Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec

Explore the eerie streets of Old Quebec with the Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec. Priced at $20.39 per person and lasting approximately 90 minutes, this guided experience takes you through the city’s shadowy history, from the common prison to the public square. Led by dynamic guides in costume, the tour promises a lively mix of funny, horrific, and intriguing stories, making it an engaging activity for those interested in Quebec’s darker side.

This tour is ideal for visitors with moderate physical fitness, as it involves a fair amount of walking across cobblestone streets and hills. It offers live entertainment and is available in both English and French, making it accessible for a diverse audience. With a maximum group size of 30, you can expect an intimate yet lively atmosphere. Be aware that the tour’s focus on crime and ghostly tales means it leans towards a mature audience, and younger children should be accompanied by an adult.

Key Points

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes of storytelling and walking through Old Quebec
• Price: $20.39 per person, offering great value for such an immersive experience
• Guides: Character guides in costume, including a ghostly executioner and his wife
• Main stops: The Common Prison of Quebec and Public Place
• Language options: Available in English and French
• Group size: Limited to 30 travelers for a more personal experience

Starting Point at Morrin Centre in Old Quebec

The tour begins at the Morrin Centre, located at 44 Chau. des Écossais. This historic building serves as a convenient meeting spot near public transportation and offers easy access for travelers to start exploring Quebec’s haunted past. The walking route takes you through some of the most atmospheric parts of Old Quebec, including areas connected to the city’s darker moments.

Participants should plan for moderate physical activity, including walking uphill and over cobblestone streets, which can be a challenge for visitors with mobility issues. The tour ends at the Quebec City Mural on 29 Rue Notre-Dame, allowing for easy continuation of sightseeing or dining afterward.

What Makes the Crime and Haunted Tour Unique

This tour stands out through its animated storytelling style. Guides don costumes and perform, bringing ghostly characters and historical figures vividly to life. The live entertainment creates an engaging atmosphere that balances funny anecdotes with the horrific realities of Quebec’s criminal past.

Unlike traditional walkings tours, this experience emphasizes theatrical performances and character-driven stories, which make the history feel more immediate and personal. The costumes and interactive narration are frequently praised, adding a lively, theatrical element to the journey through Old Quebec’s darker chapters.

The Stops: From the Common Prison to Public Square

The tour features two main stops that spotlight Quebec’s macabre history:

The Common Prison of Quebec: This site historically served as a place of incarceration and punishment. The guide shares stories about the prison’s most notorious inmates and the justice practices of past centuries.

Public Place: This bustling area hides stories of executions, arrests, and other grim events. Here, the guide immerses visitors in the atmosphere of Old Quebec’s darker moments, often using humor and theatrical effects to keep the mood engaging rather than overly frightening.

These stops are selected to highlight not just the history but also the atmosphere and architecture of the city, making each location a storytelling stage.

Guides: Entertaining, Knowledgeable, and in Character

Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their animated performances and deep knowledge. Guides like Mary, Ariane, and Valarie are noted for their entertaining energy, costume accuracy, and ability to interact with guests. Their humor and expressive storytelling help bring Quebec City’s dark history to life, making the experience memorable and engaging.

The guides are skilled at balancing educational content with moments of humor and theatrical flair, ensuring the tour stays lively throughout its 90-minute duration.

Physical Demands and Accessibility Considerations

The tour involves considerable walking across hilly, cobblestone streets, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues or disabilities. The uneven terrain and inclines mean that visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some physical exertion.

While service animals are allowed, travelers should be aware that the tour is not designed to be fully accessible for those requiring mobility aids. It is best suited for individuals comfortable with moderate walking and outdoor exposure.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Old Quebec Tours

Unlike standard sightseeing tours, the Animated Crime Walking Tour offers a theatrical, character-driven experience that makes history feel alive. The inclusion of costumed guides and live performances creates a more immersive storytelling atmosphere.

The focus on dark history, crime, and ghostly tales provides a distinct mood that appeals to those interested in mysterious, macabre stories. The small group size of up to 30 travelers ensures a more personalized and lively interaction.

How the Tour Balances Entertainment and Education

Reviewers consistently mention how the guides blend entertainment with informative storytelling. While some note that there could be more stories about real people, the performance aspect keeps the experience engaging and fun.

The stories cover terrible crimes, arrests, and executions, offering insight into Quebec’s grim past without becoming overly frightening. The humor and theatricality soften the darker themes, making it suitable for a broad audience interested in history, crime, or ghost stories.

Practical Tips for a Great Experience

Participants should arrive at the Morrin Centre for the scheduled departure, dressed comfortably and prepared for walking and standing. Given the hilly terrain, wearing good walking shoes is highly recommended.

The tour is not suitable for very young children or individuals who prefer a more stationary experience, due to the length and walking demands. Booking in advance is advised, especially during busy seasons, as the tour is popular and limited to 30 guests.

Final Thoughts on the Animated Crime Walking Tour

The $20.39 price offers excellent value for an experience packed with lively storytelling, theatrical performances, and dark history. It provides a unique perspective on Quebec City, blending history, crime, and ghostly tales with engaging guides in costume.

While the walking can be physically demanding, the entertainment value and immersive storytelling make it a memorable activity, especially for those interested in mysteries and the city’s shadowy past. The tour is best suited for adults or older children with an interest in history, crime, or theatrics, and those who are comfortable with moderate outdoor activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is recommended for children aged 10 and up due to the darker themes and walking involved.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Where does the tour start?
It starts at the Morrin Centre, located at 44 Chau. des Écossais.

What stops are included?
Main stops include the Common Prison of Quebec and Public Place.

Are guides in costume?
Yes, guides dress in historical costumes and perform live storytelling.

Is the tour available in French?
Yes, the tour is offered in both English and French.

What is the price?
The tour costs $20.39 per person.

Can I cancel?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Due to hilly, cobblestone streets, it may be challenging for those with mobility difficulties.

Will I see haunted or spooky sights?
Yes, the tour emphasizes haunted and spooky stories set in historic Old Quebec.