Quebec City Guide

Quebec City Historical Tours

Explore 400 years of history from New France to modern Quebec!

64+ tours
From $48
2-5 hours
Quebec City Historical Tours

Discover Quebec City's fascinating 400-year history! Historical tours explore founding of New France (1608 by Samuel de Champlain), French colonial era, British conquest (Plains of Abraham battle!), Quebec's role in both World Wars, and evolution to modern French-Canadian cultural capital. Visit battlefields, historic sites, museums (Museum of Civilization, Citadelle!), and monuments. Learn about French-English tensions, Quebec independence movement, preservation of French language, and unique identity. Tours include Citadelle fortress (still active military base!), Plains of Abraham park, and historic neighborhoods. It's living history!

Featured Historical Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for historical tours in Quebec City

Combo Historical and Food Tour of Old Quebec
From $220.22
Free Cancellation

The Perfect Combination! This high-end gourmet tour combines culinary and cultural discoveries in Old Quebec. Accompanied by an experienced, certified guide, you'll discover the history of Quebec City through delicious bites showcasing the cuisine of our favorite Old Quebec restaurants. Arrive hungry because this five-course experience includes two appetizers, two main dishes, and a delicious dessert, all inspired by our region’s culinary traditions. To elevate the experience, selected wine pairings are included throughout the evening, making this tour as enriching for the mind as it is satisfying for the appetite! It is strongly suggested that you tip your guide 15-20% at the end of the tour. If the funicular is closed, we can arrange cab transport to avoid having to walk up the hill, or we can provide a ticket to be used later in the stay, at the customer's discretion (if they wish to walk up).

4.9(359)
3h
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Self Guided Walking Tour of Historic Québec City
From $5.93
Free CancellationNew

Explore the rich history of Québec City at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour featuring an interactive audio guide. Traverse a scenic route that takes you from the Observatoire de la Capitale to the charming streets of the Lower Town. Enjoy engaging stories that enhance your understanding of the city's evolution. This tour accommodates solo adventurers, friends, or family groups, allowing for a customized exploration of iconic sites like the Citadelle and Notre-Dame de Québec. - Self-guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours - Explore 11 points of interest with engaging audio stories - Available daily in multiple languages and suitable for any weather - Requires a charged smartphone, comfortable walking shoes, and optional headphones to enhance your experience.

2h 45m
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Historical walking tour in Old Quebec : From Pioneers To Citizens
From $33.14
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a 2h walking tour in Old Quebec, Upper Town. From the famous Château Frontenac to the Parliament of Quebec Province, discover a world heritage city and learn abou its fascinating history.

5.0(1)
2h
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Historic District of Old Quebec walking tour (3h)
From $287.25
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

This tour will show you the most important parts of the Historic District of Old Quebec, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985. Starting with the first nations, we'll go through the history of the city with the arrival of the first French settlers, the creation of the Royal colony of New France, the emergence of Quebec City as capital of British North America, the creation of the Dominion of Canada, leading to the contemporary era. Almost 500 years of history! I can do rigorous in-dept guided tours, but I can also do light and amusing ones with many fun facts and anecdotes! My philosophy is to listen to my clients needs, and tailor-made a visit that will measure up to their expectations and hopefully beyond.

5.0(17)
3h
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Guided Historic City Tour of Quebec
From $87.52
Free Cancellation

This tour is the best way to see Quebec's history and amazing sights. From the most photographed hotel in the world to Place Royale this tour offers some great photo stops along the way. If on a cruise this tour is a must and the most popular for all major cruise ships.

2h 30m
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Historical Lower Town & Neighborhoods Bike Tour
From $136.26
Free Cancellation

The Lower Town Historical Bike Tour is fantastic introduction to Quebec City and its surroundings. It reveals many hidden gems and all the must visits; Place Royal, the Mural des Québécois and Notre-Dames-des-Victoires. Meander along the green lush banks of the Saint Charles River. Your dynamic qualified tour guide will explain intriguing facts about the diverse artistic neighborhoods; Limoilou with its unique colorful spiral staircases. Stop at the “Grand Marché”, have the chance to mingle with finest local artisans producers. This is the perfect tour for your first time exploring the city!

4.9(70)
3h
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Private Historical Tour of Ile d'Orléans
From $497.16
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

This historical tour of the Ile d'Orléans will allow you to discover a beautiful region nearby. Discover the beauty and history of these exceptional natural and heritage sites. This fully-commented 3-hour guided tour explores the history, landscapes, nature and heritage of the Island. You can discover the high places of heritage, which has about 2,000 heritage and agricultural buildings, as well as 21 "historic monuments" - including Norman-style houses from Canada's French colonial period! Île d'Orléans - the cradle of New France - is also home to 317 pioneer families living in the Quebec City breadbasket, shipbuilding, river pilots, rural and maritime life and French Canadian Catholic traditions. Bench available: $10 each.

4.5(2)
3h
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Why Choose Historical Tours in Quebec City?

