Quebec : Death in New-France Animated Walking tour

Discover the Dark Side of Quebec’s History with the “Death in New-France” Animated Walking Tour

Traveling through Quebec often feels like stepping into a living museum, with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture. But for those curious about the city’s more macabre history, the “Death in New-France” animated walking tour offers an intriguing glimpse into how 17th-century settlers faced death and burial.

This 75-minute outdoor adventure is perfect for history buffs, ghost story lovers, or anyone interested in the less-glamorous aspects of early Quebec life. We find the tour’s balance of storytelling and historical context particularly compelling. The animated guide adds a lively touch to the gloom, making the past feel just a little more alive—well, almost.

One thing to consider is that this tour is outdoor only and does not include inside visits, so weather plays a role in your experience. Still, this tour offers excellent value at just $19 per person, especially given its engaging content and the knowledgeable guide. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking, slightly spooky way to explore Old Quebec’s history, this tour could be just the ticket.

Who might enjoy this? It’s ideal for those interested in history, local legends, or the story of Quebec’s early settlers. Families with older children, history enthusiasts, and Halloween-season visitors will find it especially worthwhile.

Key Points

• Authentic focus on funeral rites and burial practices in New France.
• Accessible outdoor experience with no inside visits.
• Affordable price of $19 offers good value for an educational, spooky walk.
• Guided tour in both English and French, ensuring clear storytelling.
• Highlights include historic cemeteries and landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica and Morrin Centre.
• Weather-dependent experience, so dress accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Gloomy, Educational Journey Through Old Quebec’s Cemeteries and Rituals

Getting a sense of Quebec’s past isn’t always about museums and historic buildings. Sometimes, it’s about wandering through the shadows of old cemeteries and hearing tales of funeral rites that reveal how early settlers coped with death. The “Death in New-France” animated walking tour manages to do just that — blending history, legends, and a bit of the creepy into a 75-minute outdoor stroll.

Starting Point: Place d’Armes and the Legacy of Early Burial Grounds

Your tour begins next to the Saint-François de Laval statue in Place d’Armes, a spot that once served as an early burial ground for Quebec’s first colonists. From the outset, the guide paints a vivid picture of 17th-century life and death, setting the tone for a journey into the city’s morbid but fascinating history. You’ll soon realize that in those days, death was a very visible part of everyday life—and those memories are still etched into the landscape.

Funeral Rites of New France: Processions, Blessings, and Beliefs

One of the tour’s strengths is its detailed explanation of funeral rites of the period. How did settlers handle death? What rituals accompanied burials? You’ll learn about processions, blessings, and the beliefs that influenced these rites. The guide’s animated storytelling makes these descriptions engaging, especially when recounting how the dead were seen as part of the community, not just separate from it.

Visiting Historic Cemeteries: Cemetery of the Poor & Smallpox Cemetery

As you walk through the Latin Quarter, your next stops are the Cemetery of the Poor and the Smallpox Cemetery (known locally as “pico-tés”). These sites underscore the harsh realities faced by the settlers, especially during epidemics and times of hardship. The Smallpox Cemetery in particular tells a tragic story of victims of the deadly epidemic that swept through Quebec, and the guide’s storytelling emphasizes the human toll behind these graves.

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Outdoor Visit to Hôtel-Dieu, Irish Quarter, and Celtic Cross

Next, you visit the Hôtel-Dieu of Quebec, one of the city’s oldest hospitals, which doubled as a place for end-of-life care during epidemics. Standing outside, you get a sense of how crucial this site was in caring for the sick and dying. Nearby, the Irish Quarter and its iconic Celtic Cross add cultural depth to the tour, highlighting the diverse communities that settled in Quebec and their funeral customs.

The Morrin Centre: From Jail to Colonial College

The final stop takes you to the Morrin Centre, a building with a storied past as a colonial jail and later a college. While the tour does not go inside, standing outside provides an atmospheric end to the narrative, tying together themes of justice, punishment, and mortality. The guide shares tales of prisoners and executions, adding a gritty layer to your understanding of Quebec’s early history.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

This tour offers an immersive experience—but it’s all outdoors. No entry into buildings means you’ll want to dress for the weather, and the tour runs in the evening, adding to the spooky ambiance. It’s a guided experience in both English and French, which helps ensure you catch all the details whether you’re visiting from outside Quebec or a local.

The price of $19 is quite reasonable considering the content and guide expertise. It’s a good value for those interested in the darker corners of Quebec’s past. Expect to walk for about 75 minutes, covering several historic sites in Old Quebec.

Practical tips for travelers

• Bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking on cobblestone streets.
• Dress weather-appropriate, especially in rain or cooler evenings.
• Remember, no pets allowed, though assistance dogs are permitted.
• Respect the outdoor environment and historical sites during your walk.

Customer perspectives

Multiple reviews praise the entertaining storytelling and the atmospheric outdoor settings. One reviewer mentions “the stories are spooky but educational,” and another appreciates the balance of history and legend. The guide’s ability to bring the past alive makes this tour a memorable experience, especially for those who enjoy a good ghost story with substance.

Why Choose This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys history with a dark twist, this tour offers an accessible way to explore Quebec’s past without the need for inside visits or large crowds. Its affordable price point makes it an attractive option for travelers on a budget, and the outdoor nature means you can enjoy the city’s ambiance while learning about its more haunting stories.

It’s also perfect for evening outings, especially if you want a different perspective after daytime sightseeing. The mix of historic cemeteries, funeral rites, and legends ensures a compelling experience for those willing to venture into Quebec’s shadowy past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s not explicitly designed for kids, older children interested in history and ghost stories will likely enjoy the storytelling. Keep in mind it’s a slightly spooky and dark-themed walk, so parental discretion is advised.

Does the tour include inside visits?
No, it is strictly outdoor. The focus is on cemeteries and landmarks visible from outside, making it a suitable option even for shorter or weather-dependent days.

What language is the tour available in?
The tour is offered in both French and English, ensuring clear communication regardless of your language preference.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 75 minutes, perfect for a relaxed evening stroll without feeling rushed.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get a guide who explains funeral rites, visits to historic cemeteries, and landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica and Morrin Centre, all delivered outdoors.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
The tour runs rain or shine. Make sure to bring rain gear or dress warmly if the forecast predicts rain.

How much does the tour cost?
It costs $19 per person, offering good value for an engaging, story-driven walk through Quebec’s history.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where do I meet the guide?
Next to the Saint-François de Laval statue in Place d’Armes, a central and easy-to-find location.

The Sum Up

The “Death in New-France” animated walking tour offers a unique, atmospheric way to explore Quebec City’s darker past. It’s a well-priced experience that combines education, storytelling, and a touch of the eerie, making history come alive in a very tangible way.

Whether you’re intrigued by funeral customs, enjoy ghost stories, or want a different perspective on Old Quebec, this outdoor tour delivers. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate historical tales told with a bit of flair, don’t mind walking outdoors, and are curious about the city’s less-glamorous moments.

If you’re looking for a spirited evening activity that’s both fun and educational, this tour should definitely be on your list. Just remember to dress appropriately, bring your curiosity—and perhaps a flashlight for added fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: