Quebec City Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: Discover Old Europe

Discover a slice of Old Europe in North America with this self-guided driving audio tour of Quebec City. Explore the cobbled streets of Old Quebec and learn about its rich history.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Rue des Sapeurs - Your tour of Quebec City begins along the waterfront of the Saint Lawrence River. From here, you’ll drive through all the most storied districts of the city and learn about the rich history behind their stunning architecture.

Note: This 17+mile-long tour covers the essentials of Quebec City in 3-4 hours.

  • Quartier Petit Champlain - This quarter is lined with historic buildings dating all the way back to the 17th century. That makes it the oldest shopping district in all of North America!
  • Place Royale - Place Royale owes its existence to King Louis XIV of France. As you drive by this landmark, you’ll hear all about this king and his unusual contributions to the city of Quebec.
  • Rue du Trésor - Old Quebec, perched on the heights of the city, looks like it belongs in the historic cities of Europe rather than anywhere in the New World. Cobbled streets, stone facades, and old fortifications define this one-of-a-kind district.
  • City Hall of Quebec City - This impressive city hall combines the architectural styles of second empire and chateau, both of which were popular during the late 1800s.
  • Morrin Centre - Now the home of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, this historic building was once the first prison in Quebec. Right nearby is also a carriage house where you can take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage!
  • Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site - As you drive, you’ll cruise along the city’s impressive stone fortifications. Dating back to the 1820s, these walls were the main reason UNESCO designated Quebec as a World Heritage Site.
  • Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral - While this building only dates back to 1923, the church that gathers here has roots all the way back in 1647. Fascinatingly, the current cathedral features a door blessed by Pope Francis himself in 2014.
  • Cathedral of the Holy Trinity - Holy Trinity is the first Anglican church built outside the British Isles. It’s also one of the only churches in Quebec that has never burnt down.
  • Richard Mille Clock - The Richard Mille Clock is so huge and complex it took six years to complete. The county of Jura in Switzerland gifted it to the city on the 400th anniversary of Quebec’s founding.
  • Parliament Hill - On Parliament Hill, you’ll find the seat of Quebec’s government as well as plenty more historic architecture. As you drive, you’ll also hear more about Canada’s provincial governmental structure.
  • Parliament Building - Built in 1886, this building was designed to commemorate all those responsible for the creation of Quebec. Statues on the facade depict First Nations people, explorers, soldiers, and more. The towers also represent pivotal figures in the city’s history.
  • Plains of Abraham - This sprawling park makes for a picturesque change of pace from the city scenery. In addition to the lovely landscape, this park has also featured high-profile concerts over the years, including headliners like Metallica, The Rolling Stones, and Paul McCartney.
  • La Citadelle de Québec - From the Plaines d’Abraham, you’ll be able to see The Citadelle, a striking fortress dating back to the 1820s, when Quebec officials feared an attack by the United States. It’s a fascinating bit of history and an impressive structure to boot!
  • Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec - Home to over 38,000 works of art, the Musée de Beaux Arts is a must-see spot for any art lovers. The art spans from the 17th century to the modern day, depicting a comprehensive look at Quebec’s artistic history.
  • Terrasse Grey - Terrasse Grey, which you’ll pass along your drive, may not look like much more than a pleasant field, but it’s actually the site of a pitched battle between the English and the French in the 18th century.
  • Grande Allée - This is one of the most popular streets in Quebec. It’s lined with all kinds of shops, restaurants, cafes, and the like. Your tour concludes along this main street, allowing you plenty of opportunity to explore its many delights.
What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Discover a slice of Old Europe in North America with this tour of Quebec City, the City of Saints! Drive along the sparkling Saint Lawrence River, explore the cobbled streets and stone walls of Old Quebec, and visit must-see spots like the Musée Des Beaux Arts. Along the way, you’ll learn about the long history of this iconic city, from the earliest explorer to the struggles and uncertainty of the 18th & 19th centuries. Quebec truly is like nowhere else on the continent!

Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
  • Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
Location
130 Rue des Sapeurs Parking
Rue des Sapeurs
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.0
(4 Ratings)
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1 star
106jeaninef
Jun 25, 2023
Hotel Clarendon Wuebec City - Hotel CLARENDON was perfect! Great location. Beautiful room. Good service. Right in the middle of Old Quebec City.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
144marciag
Jan 4, 2024
A great tool to get your bearings while getting a break from the cold! - I wish we used this tour upon first arriving in Quebec to get a general sense for the city and determine the part we really wanted to explore. The tour was excellent for getting your bearings in the comfort and especially the warmth of the car before venturing outside to explore. It was a little tricky to follow the map/directions because the app simultaneously shows images, etc. but we ultimately got the hang of it. It also doesn't account for detours in the city of which there were many on New Year's Eve but that honestly wasn't the app's fault. Overall --- it was a great tool and my family was so thrilled to discover it after a few very chilly days in Quebec! Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul_b
Jun 19, 2023
Quebec city tour - So many streets that were blocked off or closed for events or construction made it impossible to follow tour directions. Once you are off course, the tour stops. It does not help you get back on course. Unlike a live tour director that would fill in the blank spots, this tour just gives you snippets of info as you drive by it. Silence until you come to the next point of interest
Review provided by Viator
Michaelfl6923dr
Jul 25, 2023
Too Many Quebec Detours Ruined the Trip Totally. - We made three attempts and followed the route guidance, and each of the three times, failed to stay on route, due to the MANY detours in Quebec, and the inability to recover even when we attempted to. We deserve a refund. This was a disaster, three times. We have done these self-driving tours before, elsewhere, and they were perfect.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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