400 Years of History

Founded 1608 - oldest European city in North America!

Citadelle Fortress

Largest British fortress in North America - still active!

Battle Sites

Plains of Abraham where fate of continent decided!

Living Museums

World-class museums bringing history alive!

Types of Historical Tours in Quebec City

Citadelle Tour

Guided tour of active military fortress.

90 minutesFortressChanging guardMilitary historyPopular

Plains of Abraham

Historic battlefield now beautiful urban park.

2 hoursBattlefieldMuseumsWalkingEducational

Museum of Civilization

Quebec history from First Nations to present.

2-3 hoursComprehensiveExhibitsInteractiveEducational

Complete History Tour

Full-day tour covering all major historical sites.

5-6 hoursAll major sitesComprehensiveExpert guideDetailed

What to Expect on Your Quebec City Historical Tours

Duration

Citadelle: 90 min. Plains of Abraham: 2 hours. Full historical: 5-6 hours.

La Citadelle

Star-shaped fortress, Changing of Guard ceremony, military history!

Plains of Abraham

1759 battle where British defeated French - changed North American history!

Fort Museums

Powder magazine, barracks, fortification exhibits!

French-English History

Understand complex relationship and modern Quebec identity.

UNESCO Significance

Learn why Quebec City earned World Heritage status.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Citadelle Changing of Guard (10 AM daily, June-Sept) free to watch!

2

Plains of Abraham beautiful park - great for picnics and walks (free!).

3

Museum of Civilization ($17) comprehensive Quebec history - worth it!

4

Fortifications interpretation center ($4) shows wall construction.

5

Many historic sites in Old Quebec accessible for free with tours adding context.

6

Quebec history complex - tours help understand French-Canadian identity.

7

Summer (June-Sept) Citadelle has daily ceremonies - best time to visit.

8

Winter: Many indoor museums perfect for cold days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the Citadelle?

A: La Citadelle is massive star-shaped fortress built by British (1820s-1850s) to defend against Americans! Largest British fortress in North America. Still active Canadian military base - Royal 22nd Regiment stationed here. Guided tours ($16), Changing of Guard ceremony. Impressive fortification!

Q:What happened at Plains of Abraham?

A: 1759 battle where British General Wolfe defeated French Montcalm - both died in battle! Led to British control of New France. Pivotal moment changing North American history. Now beautiful urban park. Museum on-site explains battle. Essential Quebec history!

Q:Can you visit Citadelle?

A: Yes! Guided tours only (active military base) - $16, 90 minutes. See ramparts, museum, Governor-General residence (when not in use). Summer: Changing of Guard (free to watch outside!). Reservations recommended. Fascinating military history!

Q:How much do historical tours cost?

A: Walking historical: $48-75 (2-3 hours). Citadelle: $16 (90 min). Museum of Civilization: $17. Plains of Abraham: Free park (museum $14). Full-day historical: $100-150. Many affordable options for history buffs!

Q:Is Quebec City good for history enthusiasts?

A: Excellent! 400 years of preserved history, UNESCO World Heritage, battlefields, fortresses, museums. Best historical city in North America! French colonial, British conquest, unique culture. Living history everywhere. History lovers: Plan 2-3 days minimum!

Q:What museums should I visit?

A: Must-see: Museum of Civilization (comprehensive!), Citadelle (military), Plains of Abraham Museum (battle), Fortifications Center. All affordable ($14-17). Museum of Civilization best overview. Budget half-day for museums. Worth the entrance fees!

Q:When is Changing of Guard?

A: Daily 10 AM, June through early September at Citadelle! Free to watch ceremony outside fortress (paid tour enters). Traditional military ceremony - colorful and photogenic. 30-45 minutes. Worth timing visit! Off-season: No ceremony.

Q:When is the best time for historical tours?

A: Summer (June-Sept): Citadelle ceremonies, warm weather, all sites open. Winter: Snowy atmosphere (beautiful!) but some outdoor sites limited. Year-round museums accessible. History available always - choose season by weather preference!

Don't Miss the Perfect Quebec City Experience

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Why Visit Quebec City?

UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Quebec

Iconic Château Frontenac and historic architecture

Authentic French Canadian culture and cuisine

Rich history and fortifications

Charming European atmosphere

Perfect blend of history and romance

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Quebec City enjoys four distinct seasons. Summers are warm (65-80°F/18-27°C), winters are cold (10-30°F/-12-1°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.

Best Months

June to September offers the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.

Peak Season

July to August brings peak tourist season with warm weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

October to May offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cold weather and snow.

Plan Your Quebec City Trip

Transportation Tips

Excellent public transportation with buses and funicular. Walking is perfect for exploring Old Quebec, and organized tours provide historical context.

Car Rental Deals in Quebec City

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Where to Stay

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Best Hotel Deals in Quebec City

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Discover the best tours and activities in Quebec City with AI-powered recommendations tailored just for you.