Old Quebec City Food and Drink Walking Tour

Exploring Old Quebec City on the Old Quebec City Food and Drink Walking Tour offers a delightful way to experience the city’s culinary scene within its historic walls. Priced at $118.66 per person, this approximately 3-hour tour is highly praised, holding a perfect 5.0/5 rating from over 1,000 reviews. It’s designed for those who enjoy good food, local culture, and engaging guides, with a focus on authentic Québécois cuisine and a friendly, capped group setting.

This tour is ideal for visitors who want a well-rounded taste of Old Quebec, combining tastings that serve as a hearty lunch, insightful stories, and optional wine and gin pairings. The tour departs from 24 Rue Sainte-Anne, close to key attractions, making it a convenient choice for travelers seeking both history and flavor in just three hours. While the pace is moderate and the group size limited to 16, some guests note that the food stops can feel busy or that service at certain restaurants might seem rushed. Nevertheless, the experience delivers excellent value for money and a chance to sample some of the best local spots.

Key Points

• Price is $118.66 per person, including multiple tastings and optional drinks.
• Tour duration is about 3 hours, with a focus on Old Quebec within UNESCO World Heritage walls.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and engaging storytelling, especially guides like Maude and Pamela.
• Includes a variety of stops, from a 3-course Québécois tasting to poutine, cream fudge, and mushroom dishes.
• Optional alcohol pairings—local wine for adults and Québécois gin—are available at specific stops.
• Small group size keeps the experience personal and intimate, capped at 16 participants.

Discovering Old Quebec’s Historic Neighborhood

The tour takes place within the walls of Old Quebec, offering an intimate look at this UNESCO-listed neighborhood. The guide leads visitors through cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and charming alleyways, providing context about the city’s rich past while pausing at key eateries. This setup allows for a seamless blend of culture, history, and cuisine in one compact experience.

Starting at 24 Rue Sainte-Anne, the group gathers close to top attractions, ensuring easy access for those already exploring the city. The tour ends at 1200 Rue Saint-Jean, making it convenient to continue sightseeing afterward. The moderate walking pace and comfortable routes mean this experience suits most visitors, including those with limited mobility.

Sampling Québécois Cuisine at La Bûche and BEClub Bistro

The culinary stops are carefully curated to showcase regional flavors. At La Bûche, the tour features a 3-course tasting that includes Québécois pea soup, pâté chinois (a local shepherd’s pie), and maple taffy, giving a hearty introduction to local ingredients. Guests receive generous portions, making this stop feel like a full meal.

At BEClub Bistro, the focus shifts to brisket, mashed potatoes, and gravy, with adult tickets including a 2oz glass of local wine. This pairing emphasizes the local wine-making scene and complements the savory dishes. If the restaurant is closed on Sundays or Mondays, the group visits Hortus instead, maintaining the tour’s culinary flow.

Poutine and Unique Tastings at Maison Livernois and La Buchette

No Quebec food tour would be complete without poutine, and Maison Livernois delivers just that, with classic poutine paired with Québécois gin for adults. Guests enjoy a cheesy, gravy-covered dish that’s a local favorite and the perfect comfort food after a day of sightseeing.

At La Buchette, the tour offers a two-course appetizer featuring Lions Mane mushrooms and duck carpaccio. These dishes highlight Quebec’s innovative approach to regional ingredients, adding a gourmet touch to the experience.

Sweet Treats and Local Fudge at Comptoir Boréal

Stopping at Comptoir Boréal, the group samples traditional Quebec cream fudge and a half croissant, emphasizing simple but delicious local sweets. This stop balances savory and sweet flavors, giving guests a well-rounded taste of regional desserts.

Optional Alcohol Pairings Enhance the Experience

Guests booking adult tickets have the opportunity to enjoy local wine at BEClub and Québécois gin at Maison Livernois. These pairings add an extra layer of sophistication and local flavor to the tasting experience, appreciated by many reviews praising the quality and uniqueness of the drinks.

The Guide’s Role: Knowledgeable, Engaging, and Personable

The tour guides receive high praise for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling ability. Guides like Maude and Pamela are recognized for sharing fun facts, historical insights, and personal anecdotes that deepen the experience. They manage the group well, ensuring everyone stays together and gets a chance to ask questions.

Guests mention that guides often add local tips and cultural context that enrich the tasting stops and overall understanding of Quebec City.

Practicalities: Meet-up, Group Size, and Physical Needs

The tour starts at a convenient location near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors. The moderate walking pace means most people can comfortably participate, although guests with mobility concerns should note the walking is spread out but not strenuous. The group is capped at 16 participants, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of attention from the guide.

Special dietary restrictions should be communicated at booking, and the hosts are accommodating where possible.

Value and Overall Feedback

With over 1,000 reviews and a 4.8/5 overall rating, this tour consistently earns praise for its variety of tastings, knowledgeable guides, and excellent value. Many reviews highlight that it’s a great introduction to Quebec City’s food scene and recommend it as a perfect start to a trip.

Some guests note that certain restaurants seem busy or that service might feel quick during peak times, but these are minor inconveniences compared to the overall positive experiences.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This Old Quebec City Food and Drink Walking Tour suits food lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a relaxed, social experience that combines local cuisine, storytelling, and sightseeing. It’s suitable for most fitness levels, with a moderate pace and small group size that foster interaction and comfort.

While the tour is rich in food and beverages, it does not involve strenuous activity, making it accessible to a broad audience. Guests seeking a fun, informative exploration of Quebec’s culinary traditions will find this tour both enjoyable and educational.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, focusing on food tastings and city sights within Old Quebec.

What is included in the tasting menu?
Guests sample a Québécois pea soup, pâté chinois, maple taffy, brisket with wine, poutine with gin, mushroom and duck appetizers, and local fudge.

Can I book with alcohol?
Yes, adult tickets include wine and gin pairings at specific stops, enhancing the tasting experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 24 Rue Sainte-Anne and ends at 1200 Rue Saint-Jean, both central locations near main attractions.

Is the tour suitable for all mobility levels?
The moderate walking and spread-out stops make it suitable for most, but guests with mobility issues should consider their comfort with walking distances.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
It’s recommended to advise the tour provider during booking regarding dietary needs; accommodations can be made where possible.

Is this tour good for children?
While not specifically designed for children, the short duration, small group, and variety of tastings can be enjoyable for older children with a curiosity for food and history.

What’s the guide’s typical style?
Guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and engaging storytelling, making the experience lively and informative.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. No refunds are provided for cancellations within 24 hours.

Is this tour worth the price?
Given the diverse tastings, expert guides, and small-group setting, most guests find the $118.66 fee excellent value for a memorable introduction to Quebec City’s cuisine.

This Old Quebec City Food and Drink Walking Tour offers a hearty, tasty, and culturally rich experience in the heart of one of Canada’s most historic neighborhoods. It combines delicious regional dishes, local drinks, and engaging storytelling—a perfect way to start exploring Quebec’s culinary heritage.