Quebec City: Double Decker Express Tour

Exploring Quebec City on a Double Decker: An Informative Review

If you’re considering a quick, scenic introduction to Quebec City, the Double Decker Express Tour promises an engaging ride through the city’s highlights. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, we’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers’ experiences and the tour’s detailed itinerary to help you decide if it fits your travel plans.

What we particularly like is how this tour provides a great overview of Quebec’s most famous sights — from the iconic Château Frontenac to the Plains of Abraham — all within about an hour. Plus, the possibility of sitting on the open top deck means you’ll get that unbeatable view of the city’s architecture and lively streets.

However, it’s worth noting that some visitors found the audio commentary canned rather than live, which might make the experience feel a tad less lively. Still, if you’re a first-time visitor eager to orient yourself and see the main sights without walking miles, this tour offers solid value.

This particular tour is best suited for travelers who want a quick, informative, and comfortable overview of Quebec City’s core attractions. It’s especially handy if your schedule is tight or you want to decide which sights to explore more deeply later. Families, first-timers, and anyone who enjoys a relaxed, narrated ride will likely find it worthwhile.

Key Points

• Ideal for First-Time Visitors: Gives a broad overview of Quebec City’s most celebrated sights.
• Scenic Views & Photo Opportunities: Sitting on the top deck offers vantage points you can’t get from the ground.
• Informative Commentary: Learn about the city’s history and culture through audio, though some find it canned.
• Convenient & Easy: The one-hour duration makes it a manageable way to get your bearings.
• Good Value for the Price: At around $28, it’s an affordable introduction to the city’s highlights.
• Accessible & Family-Friendly: The tour starts near public transportation and is suitable for most travelers.

An Overview of the Experience

The Quebec City Double Decker Express Tour is designed to give you a quick, comfortable overview of Quebec’s most photogenic and historically significant areas. Its main selling points are the open-top or standard double-decker bus, a one-hour journey, and onboard commentary that offers background info on each site.

The tour is priced at approximately $27.86 per person, making it a budget-friendly option that packs a lot of highlights into a short ride. With over 180 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it’s clear many travelers find it a worthwhile way to orient themselves in this charming city.

The tour departs from a convenient starting point just by the Château Frontenac, perhaps the most recognizable landmark in Quebec. From here, the bus takes you through both Old Quebec (the upper town) and the Lower Town, providing a well-rounded glance at the city’s historic and cultural fabric.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of its strongest suits is the top deck seating that provides panoramic views, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the sights. The narration, although sometimes described as canned, covers notable landmarks and historical tidbits, making it an educational experience as well. The driver also earns praise for being friendly and accommodating, which enhances the overall vibe.

Travelers love that the entire route is a comfortable, no-walking way to see the city, especially helpful on hot days or if mobility is a concern. Considering the tour lasts just about an hour, it’s a time-efficient way to decide where to explore more later.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See & Why It Matters

Plains of Abraham

This historic battlefield is a highlight, offering a stunning green space that played a pivotal role in Quebec’s history. As you drive by, you may appreciate the significance of this park and its sprawling lawns, which have hosted countless events and battles.

Grande-Allée Street

Known for its lively atmosphere and historic significance, this broad boulevard is lined with cafes, shops, and notable hotels. The tour’s pass-by gives you a sense of the city’s vibrant cultural life.

Place d’Youville & Château Frontenac

The tour stops briefly for photos of Château Frontenac, the grand hotel that dominates Quebec’s skyline. Many reviews mention how the bus’s vantage point allows for some of the best views you’ll get of this iconic building.

Parliament Building & Tourny Fountain

Driving past the Parliament, you get a glimpse of Quebec’s political heart. The Tourny Fountain, a beautiful baroque-style feature, adds to the city’s European charm.

Lower & Upper Towns

The tour splits its time between these two historic areas. The Upper Town (Old Quebec) is where most visitors spend their time exploring narrow streets, medieval-style buildings, and charming boutiques. The Lower Town offers a more modern vibe but remains rich with history, especially around the Old Port and Bassin Louise, where the views of the city’s waterfront are worth noting.

