How long does it take to walk through the haunted parts of Old Quebec?

The route typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. This includes time to stop and listen to the narration at each of the six major historical locations.

Is Old Quebec City walkable at night?

Yes, Old Quebec is very safe and highly walkable at night. In fact, many visitors prefer this neighborhood stroll after dark when the historic buildings are illuminated and the atmosphere is more mysterious.

Can I see the inside of the Morrin Centre on this walk?

While this self-guided walk focuses on the exterior and the general history, the Morrin Centre is open for library visits and guided tour Quebec City experiences during the day. It is recommended to check their seasonal hours.

Are there hills on this Quebec City walking route?

The route is located in the Upper Town (Haute-Ville), which is relatively flat compared to the walk between the Upper and Lower Towns. However, expect some gentle inclines and uneven cobblestones.

Is this walk suitable for children?

Yes, the stories are historical and atmospheric rather than graphic. Most families find the legends of the 'Lady in White' and the Count of Frontenac engaging for older children and teens.

What should I wear for a walking route in Quebec City?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the cobblestones. If you are walking in the evening, bring a light jacket as the breeze from the St. Lawrence River can be cool even in summer.

Where does the haunted walk begin?

The walk begins at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on Rue des Jardins, located in the heart of the Upper Town near the Hôtel de Ville.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the long shadows of Old Quebec, a city where the stones of New France whisper secrets of a darker age. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the chilling legends and tragic history hidden behind the city's beautiful stone facades. As you traverse the cobblestone streets of the Upper Town, you will encounter the spirits of governors, the echoes of prisoners, and the grim legacy of the executioner. This neighborhood stroll is not just a lesson in architecture; it is an immersion into the folklore that has shaped the soul of Quebec for over four centuries. Your journey begins at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, where a mysterious 'Lady in White' is said to roam. From there, the walking route leads you to the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. While many admire its towers, few know the story of the Count of Frontenac, whose ghost is rumored to haunt the halls waiting for a bride who never arrived. As you continue your self-guided adventure, the atmosphere shifts from regal to somber at the Morrin Centre. Once a Victorian-era prison, this site witnessed the harsh realities of colonial justice and public executions. This audio walk also explores the literary and cultural transformations of the city at the Maison de la littérature, housed in a former church, before delving into the folklore of haunted inns and the residence of the city’s official executioner. Whether you are a history buff or a fan of the supernatural, this experience allows you to explore independently and at your own pace. Discover the hidden gems of Quebec City that most travelers overlook while enjoying a walking tour Quebec City enthusiasts recommend for its atmospheric depth. By the time you reach the end of this neighborhood stroll, you will see the 'Gibraltar of North America' in a hauntingly different light. This is one of the most evocative ways to travel through the past, making it a must-do walking tour Quebec City visitors should experience after dusk.

Highlights

The ghostly legend of the 'Lady in White' at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity

Haunted halls and royal history at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

The dark cells and executioner's history at the Morrin Centre

Architectural beauty and literary spirits at the Maison de la littérature

Tales of the official executioner of New France at the Maison du Bourreau

Tour Stops (6)

Cathedral of the Holy Trinity

Welcome to the first Anglican cathedral built outside the British Isles. While its neoclassical architecture is stunning, the cathedral holds a more spectral claim to fame. For generations, visitors and clergy have reported sightings of a 'Lady in White'—a veiled figure often seen sitting in the pews or disappearing into the walls. Legend suggests she was a woman buried within the church's foundations during a time of crisis, or perhaps a grieving soul searching for a lost love. As you stand before this historic site, imagine the early 19th-century congregation and the secrets they might have carried into the afterlife. The cathedral remains a cornerstone of the English presence in Quebec, but its shadows belong to the city's older, darker myths.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Behold the most photographed hotel in the world. But behind its grand copper roofs lies a tale of eternal longing. The hotel is named after Louis de Buade, Count of Frontenac, the formidable governor of New France. It is said that Frontenac died in 1698 while waiting for his beloved fiancée to return from France. Guests have reported seeing a man in 17th-century garb wandering the corridors of the tower, searching for her. His presence is a reminder of the city's deep roots and the intense passions of its founders. Take a moment to look up at the windows; you might just catch a glimpse of the Count watching over his beloved city from the beyond.

Morrin Centre

This elegant building currently houses a beautiful English-language library, but its past is far grimmer. In the early 1800s, this was the Quebec City Gaol. Conditions were notoriously brutal: overcrowded cells, freezing temperatures, and public hangings conducted right outside the front doors. If you look closely at the masonry, you can still find iron rings used to chain prisoners. The spirits of those who suffered here are said to linger in the basement cells. The transition from a place of punishment to a place of learning is a testament to the city's evolution, yet the Morrin Centre never quite shakes the heavy atmosphere of its judicial history.

Maison de la littérature

This striking building is a masterpiece of adaptive reuse. Originally the Wesley Church, it now serves as a vibrant literary hub. However, the conversion of sacred spaces often leaves 'echoes.' Locals have long spoken of strange noises and cold spots within the library stacks, perhaps the remnants of the Methodist congregation that once worshipped here. The juxtaposition of the modern white interior against the gothic arched windows creates a surreal environment. It is a place where the stories of the living meet the silence of the past, making it a perfect stop on our exploration of Quebec’s literary and spiritual history.

Auberge Le Saint-Gabriel (Quebec Story)

Though the most famous inn of this name sits in Montreal, the spirit of the old stone inns in Quebec City carries the same haunting weight. Many of these historic buildings housed travelers, soldiers, and merchants who brought with them tales of the 'feu follet'—will-o'-the-wisps—and spectral hitchhikers. In the flickering candlelight of a 17th-century tavern, stories were told of a little girl who perished in a fire, her spirit still seeking warmth by the hearth. As you walk past these ancient stone walls, imagine the flickering shadows of the past and the travelers who never checked out of their lodgings.

Maison du Bourreau

Our final stop brings us to the legacy of the executioner. In New France, the role of the 'Bourreau' was a lonely and shunned existence. Often, the position was filled by a criminal who chose the job over his own death sentence. The executioner lived on the fringes of society, performing the grim tasks that others wouldn't dare. Jean Rattier, one of the city's most famous executioners, lived with the weight of his office for years. Standing near the old walls where the executioner's house once stood, you can almost feel the social isolation and the chilling finality of his work. It is a somber end to our walk, reminding us that even in a city as beautiful as Quebec, history has a sharp edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided audio walk is ideal for those seeking dark history and legends. It covers iconic spots like the Morrin Centre and Château Frontenac, focusing on the city's macabre past and spectral sightings.