History of Levis and Tasting at the Ostara Market

If you’re planning to visit Quebec and want a taste of authentic local life combined with a touch of history, this tour offers a surprisingly well-rounded experience. It’s a 2-hour stroll through the old streets of Levis, paired with a delightful farmers market tasting—an excellent way to connect with the local culture beyond the usual tourist spots. This tour, priced at just $34.80 per person, stands out for its affordability and focus on genuine, small-scale experiences.

What we especially appreciate is how it combines historical insights with culinary delights—a combination that makes the often-overlooked city of Levis feel alive and accessible. The tour’s intimate size (limited to 15 travelers) ensures a personal touch and plenty of chances to ask questions. On the flip side, since the tour is scheduled on Sunday mornings, it might not suit those who prefer a more flexible weekend schedule. Generally, it’s best suited for curious travelers eager to explore local history and tastes without the crowds.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Combines history with food, giving a well-rounded glimpse into Levis.
• Affordable Value: At around $35, it offers a lot for your money, including tastings.
• Small Group: Max 15 travelers, ensuring a personal and engaging experience.
• Accessible and Convenient: Close to public transport, with considerations for mobility.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about Levis’ religious and architectural history, plus its significance in regional commerce.
• Tasting Focus: Features a different local farmer’s dish and drink each week, highlighting seasonal and regional products.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

This tour offers a carefully curated itinerary that balances historical sites with a local market experience, making it ideal for travelers who value storytelling alongside tasting.

Start at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church

The tour kicks off at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, an emblem of Levis’ religious heritage. When the church is open—often after Sunday morning Mass—the guide takes you inside for a quick look around. Expect to learn how faith has played a role over the last 400 years in shaping the community’s identity. The historical context here is straightforward but engaging, setting a reflective tone for the walk ahead.

The Musee de la Maison Alphonse-Desjardins

Next, the visit moves outside to the Maison Alphonse-Desjardins, the birthplace of the influential Desjardins movement, founded in 1900. While the house and the Desjardins Building are closed on Sundays, the guide offers a compelling overview of how this cooperative financial movement shaped local and regional economic development. This spot gives insight into the social economy of the area, emphasizing how local initiatives have long been a part of Levis’ fabric.

Avenue Bégin and Built Heritage

A walk along Avenue Bégin reveals some of the town’s most opulent historic homes, showcasing the wealth accumulated during the past centuries. The guide discusses recent renovations, helping visitors appreciate both preservation efforts and architectural styles. For architecture buffs or history enthusiasts, this stop offers a visual feast of stately houses that hint at the city’s prosperous past.

Côte du Passage

The Côte du Passage is a charming alleyway that once was the main route to the Lévis-Quebec ferry, a vital link for trade and travel. Here, you’ll learn about the area’s development a century ago and how this passage helped shape the city center. It’s a quick but meaningful stop, helping you understand Levis’ strategic location across the river.

The Farmers Market at Ostara

The grand finale of the tour takes place at the Marché fermier Ostara du Vieux Lévis. After a brief history of the Knight of Lévis and the scenic Terrasse du Lévis, you’re invited to explore the market’s vibrant stalls. Over roughly 40 minutes, you’ll taste a dish prepared by a different regional farmer each week, paired with a variety of drinks like sparkling water, fresh apple juice, or non-alcoholic cider depending on the week.

What makes the market experience special is the local focus, with many products coming from Chaudière-Appalaches and Bellechasse. The guide emphasizes the importance of supporting local farmers and producers, aligning with the tour’s mission to promote the social economy. The variety of tastings—ranging from food to beverages—provides a delicious, tangible connection to the region’s abundance.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This experience offers much more than just a walk through old streets. It’s a mini immersion into Levis’ community spirit, historical layers, and regional flavors. The small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in the crowd—guides can tailor their storytelling, and you can comfortably ask questions.

The combination of history and tasting elevates this from a typical city walk. As one reviewer noted, “Guy, our local guide, demonstrated extensive knowledge, authenticity, and professionalism.” The genuine passion for Levis’ past and present comes through, making the experience engaging and educational.

The price point is another plus. For less than $35, you get a guided walk, insider historical stories, and a regional tasting—an excellent deal for travelers wanting authentic local experiences without overspending. The inclusion of a different dish and drink each week keeps the tour fresh for repeat visitors.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour begins at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, conveniently located near public transportation and less than a kilometer from the starting point. The walking is moderate, with some uneven surfaces inside the church and stone paths on the terrace, so travelers with mobility issues should plan accordingly. However, the Terrasse du Chevalier-de-Lévis offers access for those with reduced mobility, albeit with a longer route on softer surfaces.

The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours, making it manageable even for those on a tight schedule. The group size is capped at 15, ensuring an intimate atmosphere and more personalized attention from the guide.

The tastings are a highlight—each week, a different farmer prepares a dish, paired with a local non-alcoholic drink. This rotating menu introduces visitors to regional ingredients and cooking styles, making each visit potentially unique.

Participants should note that gratuities are optional but appreciated, depending on your satisfaction with the guide and overall experience.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

One of the tour’s key strengths is its genuine focus on local economy and community. As a non-profit, the organizers emphasize supporting farmers outside the main tourist circuit, which means you’ll taste and learn about products that are often hard to find elsewhere. This isn’t just a sightseeing tour; it’s an opportunity to understand how Levis continues to thrive through small-scale, community-driven initiatives.

The review from a Tripadvisor traveler praises the guide’s knowledge and authenticity—something that is hard to come by in larger, more commercialized tours. The focus on real regional products, combined with stories about local history, creates a memorable experience that feels both educational and tasty.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who appreciates local history, regional cuisine, and intimate-sized tours, this experience is perfect. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy walking, have a curious mind, and want to support small producers. Those with mobility challenges should note the uneven terrain but will find accessibility options at the terrace.

This tour suits families, couples, or solo travelers eager to discover Levis beyond its tourist façade. It’s also a good choice for foodies interested in regional specialties and farmers markets. While it may not be ideal for those looking for a high-energy activity or a long tour, it offers just enough depth and flavor to satisfy a wide range of visitors.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is designed for most travelers, children who enjoy walking, history, and tasting local food will likely enjoy it. Keep in mind the pace and terrain, especially on uneven surfaces.

How long does the tasting at the market last?
The market visit lasts about 40 minutes, and you will sample a dish prepared by a different farmer each week, along with a drink. It’s enough to get a sense of regional flavors without feeling rushed.

Are there any accommodations for mobility issues?
Yes, the Terrasse du Chevalier-de-Lévis offers access for people with reduced mobility, though it involves a longer walk on softer surfaces. Inside the church, there may be uneven surfaces to consider.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided walk, historical explanations, and the weekly tasting dish with its drink. Gratuities are optional.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund.

Is the tour available on other days?
The current schedule runs on Sunday mornings from July 6 to September 21, with discounts offered for the first two Sundays if booked in advance. Similar events are organized on summer Saturdays at another local market.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-balanced blend of historical insight and regional flavor, making it a great choice for travelers seeking authentic experiences without the crowds. Its affordability, combined with the personal touch of a knowledgeable guide, ensures you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Levis’ local culture.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone looking to support small-scale producers, this walk gives you a taste of the community’s soul. The inclusion of fresh, regional dishes paired with drinks highlights the importance of local agriculture and craftsmanship—crucial elements of Quebec’s regional identity.

Ideal for those who love gentle walks, storytelling, and tasting new flavors, this tour is a charming way to spend a morning. Plus, it offers a chance to explore a lesser-known part of Quebec, making your trip more meaningful and memorable.

To sum it up, if you’re after a small-group, locally focused experience that combines history with culinary delights, this tour is well worth the price. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to go beyond the typical tourist route and discover Levis through the eyes of its community. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring your appetite—this journey is about history, community, and good regional food.