La Citadelle & Other Notable Sights

Driving by La Citadelle, the city’s fortress, you get a sense of Quebec’s strategic importance historically. The route also passes by Manège Militaire, recently rebuilt after a fire, symbolizing resilience.

The Practical Side

The starting point at 12 Rue Sainte-Anne is well located, easily accessible via public transportation. The tour begins and ends at the same spot, so planning your day around it is straightforward.

How Practical Is the Tour?

Given the duration of about one hour, it’s an excellent way to introduce yourself to the lay of the land. Many reviews mention arriving 20-30 minutes early to ensure a good seat, especially since the top deck fills up quickly. The audio system provides multilingual commentary, which is a plus, though some travelers note that it’s canned rather than a live guide. Interestingly, some found this less engaging, while others appreciated the clear, consistent narration.

The group size caps at 51 travelers, meaning you aren’t lost in a crowd. The bus is accessible for most, and service animals are allowed, making it suitable for travelers with different needs.

Value and Price Analysis

At roughly $28 per person, this tour offers a low-cost way to get an overview of Quebec City. While it doesn’t replace a full walking tour or a visit to individual sites, it provides valuable context and helps you pinpoint where you might want to return later.

Some reviews highlight the good value especially considering the views and information packed into just an hour. If you’re on a tight schedule or a budget, this tour is a smart first step to understanding the city’s layout and highlights.

What Do Travelers Say?

The majority of reviews are positive, praising the knowledgeable guides and the stunning vistas. A few mention technical issues like audio quality, and some suggest that the canned narration can be less lively than a live guide, but generally, travelers find it informative and enjoyable.

The driver’s friendliness is a common compliment, adding to the relaxed, pleasant atmosphere on board. Many appreciate the opportunity to see the city without extensive walking, especially in warm weather or for visitors with limited time.

This experience is ideal for first-timers who want a quick orientation and are okay with a narrated, bus-mounted overview. Families and seniors may find it especially convenient. It’s also perfect for anyone wanting to see the city’s key sights but not eager to venture out on foot or navigate busy streets themselves.

If you’re interested in more interactive or personalized experiences, you might prefer a guided walking tour or a small-group excursion. But for a relaxed, overview-focused adventure, this double-decker tour hits the mark.

The Quebec City Double Decker Express Tour offers an easy, affordable way to gain a broad perspective of Quebec’s most notable sights. Its top deck views and easy access make it a fun introduction, especially for first-time visitors. While the canned commentary might not be as lively as a personal guide, it still offers valuable insights that can help shape your exploration plans.

Priced reasonably, with a duration that respects your time, it’s a solid choice for those wanting a bird’s-eye view of Quebec City’s charm and history. Whether you’re short on time or simply want a comfortable way to get your bearings, this tour provides a helpful, enjoyable snapshot of one of Canada’s most picturesque cities.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and suitable for most travelers, especially since it’s a short, comfortable ride that doesn’t require walking.

Do I need to book in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spot and plan your day efficiently.

Can I hop on and off during the tour?
No, this is a fixed-route tour lasting about an hour, with no hop-on, hop-off feature.

What languages are the commentary available in?
The audio provides commentary in multiple languages, which helps make the sights understandable for a diverse group.

Is the top deck open in bad weather?
The tour features an open-top option, so if rain or inclement weather is forecasted, consider whether you’re comfortable with an outdoor seat.

Are there restrooms on the bus?
Typically, no. Plan to use facilities before boarding.

What sights are included in the route?
Major highlights include Old Quebec, Château Frontenac, Plains of Abraham, Parliament Building, La Citadelle, Bassin Louise, and Grande-Allée.

How long is the tour?
Approximately one hour, perfect if you’re short on time or want a quick overview.

Is this a guided tour with a person talking?
No, the commentary is pre-recorded, which some find less engaging but still informative.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get your bearings and see Quebec City’s key sights from a comfortable, scenic bus ride, this Double Decker Express Tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for first-timers, families, or those with limited time who want to avoid the fatigue of extensive walking but still enjoy a beautiful view of this historic city.