Discover the Ghoulish Side of Old Quebec with the Death in New-France Tour

The Quebec: Death in New-France Animated Walking Tour offers a fascinating, eerie glimpse into the burial practices, funeral rites, and morbid stories of 17th-century Quebec. Priced at just $19 per person and lasting 75 minutes, this tour provides a compelling look at the city’s most historic and haunted sites. Led by knowledgeable guides, it is an engaging experience suited for those interested in history, legends, and the darker side of Quebec’s past.

While the tour is entirely outdoors and does not include entry into buildings, it still delivers a vivid tour through centuries-old cemeteries and landmarks. The tour emphasizes storytelling, legends, and historical facts, making it a memorable option for visitors seeking a spooky twist to their Quebec experience.

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Key Points

Price: Only $19 per person, offering excellent value for a themed 75-minute walk
Duration: 75 minutes, usually scheduled in the evening for a more atmospheric experience
Starting Location: Place d’Armes, once an early burial ground for colonists
Highlights: Notre-Dame Basilica crypt, Old Quebec cemeteries, Hôtel-Dieu, Irish Quarter, Morrin Centre
Language: Conducted in French and English
Provider: Les Promenades Fantômes, rated 4.6
Outdoor Experience: No entry into buildings, so dress weather-appropriate

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The Roots of Quebec’s Funeral Rites and Burial Sites

The tour begins at Place d’Armes, a location steeped in history as an early burial ground for Quebec’s first colonists. Here, the guides introduce you to the funeral customs of New France, explaining how processions, burials, and blessings reflected the beliefs of the time. This sets the tone for exploring the city’s morbid past.

From there, the tour takes you past outdoor sites like the Notre-Dame Basilica, where the history of the crypt and Quebec’s earliest cemeteries come into focus. Though no inside visits occur, the guides share captivating stories about the underground tombs and the significance of burial practices in the city’s development.

Exploring Old Quebec’s Ancient Cemeteries

One of the tour’s highlights is the walk through the Latin Quarter, where you encounter two notable cemeteries: the Cemetery of the Poor and the Smallpox cemetery. The latter contains victims of the deadly epidemic that struck Quebec, and the guides recount stories of those who suffered during this turbulent period.

The Smallpox cemetery (or Picotés) stands as a somber reminder of the epidemic’s impact on colonial life. The Cemetery of the Poor offers insight into the burial rites of the less privileged, contrasting sharply with the resting places of the colonial elite.

Visiting the Hôtel-Dieu and Its Role in Epidemics

Next, the tour visits the Hôtel-Dieu of Quebec, a site historically associated with end-of-life care and epidemic management. While the tour does not include inside access, standing outside, you’ll appreciate its importance during health crises. The guides share stories about how this hospital served as a crucial facility during outbreaks, including end-of-life care and quarantine efforts.

This stop underlines the historical importance of medical facilities in colonial Quebec and how death was an integral part of daily life during periods of epidemic.

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The Irish Quarter and the Celtic Cross

Moving through the Irish Quarter, the tour explores the community’s connection to Quebec’s history. The highlight here is the Celtic Cross, a moving memorial symbolizing Irish settlers’ faith and resilience. The guides explain the cultural significance of the cross and its role as a marker of community identity amidst the city’s grim past.

This stop connects the themes of death and remembrance, emphasizing how immigrant communities memorialized their loved ones and maintained their traditions.

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The Morrin Centre and Its Dark Past

The final stop is the Morrin Centre, a former colonial jail and college with a haunted reputation. Although no entry is made into the building, the guides recount chilling stories of its past as a prison and its connection to local legends. The site’s history as a jail adds an extra layer of intrigue and spookiness to the tour.

This location cements the tour’s focus on the darker aspects of Quebec’s history, blending legend with historical facts in a way that keeps visitors engaged and intrigued.

The Walking Tour’s Atmosphere and Storytelling Style

Led by highly (or almost) alive guides, the tour combines history, legends, beliefs, and spine-tingling stories for an entertaining experience. The guides excel at creating a haunting atmosphere, making each site come alive with morbid tales and historical anecdotes.

The animated and theatrical style of storytelling helps bring the past to life, even without inside access to the buildings. The tour’s pacing balances historical insights with eerie stories, making it suitable for those who enjoy a touch of the paranormal or macabre.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour departs at 8:30 p.m. from Saint-François de Laval Monument, a central location in Quebec City. It ends at the Morrin Centre at 44 chaussée des Écossais. As an outdoor-only experience, the tour requires comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for weather conditions. Rain gear is recommended, as the ghostly tales walk through the city rain or shine.

The group size is designed to facilitate storytelling, and the experience is available in both French and English, ensuring accessibility. Tip for guides is appreciated but not included.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Quebec

What makes this tour special is the focus on funeral rites, ancient cemeteries, and morbid legends that are rarely highlighted in typical sightseeing tours of Quebec City. The combination of outdoor sites, historical context, and ghostly stories creates a unique experience that appeals to history buffs and fans of spooky tales alike.

The value for $19 is notable, offering a compact but immersive 75-minute tour without the need to enter buildings. The focus on well-known sites like Notre-Dame Basilica, combined with less-visited cemeteries and the Morrin Centre’s legends, provides a well-rounded perspective on Quebec’s darker past.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This animated walking tour suits visitors interested in history, legends, and ghost stories, especially those who enjoy a theatrical storytelling style. It is perfect for evening outings, as the darkening city adds to the spooky vibes. Participants should be comfortable outdoors and prepared for weather conditions, making it suitable for most physical levels.

While not designed for those seeking interior visits or detailed architectural tours, it offers an engaging, storytelling-driven experience rooted in historic facts and urban legends. It’s ideal for curious travelers wanting a different perspective on Quebec’s past.

Quebec: Death in New-France — A Morbidly Entertaining Experience

The Quebec: Death in New-France Animated Walking Tour delivers a compelling glimpse into funeral rites, historic cemeteries, and macabre legends. Its affordable price, duration, and outdoor format make it an accessible option for those seeking an atmospheric, educational, and spooky experience.

While it does not include inside visits, the guides’ storytelling talent and the carefully chosen stops provide a vivid picture of Quebec’s morbid past. If you enjoy history with a supernatural twist and want to uncover well-buried mortuary secrets, this tour offers a memorable night-time adventure in Quebec City.

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Quebec : Death in New-France Animated Walking tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour proceeds rain or shine. Participants should wear weather-appropriate clothing and rain gear if needed.

Are inside visits included in this tour?
No, this is an outdoor-only experience with no entry into buildings like churches or the Morrin Centre.

What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is conducted in French and English.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes.

Where does the tour start?
It begins next to the Saint-François de Laval statue at Place d’Armes.

Is there a recommended age for participants?
The tour’s spooky stories and outdoor setting make it suitable for most ages, but younger children should be prepared for potentially eerie tales.

How much should I tip the guide?
Tipping is appreciated but not required; it’s customary to tip guides if you enjoyed the experience.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour is outdoor and involves walking through historic sites, so participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven surfaces.

How do I make a reservation?
Bookings can be made online with reserve now & pay later, offering flexibility to secure your spot without immediate payment.