Quebec City Old Port (Vieux-Port) Tours and Activities
During the 17th century, Quebec City’s charming Old Port (Vieux-Port) was bustling with European vessels and crews offloading supplies to New France. Now thronged with passengers from incoming cruise ships, the area is filled with historic buildings occupied by art galleries, boutiques, and inviting French-influenced restaurants.
The Basics
The Old Port area of Quebec City is among the city’s most atmospheric districts. Visitors arriving in the city by cruise will pass through here on their way from Lower Town to Upper Town, while those who arrive by other means may be drawn here to visit the Museum of Civilization (Musée de la Civilisation), the Old Port Market (Marché du Vieux-Port), or Place Royale and Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, one of the oldest churches in Quebec. Many walking, cycling, and scooter tours of the city cover Old Port, as do hop-on hop-off bus tours, which also venture to UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Quebec.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You can find plenty of outdoor seating along the Old Port waterfront.
- Parts of the Old Port area, including the Museum of Civilization, are accessible to wheelchair users.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes; some of the streets in this area are cobbled and uneven.
How to Get There
If you arrive in Quebec City by cruise ship, you’ll most likely disembark at Quebec City Old Port, which sits alongside the St. Lawrence River. Visitors coming by train will arrive at the Gare du Palais station, at the eastern border of the Old Port district. The number 11 bus connects Old Quebec to Old Port.
When to Get There
The Old Port area is busiest between May and October, when cruise ships dock here. Docking days vary according to schedules, but Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are typically busiest. For a quieter experience, go in winter when fewer tourists roam the atmospheric, snow-covered streets. Note that some stores and restaurants may be closed during the winter season.
The Old Port Quebec Market
Quebec City’s cuisine has a distinctive French influence, and—thanks to the fertile regions surrounding the city—an abundance of fresh, local produce. Take stock of Quebec’s food scene at the Old Port Market, where vendors sell farm-fresh produce trucked in from farms just outside the city. You can sample local cheese, charcuterie, maple syrup, and ice wine, and pick up locally grown produce at this year-round market.
Address: 100 rue St Andre, Quebec City, Quebec G1K 3Y2, Canada
Admission: Free
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Quebec City Old Port (Vieux-Port)
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Quebec City Walking Tour
1169
Explore historic Old Québec City on this walking tour. Visit many of Québec City’s top attractions in the Upper and Lower Town districts—like the Fortifications of Québec, Citadelle of Québec, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church and many more. Discover Québec City's history from 1608 to the present day and get to know this UNESCO World Heritage site, with educational and entertaining commentary from a professional tour conductor.
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From
$24.99
From
$24.99
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
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Quebec City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
423
Explore the best of Quebec City on this narrated, hop-on hop-off, double-decker bus tour. Visit many of Quebec City’s top attractions—like Old Québec, Fortifications of Québec, Quartier Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Place Royale, Vieux-Port de Québec, to name just a few. Select the 1-day pass, then board at any of the stops and get to know this UNESCO World Heritage Site in customized fashion, with audio commentary in 10 different languages.
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From
$45.16
From
$45.16
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
HIstorical Lower Town & Neighborhood Private Bike Tour
44
Get to know the best of Old Québec City on this guided bike tour. Enjoy a relaxing ride around Old Québec's bike-friendly Lower Town district, learning about its history from 1608 to the present day. Get to know this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with educational and entertaining commentary from the knowledgeable guide. Visit the popular Place-Royale, the Cartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site, the cobblestone streets of Petit Champlain and more while admiring the city’s natural beauty along the Saint-Charles River. Bike, helmet, water bottle, and snacks are included.
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From
$144.36
From
$144.36
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Quebec City Bike Tour Along Saint Lawrence River
9
Get to know the best of Old Québec City on this guided bike tour. Enjoy a relaxing 13-mile (20-kilometer) ride along the majestic St. Lawrence River and Old Québec's bike-friendly Lower Town district, learning about its history from 1608 to the present day. Get to know this UNESCO World Heritage Site with educational and entertaining commentary from the knowledgeable guide. See the famous castle/hotel Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the Citadelle of Quebec, and more while admiring the city’s natural beauty along the Saint Lawrence River. Bike and helmet are included.
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From
$52.42
From
$52.42
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Private Walking Tour for American Visitors - 1776 Canada's Road to Independence
Best must-do experience for Americans visiting Quebec City;
In-depth and fun historical overview you can relate to;
Exclusive access to a private lounge for breaks / snacks;
Convenient meeting point: your hotel in Old Quebec.
Many Americans do not know to what a great extent American and Canadian history are intertwined, and thus our tour focuses on the ties that link these two countries. Do you know the link between French-speaking Canada and YOUR part of the continent? There is no better place to study these connections than in beautiful Quebec City.
Our tour examines how early French settlers, the French & Indian War, the Boston Tea Party, the American Revolution, the Louisiana Purchase, the War of 1812 and the American Civil War shaped Quebec and Canada. During this 3-hour walking tour, we will explore sites in both the Upper Town and Lower Town, sites that highlight the significant role played by Quebec City in the history of North America and in the creation of modern Canada.
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From
$181.46
per group
From
$181.46
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
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