Quebec Interactive Street Theatre: “Crimes in New France”

Old Quebec’s darkest stories come alive on this two-hour walk, where actors play the ghosts of 10 criminals from the days of New France. Instead of listening to a guide recite dates, you move through the old city as Marie Rivière, Jean Rattier, or another costumed performer introduces each troubled spirit along the way.

I like two things right away. The history comes through character and action, so the stories are easier to remember than a standard walking lecture. I also like that the route takes you through several parts of Old Quebec, using the streets, old buildings, and night air as part of the show. The main drawback is practical: the tour takes place entirely outdoors, rain or shine, and two hours of walking can feel long if your shoes or clothing are not up to the job.

Key points to know before booking

• Ten criminal ghosts: Meet a succession of characters tied to the darker side of New France.
• Street theatre, not just storytelling: The performers interact with the guide and the group throughout the walk.
• A route through Old Quebec: You cover a wide area on foot and see historic places along the way.
• French and English tours: Live guiding is available in both languages.
• Good for families with older children: Children as young as three and six have enjoyed the theatrical format, while ages nine to twelve found it exciting without being too scary.
• Weather matters: Bring warm clothes, comfortable shoes, an umbrella, and rain gear.

Starting behind Saint Andrew’s Church

The meeting point is in front of the Morrin Centre at 44 Chaussée des Écossais Street. It is a one-minute walk from Quebec City Hall, behind Saint Andrew’s Church, so you can reach it easily from the center of Old Quebec.

The location suits the theme. You are not gathering at a distant parking lot or a modern visitor center. You begin among the old city’s streets, close to the architecture and narrow lanes that give the evening its mood. Arrive ready to walk rather than expecting a seated opening talk.

The tour provider is Les Promenades Fantômes. Guides such as Marie Rivière, Jean Rattier, and Louis keep the evening moving in character. The exact performer may vary, but the format stays the same: one main ghostly guide leads you from place to place, while other actors appear as the night unfolds.

How the two-hour route works

This is not a fixed stage show in one location. You walk through the heart of Old Quebec and stop at different points for scenes and stories. The route covers an extensive area, with the actors helping turn each new street or historic spot into part of the performance.

The first stretch gives the guide a chance to establish the mood and explain the setting. New France was not only a place of colonial politics, trade, churches, and grand buildings. It also had thieves, killers, lawbreakers, prisoners, and people caught in harsh systems of punishment. The tour focuses on this less polished side of the city.

As you continue, the ghosts appear one by one. Each character brings a crime, a personal story, and a different connection to the city’s past. The information is presented through dialogue and performance, rather than as a long block of historical facts.

That approach is useful if you enjoy history but do not want a formal lecture. You still learn about the criminal world of New France, but the actors give the material a human face. Some scenes are grim. Others use wit and surprise. The tone is more entertaining than frightening, though the subject matter includes murder and execution.

The route itself adds value. You are not simply being told that Old Quebec has centuries of history. You are walking through the setting while the stories are performed around you. The city becomes a backdrop, a path between scenes, and part of the mood.

Meeting ten ghosts from New France

The central feature is the introduction to 10 infamous criminals and their ghosts. The stories cover deeds committed centuries ago, with the performers explaining what each person did and how the crime fits into the wider past of Quebec.

One story involves Tremblay Picote, described in the supplied information as the first serial killer. Another concerns McLean, a figure linked to the French Canadian cause who was later hanged by the British. These details show the range of the material. You are not getting only tales of random crime. The characters also connect to family names, political conflict, colonial power, and the difficult changes that shaped Quebec.

I find this kind of history especially useful in Quebec City because it pushes beyond the usual postcard view. The old city can look tidy and romantic by daylight. At night, the tour offers a reminder that ordinary people lived with crime, punishment, war, and sharp divisions of power.

The stories also have a personal angle. A family with Tremblay ancestry was surprised to find a connection to one of the figures in the tour, while another participant recognized a link to the McLean clan. You cannot count on finding your own family name, but the possibility adds a memorable twist for anyone with Quebec roots.

Why the acting matters

The guide is not merely escorting you from one point to another. The lead performer stays in character, talks with the group, and responds to the actors who appear along the way. Louis, for example, was praised for staying in character and handling the group with quick wit and warmth.

The cast also encourages participation. You may be asked to respond, react, or take part in a scene. The experience does not require you to perform at a high level, but it helps to be willing to play along. If you prefer to remain completely quiet and anonymous in the back of a group, this may not be your ideal evening activity.

The strongest feature here is the exchange between guide, ghosts, and audience. The actors do not simply deliver memorized speeches and disappear. Their interaction helps the tour feel alive, and it allows the mood to shift between suspense, comedy, and history.

That balance explains why the activity works for mixed-age groups. Children ages three and six enjoyed the entertaining format, while families with nine-, ten-, twelve-, and thirteen-year-olds found it engaging without finding it too scary. The show has ghosts and grim crimes, but it is not presented as a nonstop horror attraction.

