Description
Are you looking for things to do in Quebec City? The Old Quebec City MINI Tourist Scavenger Hunt is a 2.1 km / 1.3 mi self-guided short walking tour with challenges along the way. It should take 2 hours to complete (at the most) and ends near the start location.
What you’ll see
- Chateau Frontenac
- Parliament Hill and National Assembly
- Capitole de Québec
- Old Fortified City Gates
- Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica-Cathedral
- Old Quebec Funicular
- Quebec City Hall
- Holy Trinity Cathedral
We have visited Quebec many times over the years and tested this particular version in October 2024.
This scavenger hunt has a difficulty level of EASY. There are two staircases that are not readily accessible to wheelchairs and strollers but can be bypassed.
The ideal group size is between 2 and 6 people – but is not restricted to this.
Children are welcome and will enjoy most of the challenges.
After purchase, to begin your hunt through Old Quebec, you will need to go outside of 10 Rue Sainte-Anne, Québec, QC G1R 4S7, in front of the Samuel de Champlain statue next to Chateau Frontenac. This is the start location.
Once there, log in to this website and begin your hunt, or go to My Account for instructions.
Alternatively, you can access “My Account” and follow the instructions there.
Never hesitate to contact us if you experience any difficulties.
Ancient History
Quebec City, on the St. Lawrence River, was founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain. The old city is fortified by ramparts and many doors to protect its citizens. It is one of the oldest cities in North America.
Quebec City is the Capital of the province of Quebec, the only French-speaking province in Canada. It has a population of over 800,000 in its metropolitan community. Previously, it has been the capital of New France, Lower Canada, and, for a short time, United Canada.
Its name comes from the Algonquin word, Kebec, meaning “where the river narrows”. Earlier, Jacques Cartier met an Iroquois settlement on this site when he discovered it officially for François 1st, King of France, in 1535. Their village was called Stadacone.
During his third trip in 1541, his men discovered small white stones they believe to be diamonds, on the current Cap-aux-Diamants. This is where Parliament Hill and Old Quebec stand. However, it was only quartz.
It is only 60 years later that Samuel de Champlain launched the colonization of Quebec and Quebec City itself.
Recent History
The French occupied New France until 1759 when the siege of Quebec, then the Battle of the Plains of Abraham handed the capital over to the British troops.
Quebec City was later attacked by Americans in 1775, just before the American Revolution, in which some “loyalist” Canadians took part in support of the British.
Quebec shared with Toronto the title of capital of United Canada from 1859 to 1865 before transferring definitively to Ottawa. In 1864, the “Quebec Conference” was held here where the Canadian confederation was discussed and prepared. It is finalized in 1867.
The current condition of the fortifications is largely due to Lord Dufferin, Governor General of Canada. By 1872 he wanted Quebec to attract tourists from Europe. He, therefore, ordered the preservation and reconstruction of the city’s fortifications, not for its defense, but for its embellishment.
Because of its position, Quebec hosted an average of 30,000 immigrants annually from 1830 onward.
The Quebec Bridge finally linked Quebec City to Levis on the south shore in 1917, making it easier to cross, and to travel by train to other destinations.
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