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Canada's scenic landscape of Quebec
Echoes of France, Close to Home

Quebec & Charlevoix Cultural Walking Tour

6 DaysStarting at $4,599
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Overview

We have a friend who says that when she's in the mood for France she just heads for Québec. Interesting advice—but it doesn’t do justice to the unique New World culture and landscape of this historic province. True, the first Frenchmen sailed up in 1535, and their influence is obvious everywhere in the food, language and architecture. As the only fortified city in North America, Québec City might seem equally at home on the Dordogne River as the St. Lawrence. The farmland may even remind you of Normandy. The most startling discovery, though, is that the rich European past thrives so near to home. The Charlevoix region, where we spend much of our time, was declared a Heritage Cultural Region by UNESCO. On a fascinating series of walks, we’ll learn why as we visit the villages, the tradespeople and the terrain which make this one of our favorite destinations anywhere. Join us and see how it feels to go to Europe without leaving the continent.

Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
Travel + Leisure

Itinerary Highlights

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  • Explore the only fortified city in North America on a walk that winds from the cobblestoned Lower Town up to Château Frontenac.
  • Walk scenic trails in the wildlife-rich national park that's home to peregrine falcons and a rare caribou herd. 
  • From La Malbaie, cruise Saguenay Fjord between 1500-foot cliffs and watch for the many species of whales drawn to the plankton-rich waters.
  • Follow the river to the Charlevoix region to lose yourself in its unique mix of history, rural culture, and natural beauty. 
  • Wander through the charming arts and crafts village of Baie-St-Paul in the company of our friend Patrick, who gives us an unforgettable introduction to the local customs. 
  • Set aside time for Île d'Orléans — a tiny island renowned for its villas, gardens, quaint villages, and boatyards. 
  • Enjoy a spectacular walk to Montmorency Falls before exploring Quebec City's farmer's market and antique district. 
Download Full Daily Itinerary

Map

  • Starting Point:

    Quebec – 1:00 pm – Lobby of Le Germain Hotel Quebec

  • Ending Point:

    Quebec – 1:00 pm – Lobby of Le Germain Hotel Quebec
Itinerary Map

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Walking Level

  • Daily Mileage Options: 2-8 miles

  • Route Notes:

    The terrain on this trip includes a mix of paved and cobblestone streets in Quebec City, La Malbaie, Baie-St-Paul and other villages; as well as well-maintained countryside, island and riverside trails of compressed dirt and stone. The footpaths offer a selection of level, rolling and hilly terrain with some elevation gain and loss.
To See Mileage Daily, Download Full Itinerary

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Hotels

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu

Perching grandly over the St. Lawrence River, this expansive resort property offers spectacular views, loads of activities, and unique gastronomy. Rooms are spacious and comfortably appointed. Claim a chair on the long covered porch to enjoy the vista.

Le Germain Hotel Charlevoix

Nestled between the mountains and the St. Lawrence River, this hotel has a surprising and appealing urban feel. The property has its own pastry shop, spa and heated outdoor pool. Rooms are decorated in contemporary rustic style.

Le Germain Hotel Quebec

Inside this 100-year-old property in Quebec City’s Old Port, the freshly updated interior is chic and very contemporary. The elegant and cozy rooms feature bold graphics. You’re only steps from streets that are recognized as a World Heritage Site.

What’s Included

  • Meals: All breakfasts, one lunch, and four dinners.
  • Hotels: Award-winning boutique properties, thoughtfully selected for their exceptional location, design, history, and regional character.
  • Tour Leader(s): Expert guides who are your well-connected local friends and provide you access to people and places you wouldn’t find on your own.
  • Supplemental Experts: Additional regional guides and specialists on select tours.
  • Transportation: All land transportation as listed in the daily itinerary, including fares for trains, ferries, and other modes of travel.
  • Privileged Access Events: One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places, and experiences arranged just for you, as noted in the daily itinerary.
  • Admissions & Entry Fees: Entry to tastings, historic sites, and other scheduled activities listed in the daily itinerary.
  • Baggage Transfers: Upon arrival, we whisk you and your bags directly to your room—no waiting, no tipping.
  • Gratuities: All gratuities at hotels, restaurants, and for baggage handling.
  • Dedicated Guest Services Coordinator: Your pre-trip concierge and tour expert, available to answer questions and ensure you’re fully ready to get the most out of your tour.
  • Perfect Pairings Dinner: A special dinner prepared by one of our favorite chefs with a procession of wines tailored to each course.
Not Included: Tour Leader gratuities, travel to and from your trip’s start and end points, and any meals or activities taken independently.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you.

  • Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
  • Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
  • Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

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FAQs

Why is Classic Journeys the best tour company for Quebec & Charlevoix tours?

Classic Journeys crafts the most authentic walking tours in Quebec and Charlevoix. You join small groups led by expert local friends, explore UNESCO Old Québec, stroll riverside villages, and get privileged access to artisans, markets, and trails you’d never find alone. Every walk immerses you in the food, culture, and natural wonders that make this region so special.

Which locations does the Classic Journeys Quebec & Charlevoix itinerary include?

Your Canadian journey goes far beyond the guidebooks—stroll the ramparts of UNESCO-listed Old Québec, savor tastings on Île d’Orléans, marvel at Montmorency Falls, cruise the Saguenay fjord, and wander heritage villages like Baie-Saint-Paul. You’ll hike in wildlife-rich national parks, meet local makers in farmsteads, and relax in handpicked boutique hotels after every adventure.

When is the best time to visit Quebec City and the Charlevoix region?

June through September brings wildflowers and long days for river cruises and hiking, while September showcases the spectacular fall foliage that this region is known for. Whenever you choose to travel, you’ll be led by expert local guides who give you insider access and local knowledge to enrich your explorations.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Whale watching in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is often a highlight—look for minke, humpback, beluga, and even blue whales from May through October. Your Classic Journeys handcrafted itinerary includes this cruise, led by expert naturalists along one of the world’s top whale-watching coastlines for an uforgettable experience on the water.

How active is the Quebec & Charlevoix cultural walking tour?

On tour, you’ll stroll along charming streets and riverside lanes on a mix of paved and cobblestone streets in Quebec City, La Malbaie, Baie-St-Paul and other villages. You can expect 2 to 8 miles of walking each day, and with the help of expert local guides to adjust mileage if needed, everyone will enjoy exploring on foot at eye level.

How many travelers are in each small group on your Quebec & Charlevoix tour?

Classic Journeys keeps groups small—usually fewer than 10 guests and never more than 18—ensuring access, flexibility, and genuine connections. This ensures personalized attention from your expert local guides as well as genuine camaraderie from your travel companions while exploring the region.

What are the start/end logistics for this tour?

Your Canadian adventure begins and ends in central Québec City, with the first and last day conveniently timed for flights via Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). All luggage handling and scenic transfers are included as part of our turnkey logistics on tour.