A dark history lesson with a lighter touch

The tour’s subject is serious, but the evening is not relentlessly bleak. The performers use humor, wit, and theatrical surprises to keep the group involved. You may hear about cruel acts or executions, then find the mood loosened by a clever exchange between characters.

That tone makes the tour a good choice for people who want something more substantial than a haunted-house scare. You learn about the criminal history of Quebec City and get a sense of how New France operated, while still having a fun night out.

It also helps to set your expectations correctly. This is not a complete history of Quebec City, and it is not a scholarly study of crime. The focus is selective. You are seeing the past through 10 unusual lives, with the guide using those stories to point toward broader themes in New France.

For me, that is the right level for an evening activity. After a day of museums or sightseeing, you can enjoy a different view of the city without committing to a formal lecture. If you want detailed documentation, dates, and academic debate, you may need a museum or history book as a companion.

What you see while walking

The tour covers a broad section of Old Quebec rather than keeping you in one small square. The route changes from one historic setting to another, and the walk itself gives you a chance to see the city after dark.

Several people found the range of locations valuable. You are not only watching the performers. You are also moving through the old streets and reaching places that help show how the city developed. The scenic views and historic surroundings give the stories more weight than they would have on an indoor stage.

The tradeoff is distance. One participant noted that there is a lot of walking, although the pace was manageable. You should wear shoes that can handle two hours on city streets, including the possibility of uneven surfaces and changes in grade. The tour is not described as accessible for people with limited mobility, so ask the provider before booking if that is an important concern for you.

Because the route is outdoors, the night can also feel colder than expected. Warm layers are sensible even in summer, especially if you plan to spend the whole evening outside.

Is $23 a fair price?

At $23 per person, this is reasonably priced for a two-hour guided experience with several performers. You are paying not only for a walking tour, but also for a cast, costumes, prepared scenes, and a route through one of North America’s most historic city centers.

The value is strongest if you want three things at once: a tour of Old Quebec, a history lesson, and evening entertainment. Booking separate activities for those same needs could cost more and would not offer the same connection between place and story.

The price is less compelling if you are looking only for a traditional ghost walk with spooky legends. This tour is built around criminal history and interactive theatre, so some of the time is devoted to explaining the people and events rather than delivering jump scares.

The activity also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those policies make it easier to fit the tour into a changing Quebec City schedule. Starting times vary, so check availability when you plan your evening.

Language, weather, and what to bring

Live guiding is available in French and English. Choose the language that lets you follow fast dialogue and jokes easily, since the theatrical exchanges are a major part of the experience.

Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm clothing
• An umbrella
• Rain gear

The ghosts walk in all weather. The tour does not move indoors if rain arrives, so do not rely on a light jacket alone. A wet two-hour walk can take the fun out of even a good performance.

Video recording is not allowed. Plan to watch the scenes rather than film them. That rule also keeps the audience focused on the actors and helps preserve the flow of the performance.

Who will enjoy Crimes in New France?

I would recommend this tour to families, couples, history fans, and anyone who wants a different way to see Old Quebec at night. It is particularly suited to people who like live performance and do not mind audience interaction.

Families should consider the age and temperament of their children. The material involves criminals, murder, and hanging, but the theatrical treatment is not described as too frightening for children in the elementary and early teenage years. Younger children may enjoy the costumes and action more than the historical details.

The tour also works well for a short Quebec City visit. One participant called it a highlight of a three-day trip, and I can see why. In two hours, you cover a fair amount of the old city while getting a focused look at a side of Quebec that standard sightseeing often skips.

I would be more cautious if you dislike walking, cold weather, rain, or direct participation. The tour is entirely outside, and the actors may involve the group in the scenes. It is also not the best choice if you want a quiet, solemn history talk.

Should you book this ghost walk?

Book it if you want Old Quebec to feel like more than a collection of beautiful buildings. The combination of 10 criminal ghosts, live acting, audience interaction, and nighttime streets gives you a lively way to learn about New France’s harsher side.

The strongest reasons to go are the committed performers, the wide walking route, and the mix of humor with real historical themes. The main concerns are the weather, the amount of walking, and the fact that the show is theatrical rather than purely academic.

For $23, I think it is a good-value evening activity, especially for families and first-time visitors who want history delivered with energy. Wear warm, weatherproof clothing, arrive at the Morrin Centre ready to walk, and let the ghosts set the pace.

FAQ

Where does the Crimes in New France tour meet?

All departures meet in front of the Morrin Centre at 44 Chaussée des Écossais Street. It is a one-minute walk from Quebec City Hall, behind Saint Andrew’s Church.

How long does the tour last?

The walking tour lasts two hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $23 per person.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. Live tour guiding is available in English and French.

Does the tour operate in rainy weather?

Yes. The ghosts walk rain or shine. Bring an umbrella and rain gear if rain is possible.

Is the entire tour outdoors?

Yes. The activity takes place exclusively outside, so warm clothing is recommended.

How many criminals and ghosts are included?

The performance introduces you to 10 past criminals and their ghosts.

Can I record the performance?

No. Video recording is not allowed.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.