Quebec : Death in New-France Animated Walking tour

If you’re curious about Quebec’s history, especially its more morbid stories, the Death in New-France Animated Walking Tour offers an intriguing glimpse into the city’s past lives and deaths. Priced at just $19 per person and lasting around 75 minutes, this tour promises an engaging journey through old cemeteries, historic sites, and haunting tales — all outdoors and with a lively guide. It’s a fun way to get a different perspective on Quebec, especially if you’re into history with a touch of the eerie.

What really draws us in are two things: first, the focus on funeral rites, burial grounds, and the ways early settlers dealt with death, which is a fresh angle compared to typical city tours. Second, the animated storytelling adds an entertaining layer to learning about this dark chapter. That said, a potential downside is that it’s only outdoors, so if the weather turns nasty, your experience might be less comfortable. This tour is best suited for history buffs, fans of ghost stories, or anyone interested in the lesser-known stories of Quebec’s past.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $19, offering good value for a 75-minute guided experience.
• Deep dive into funeral rites and burial practices of New France, giving context to Quebec’s early history.
• Outdoor-only tour, so weather can impact your experience—bring rain gear!
• Multiple stops at historic cemeteries and significant sites, including Notre-Dame Basilica’s crypt and the Irish Quarter.
• Highly rated provider with 4.6 stars, indicating a generally positive experience from past guests.
• Tour available in both French and English, accommodating a wider audience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

We appreciate how this tour combines history, legends, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s not just about walking past old buildings, but about uncovering the stories buried beneath the ground and within the city’s past. At each stop, your guide will share tales and insights that help you see Quebec in a different light, revealing how settlers, criminals, and the poor were laid to rest and remembered.

The Start: Place d’Armes

The tour kicks off at Place d’Armes, once an early burial ground where the city’s first colonists were laid to rest. From here, you’ll get a sense of the city’s beginnings, as your guide shares the history of how Quebec’s earliest residents faced death. The outdoor setting makes it easy to imagine what the space looked like centuries ago, and the stories of those who were buried there set the tone for the rest of the tour.

Exploring Cemeteries and Burial Sites

Next, the walk takes you through the Latin Quarter, where you’ll see the Cemetery of the Poor. This site offers a stark look at how those with limited means were buried, often in unmarked graves. It’s a sobering reminder of the social divides of the time. The story of the Smallpox cemetery, where victims of the deadly epidemic were laid to rest, adds a chilling layer, especially given Quebec’s history with epidemics. The guide will highlight how these historical epidemics shaped end-of-life care and burial practices.

Notre-Dame Basilica and the Crypt

One highlight is the stop outside the Notre-Dame Basilica, where your guide will reveal details about the crypt and the city’s earliest cemeteries. While you don’t enter the basilica itself, the outdoor discussion adds a fascinating context about the religious and cultural significance of burial practices at that time. It’s a powerful moment to reflect on Quebec’s spiritual history intertwined with death.

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The Hôtel-Dieu and Irish Quarter

The Hôtel-Dieu is another key site, especially since it was a critical location during epidemics and early health care in Quebec. Walking past its exterior, you’ll learn about how the facility served the sick and the dying. Nearby, the Irish Quarter with its Celtic Cross offers a touching story about immigrant communities and their traditions surrounding death and remembrance.

Final Stop at Morin Centre

The tour wraps up at the Morrin Centre, a former jail and colonial college. Here, your guide will share stories of prisoners and executions, blending the darker side of Quebec’s history with the stories of those who were confined or lost in the fight against disease and crime. This diverse setting ties together the different facets of Quebec’s history of death, detention, and remembrance.

What We Loved (and What to Consider)

We loved the way the guide brings history to life with animated storytelling and lively tales. The outdoor setting allows for an immersive experience, especially because it’s all about real places with real stories, not just a museum. The price point makes it accessible to many, and the ratings suggest most visitors come away impressed.

However, because it’s only outdoors, the experience depends heavily on the weather. Rain or cold could make standing outside less enjoyable. Plus, since there’s no entry into buildings, some might wish for more interior access or detailed exploration of the sites, but that’s not part of this experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This walk is perfect for history enthusiasts, ghost story lovers, and those interested in Quebec’s early days. If you enjoy storytelling and learning about local legends, you’ll find it compelling. It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer outdoor activities and are okay with walking in potentially unpredictable weather. It’s less suited for those with mobility issues, as the tour involves walking and standing outside for about an hour and 15 minutes.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour departs at 8:30 p.m. from Saint-François de Laval Monument, making it ideal for evening exploration.
• It’s available in both French and English, so choose the language that suits you best.
• Remember to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing—rain gear is recommended since it’s outdoors rain or shine.
• The tour concludes at the Morrin Centre, located at 44 chaussée des Écossais.
• Tips are appreciated but not mandatory—consider tipping your guide if you enjoyed the experience.
• Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility to your plans.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a unique, historically rich experience that combines stories of death, faith, and society in Quebec, the Death in New-France Animated Walking Tour offers a compelling way to see the city’s darker corners. It’s an engaging blend of history, legends, and outdoor exploration, ideal for those who enjoy stories with a spooky or thought-provoking edge.

While it might not be the best choice in bad weather or if you prefer indoor activities, it’s a solid option for an evening outing that won’t break the bank. This tour will leave you with a deeper understanding of how early Quebecers faced mortality and how those stories continue to echo through the city’s streets today.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is more focused on historical and spooky stories, so it might appeal to older children or teenagers interested in history or ghost tales. It’s best for kids who can comfortably walk outdoors and handle the dark and atmospheric stories.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case your plans change.

Is the tour available in other languages?
Yes, it’s offered in both French and English, so you can choose the language that best suits you.

Does the tour include entry into any buildings?
No, this is an outdoor-only tour. You won’t go inside any buildings, but stops at significant sites provide plenty of outdoor storytelling.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 75 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must, and weather-appropriate clothing—rain gear if needed—since the tour is outdoors rain or shine.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, older children and teenagers with an interest in history or ghost stories might enjoy it. Keep in mind the dark themes and outdoor setting when considering younger kids.

This walk offers a different lens on Quebec’s history and is well worth considering if you like your stories with a bit of history and a hint of the supernatural.

You can check availability for your dates here: