll help you decide if this darkly entertaining walk belongs on your Quebec itinerary.

Key Points

• Vivid storytelling makes history come alive, especially with guides dressed in period costumes.
• Dark, intriguing stories about old crimes, arrests, and executions keep the experience engaging.
• The physical aspect involves a fair amount of walking, often on cobblestone streets and hilly terrain.
• The tour is well-priced at around $20.39 per person, offering solid value for the length and entertainment.
• Group size is limited to 30, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Suitable for those comfortable with walking and dark themes; not ideal for very young children or mobility-restricted travelers.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

Meeting Point and Duration

The tour kicks off at the Morrin Centre, located at 44 Chau. des Écossais. It lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity after dinner or a day of sightseeing. The end point is near the Quebec City Mural, allowing easy access to other sights or transportation options afterward.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The route includes stops at the Common Prison of Quebec and Public Place, both historically significant sites linked to the city’s darker past. Expect to walk through Old Quebec’s streets after dark, with guides weaving their stories in lively, theatrical fashion. The guides aren’t just narrators—they’re performers, wearing costumes and embodying characters like the executioner Jean Rattier and his wife Marie Rivière, which adds a theatrical, immersive element.

What You’ll Learn

The stories focus heavily on crimes, executions, and arrests from centuries ago, painting a picture of Quebec’s more sinister side. As one reviewer noted, the guide was “amazing,” with a “lady dressed in old fashion clothes,” making the experience both funny and horrific at times. The stories aren’t just dates and facts; they’re brought to life with humor, emotion, and a touch of theatrical flair, making it more memorable.

The Atmosphere

Walking through Old Quebec at night with guides dressed in period costumes certainly adds a sense of authenticity and spookiness. Several reviews mention how the stories are performed, with some describing it as a “Broadway-level” performance. It’s an engaging way to learn about the city’s past, especially if you appreciate lively storytelling.

The Experience’s Strengths

Many reviewers highlight the guides’ energy and knowledge as the tour’s high points. Angie and Marie are mentioned as particularly captivating storytellers, making the history feel real and personal. Their performances turn what could be dry historical facts into lively, memorable tales. One review said, “Angie made the tour absolutely awesome,” emphasizing how much the guides’ personalities matter.

Walking and Accessibility Considerations

The tour involves lots of walking across cobblestone streets, some uphill and downhill. For people with mobility issues or who tire easily, this could be a challenge. A reviewer noted, “It was a lot of walking, and the terrain is hilly,” so comfortable shoes are a must. The tour is limited to a maximum of 30 travelers, which keeps things intimate and manageable.

The Value Proposition

Price and What You Get

At just over $20, this tour offers a fair bit of value. You’re getting 90 minutes of storytelling, theatrical performances, and a walk through historic Old Quebec after dark. The reviews reflect strong satisfaction, with many praising the entertaining guides and the interesting stories. One reviewer summed it up as “worth every penny,” and others appreciated the mix of fun and education.

What Makes It Worthwhile

If you’re a fan of ghost stories, crime history, or simply enjoy lively guides who bring stories to life, you’ll find this tour engaging. It’s particularly appealing if you want to experience Old Quebec in a different way, with a dash of mystery and theatrical flair.

What Could Be Better

Some reviewers wished for more detailed stories about real people and their fates, suggesting that the narrative could sometimes feel a bit light on historical depth. Also, because the stories are focused on dark crimes, it might not be suitable for younger children or those sensitive to mature themes. Plus, the physical demands of the walk mean it’s less ideal for those with mobility limitations.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adults and older teens who can handle walking and are interested in the eerie, macabre side of Quebec’s past. History buffs and those interested in theatrical storytelling will likely find it highly engaging. It’s perfect for someone looking for an evening activity that combines walking, history, and entertainment. If you’re traveling with children, keep in mind the mature themes and walking demands.

Final Thoughts

The Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec offers a lively, theatrical approach to exploring the city’s darker history. With guides who excel at storytelling and performances that bring the past to life, it’s a memorable way to see Old Quebec after dark. The price point is reasonable, and many reviews echo satisfaction with the experience.

However, it’s not for everyone—be prepared for a fair amount of walking on uneven terrain, and consider your comfort with dark themes. If you enjoy history with a bit of flair and don’t mind a lively, theatrical approach, you’ll probably find this tour well worth your time.

This tour provides a distinctive perspective on Quebec’s history, blending entertainment and education in a way that feels fresh and engaging. Whether you’re a solo traveler, part of a couple, or even with friends, it’s a fun, memorable activity that’s worth considering for a different look at Old Quebec.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is best for ages 10 and up due to dark themes and some mature content. Very young children may find the stories too intense.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Morrin Centre at 44 Chau. des Écossais and ends near the Quebec City Mural at 29 Rue Notre-Dame.

Is there a physical fitness requirement?
Yes, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level since there’s lots of walking over cobblestone and hilly terrain.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 30 travelers ensures the experience is intimate and engaging.

What is the price?
It’s about $20.39 per person, which many reviews say offers good value given the entertainment and stories involved.

Is the tour available in both English and French?
Yes, the tour offers both language options.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s included in the ticket?
Live entertainment and guided storytelling are part of the experience.

Is the tour suitable for people with service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed.

Whether you’re a fan of spooky stories, history, or theatrical storytelling, this tour offers a fun way to explore Old Quebec after dark. Just gear up for some walking, bring good shoes, and enjoy discovering the city’s most intriguing secrets.