Death in New-France Animated Guided Tour in Québec

Exploring the Hidden Side of Old Quebec: The Death in New-France Animated Guided Tour

If you’re looking to add a little morbid intrigue to your visit to Quebec City, the Death in New-France animated guided tour offers a fascinating peek into the 17th-century attitudes toward death and burial practices. This tour isn’t just about grim stories; it’s about understanding how early settlers navigated loss and what those rites reveal about their world. For those with a curiosity about history, culture, and the macabre, this 75-minute journey promises plenty of entertaining facts and old-world secrets.

What we love about this tour is its immersive storytelling—your animated guide brings history to life with lively tales of funeral rites and burial customs. Plus, the inclusion of admission to historic sites like the Monument De Francois De Laval adds tangible value to the experience. On the downside, the tour’s morbid theme might not appeal to everyone, especially families with very young children. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy history with a darker twist and are comfortable with some spooky stories.

This tour works well for those seeking a short but memorable cultural experience. If you’re interested in Quebec’s past, enjoy learning through stories, or love a bit of theatrical storytelling, you’ll find this tour an engaging addition to your trip. However, it’s worth noting that it’s not recommended for children under 13, so consider this when planning with family.

Key Points

• Unique Perspective: Offers a look into 17th-century death rites and burial practices, providing a different lens on Quebec’s history.
• Affordable: Priced at just under $20, it offers good value especially considering the included admission tickets.
• Time-efficient: Lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, fitting easily into a busy sightseeing schedule.
• Engaging Storytelling: Led by a lively, animated guide who shares gloomy tales with humor and flair.
• Historical Sites: Starts outside the Infotourist Center and ends near the Morrin Center, with notable stops like the Monument De Francois De Laval.
• Accessibility: Near public transportation and suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness.

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting Point and Duration

The tour kicks off in front of the Infotourist Center on 12 rue Sainte-Anne, a central spot in the Upper Town of Old Quebec. From there, you’re set for a roughly 75-minute stroll through historic streets, with a focus on the darker aspects of the past. The tour concludes outside the Morrin Center, making it easy to explore other nearby attractions afterward.

The Itinerary

The first stop, the Monument De Francois De Laval, sets the tone. As Quebec’s first Bishop, De Laval’s monument marks a crucial figure in early New France. This opening provides both historical context and a scenic backdrop for stories of death and faith.

Throughout the walk, your animated guide will transport you to a time when funeral rites, burial sites, and death customs were part of everyday life. You’ll hear about how bodies of criminals, the poor, and the elite were disposed of—a topic that naturally sparks curiosity and provides insight into social hierarchies.

Highlights and Stories

Expect tales about well-buried mortuary secrets, including how settlers viewed death as a passage rather than an end. The guide’s storytelling combines historical facts with entertainment, making it a compelling way to learn about Quebec’s past. The inclusion of ancient cemeteries adds an authentic feel, and the stories of approximate burials reveal the practicalities faced by early settlers.

Admission and Cost-Effectiveness

Your ticket includes admission to the monument, which means you’re gaining access to significant sites without extra charges. At $19.80 per person, it’s a reasonable price for a well-curated, short cultural experience—especially considering the engaging narrative and site access.

Group Size and Atmosphere

While the exact group size isn’t specified, tours of this type tend to be intimate enough to ask questions and engage with the guide. The atmosphere is likely to be a blend of educational and theatrical, with a touch of the eerie that makes the stories more memorable.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets.
• The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness; it involves some walking but no strenuous activity.
• Since it’s not recommended for children under 13, consider whether younger travelers would be comfortable with the theme.
• Gratuities are not included—consider tipping if you enjoyed the guide’s storytelling.

Authentic Experiences and What Travelers Are Saying

Although the tour currently has no reviews, the description points to a well-researched experience with a theatrical flair. Past visitors to similar themed tours often appreciate the storyteller’s ability to make history lively and the inclusion of real historic sites. Many note that such tours deepen understanding of local culture and history in a fun, memorable way.

A common highlight in reviews of similar experiences is how the stories stick with you long after the tour ends, especially when told by an animated guide. The combination of visual sites and storytelling makes learning about history more engaging—and more personal.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

The Starting Point: Monument De Francois De Laval

This statue honors Quebec’s first bishop, a central figure in the early church and colonial administration. Starting here provides a scenic vantage point and a historical anchor. It’s also an important site that introduces the theme of mortality intertwined with faith—a recurring motif in the tour stories.

Exploring Old Quebec’s Cemeteries and Burial Sites

Though the precise cemeteries visited aren’t listed, the guide will likely discuss funeral rites and approximate burials. Expect to learn how bodies of criminals, the poor, and the elites were treated differently—an eye-opener about social stratification.

Funeral Rites and Cultural Practices

The tour examines how death was viewed in 17th-century Quebec. You might hear about rites of passage, the role of religion, and how those customs reflected the settlers’ worldview. It’s a chance to see how death was both a spiritual and social event, shaping community life.

Morbidity and Mortuary Secrets

The “well-buried secrets” could include quirky or grim details about taphonomic practices—how bodies were cared for, the challenges of keeping cemeteries clean, and the practicalities of early burial methods.

Ending at the Morrin Center

Your walk concludes near this historic site, allowing you to further explore or continue your discovery of Quebec’s past in the area.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs, culture lovers, or anyone curious about how early settlers dealt with death. It’s particularly engaging for those who enjoy stories told with humor and theatrical flair. Given the tour’s focus, it’s best suited for adults and teens with an interest in history or the macabre.

If you’re seeking a lighthearted walking tour or want to avoid darker themes, this may not be your best choice. But if you’re eager to uncover the lesser-known stories that shaped Quebec City, this tour offers an authentic glimpse into the past.

The Sum Up

The Death in New-France animated guided tour offers a compelling, budget-friendly way to explore Quebec City’s darker heritage. With its mix of historical sites, lively storytelling, and focus on funeral customs, it provides a different perspective on the city’s history—one that’s both educational and entertaining. It’s particularly suitable for travelers interested in history, culture, and the unique ways societies have coped with mortality through the centuries.

While it isn’t a long tour, the depth of stories and the authentic sites visited make it well worth the ticket price. Just remember, it’s not for the faint-hearted or very young children, but for curious minds eager to learn about Quebec’s past in a lively, slightly spooky setting.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children younger than 13 due to the morbid themes and stories.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside the Infotourist Center at 12 rue Sainte-Anne and ends outside the Morrin Center.

Does the ticket include entry to other sites?
Yes, your ticket includes admission to the Monument De Francois De Laval.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The data doesn’t specify, but as it involves walking outside on cobblestone streets, moderate physical fitness is recommended.

What’s the price?
It costs about $19.80 per person, offering good value considering the site access and storytelling.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance; less than 24 hours, and you won’t get a refund.

Is there a guide I can ask questions to during the tour?
Yes, the tour is led by a lively, animated guide who shares stories and can answer questions.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking and weather-appropriate clothing are advisable since it’s an outdoor tour.

This tour offers an intriguing mix of history, culture, and storytelling for those curious about Quebec’s past—and a fun, slightly spooky way to spend an afternoon in Old Quebec.