Quebec: Crimes of New France Animated Walking Tour

If you’re after a different way to explore Quebec’s historic streets, this Crimes of New France animated walking tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s a lively, storytelling experience that’s perfect for those curious about the city’s darker side—think ghostly tales, past punishments, and secrets from centuries ago.

What really caught our eye is how well-reviewed it is—averaging 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 900 travelers—and the fact that it’s quite affordable, costing only $20 per person. Plus, with live guides who act out stories and bring history to life, it promises a fun, immersive experience.

That said, it’s an outdoor walking tour in the evening, so you’ll want to dress appropriately—bring comfortable shoes, layers, and an umbrella if rain is in the forecast. It’s not a horror show but leans into storytelling with a spooky, theatrical twist. If you love history, storytelling, and a touch of ghostly intrigue, this tour might be right up your alley.

It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy engaging guides and aren’t averse to walking through historic streets at night. Families with teenagers or older kids who appreciate stories of crime and punishment tend to enjoy it, but keep in mind it’s more about storytelling than children’s entertainment.

Key Points

• Affordable price for a 1.5-hour storytelling experience in Old Quebec
• Engaging, theatrical guides who bring dark tales and history to life
• Focus on criminal history and punishments from New France, offering a unique perspective on the city’s past
• Outdoor walking tour that takes you through historic streets at night, so dress for weather
• Highly rated with consistent positive reviews emphasizing humor, knowledge, and entertainment
• Suitable for adults and teens interested in history, ghosts, and city secrets

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This animated walking tour is designed to give you a taste of Quebec’s less-glamorous history, focusing on crime, justice, and the ghost stories that linger from the times of New France. It’s run by Les Promenades Fantômes, a company experienced in bringing ghostly legends to life, and it’s set in the atmospheric streets of Old Quebec.

The tour is scheduled for about 1.5 hours and takes place regardless of weather—so be prepared for rain or chilly evenings. It begins in front of the Morrin Centre and ends at Place Royale, offering a natural route that hits some of the most storied parts of Old Quebec.

What makes this tour stand out is how lively and theatrical it is. Instead of just listening to dry facts, you get to experience scenes, hear dark tales, and even see where prisoners were once incarcerated and executed. The guides are often described as passionate, funny, and skilled storytellers who stay in character and keep the group engaged from start to finish.

The Itinerary and What You’ll See

Once you meet in front of the Morrin Centre, the tour kicks off with a ghostly introduction. The guide—dressed in costume and animated in storytelling—takes you through the dark side of Quebec’s past. You’ll hear about infamous criminals, their crimes, and how justice was carried out during the time of New France.

A major highlight is “visiting” the sites of executions and prisons, which adds an authentic touch. The guide explains the judicial system of the period—often brutal by today’s standards—and recounts tales of arrests, punishments, and the fates of some notorious figures.

Throughout the walk, the stories are sprinkled with humor and theatrics, making what could be heavy history surprisingly entertaining. One reviewer raved about their guide, Angie, saying she was “informative and entertaining,” and that her storytelling made the history come alive. Another mentioned the guide’s use of accents and acting, which added humor and realism.

The route ends at Place Royale, a scenic spot that’s perfect to wind down after the tales of crime and punishment.

Why It’s Worth the Price

At $20 per person, this tour offers real value. For that price, you get an interactive experience with a passionate actor, storytelling that’s both educational and amusing, and a chance to see parts of Old Quebec you might not explore on your own.

Most reviews highlight how the guides make the stories engaging, often using humor and character acting to keep everyone entertained. The fact that many guides are praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to include everyone makes the experience feel personal and lively.

Travelers also mention the quality of storytelling—with some guides, like Valerie, turning dark tales into humorous adventures that keep the mood light despite the spooky themes.

The Guide and the Atmosphere

A recurring theme in reviews is how good guides make or break the tour. Many travelers mention that they appreciated guides who stayed in character, used accents, and included interesting facts beyond the core stories. A few reviews note that the guides are very animated and theatrical, which adds to the immersive vibe.

The atmosphere is described as eerie but not scary, perfect for those curious about Quebec’s history without being frightened. It’s more about fun storytelling that gives you a taste of old Quebec’s grim past than a ghost-hunting adventure.

Remember, since it’s an outdoor walking tour, the setting in Old Quebec’s historic streets adds a layer of authenticity. Wandering through cobblestone alleys under the night sky enhances the spooky feel.

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Practical Tips for Participants

• Dress comfortably and warmly, especially if visiting in cooler months. Bring an umbrella if rain might happen.
• Wear comfortable shoes because it’s a walking tour—think cobblestones and uneven surfaces.
• The tour is conducted in both French and English, so clarify your language preference when booking.
• Since video recording isn’t allowed, respect the storytelling tradition by simply enjoying and listening.
• The meeting point is in front of the Morrin Centre, but note that the final stop is at Place Royale, so plan your transportation accordingly.

The Reviews Speak for Themselves

With nearly 900 reviews and an impressive 4.5-star rating, it’s clear that many travelers find this tour enjoyable and well worth the price. Reviewers mention guides like Marie, Valerie, Jeremy, and Marianne, praising their storytelling skills, humor, and ability to keep the group engaged.

People love the interactive nature, with many noting that guides use accents, humor, and acting to create a memorable experience. Even in rainy weather, travelers have said guides kept the atmosphere lively, making it a night to remember.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

If you’re interested in history with a twist, enjoy storytelling, or just want to see Old Quebec in a different light, you’ll probably love this. It’s particularly good for adults and teenagers who want a mix of education and entertainment. The theatrical element makes it engaging without being scary or overly intense.

While it’s not specifically tailored for families with young children, older kids interested in dark stories or ghost tales can enjoy it too. Just keep in mind it’s more about crime stories and less about family-friendly themes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally geared toward older kids (teenagers) or adults interested in dark tales, thanks to its themes of crime and executions. It’s not explicitly designed as a family tour.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.

Does the tour operate in rain?
Yes, it takes place regardless of weather, so you should dress accordingly—bring rain gear and warm clothing.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour is offered in both French and English, so you can choose based on your preference.

What’s included in the price?
You get a walking animated tour through Old Quebec with a costumed, passionate actor providing the narration and character acting.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is this a ghost-hunting experience?
Not exactly. It’s more of a storytelling tour with ghostly and dark tales, but it’s not designed to be frightening or haunted in the traditional sense.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an entertaining, affordable way to learn about Quebec’s gruesome past—all brought vividly to life by talented guides—this Crimes of New France animated walking tour is a solid choice. The mix of storytelling, history, and theatrical flair makes it stand out from more conventional city tours.

It’s best suited for those who enjoy engaging narratives and are comfortable walking outdoors in the evening. It’s a clever way to combine history with a touch of mystery and humor, making your evening in Quebec both fun and insightful.

So, if you’re curious about the darker side of Old Quebec and don’t mind a bit of walking, give this tour a shot. It’s a memorable way to see the city’s shadows and discover stories you might never find in a guidebook.

You can check availability for your dates here: