Ghost stories are fun. This one’s also theatrical.

In Old Quebec, you get an interactive street-theatre ghost tour led by performer/guide Marie Rivière or Jean Rattier, with you moving through the night as their story unfolds. I love that it doesn’t just recite dates. It puts you in the middle of the action, like the city is the stage.

I also like the way the evening focuses on crime and punishment in New France, with you meeting the ghosts of 10 past criminals and learning what they were accused of. One possible drawback: it’s not billed as a kid-safe stroll. It’s not recommended for children aged 9 and under, and it’s also not ideal if you have serious medical conditions.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Interactive street theatre: you’re not just watching, you’re participating.
• Two lead guides: you’ll meet the story through Marie Rivière or Jean Rattier.
• Ten criminal-ghosts: the tour is structured around multiple characters and cases.
• Old Quebec at night: you see familiar streets from a darker angle.
• Small group feel: maximum 25 travelers, so the performance has room to breathe.
• English-only: plan on an English-led experience.

Quebec City After Dark Turns Into a Street Stage

Quebec City at night has a special rhythm, and this experience leans into that. Instead of a quiet history walk, you get a street-theatre ghost walking tour that uses the sidewalks, corners, and facades as part of the show.

The “hook” here is that the theme isn’t generic hauntings. The evening is built around Old Quebec’s seedier, criminal past—the world known as New France when things were rougher, rules were weaker, and consequences could be brutal. You’ll be entertained, but it has that slightly uneasy edge that makes it memorable.

The pacing is also right for a first visit or a second one. It’s designed to help you get your bearings fast in the historic core while you’re busy paying attention to the characters and the stories.

Your Ghost Guides: Marie Rivière or Jean Rattier (and a Supporting Cast)

This tour is led by a performer/guide—either Marie Rivière or Jean Rattier—and the whole thing runs like a performance with a guiding hand. You’ll hear the stories from the front of the scene, but you’ll also be pulled into the moment as the guide introduces you to the ghosts of past criminals.

What I like about that setup is how it handles the hardest part of ghost tours: keeping people engaged when they’re standing still. Here, the guide and performer dynamic is built for movement and attention. The result is an experience where the acting and the storytelling feel like they’re working together, not competing.

In the same spirit, the show can involve different performer energy depending on who you get. One of the review responses also references a guide named Valérie, so the cast spirit is clearly part of the attraction.

Walking the Old Quebec Route and Meeting 10 Criminal Ghosts

You’ll spend about 2 hours out walking in the heart of Old Quebec. The tour’s structure is built around the “ghost cases” idea: you’re introduced to the ghosts of 10 past criminals, and each one comes with a take on what they did and what happened next.

That matters because it turns the walk into something with chapters. You don’t have to wonder what the “point” is halfway through. You’re always moving from one character beat to the next, which helps you follow along even if you’re not a super-enthusiast about early-Quebec crime lore.

Expect the tone to be about crime and punishment. One review specifically calls out the 16th century, which matches the general New France framing. That means it’s story time with stakes, not just spooky atmosphere.

What you’ll likely notice as you go

• The tour keeps you focused on the narrative, not the weather.
• You’ll get little surprise moments along the route, the kind that makes people look up from their phone and actually watch what’s happening on the street.
• The guide uses the urban setting as part of the show, so the streets feel less like background and more like clues.

A practical note on content tone

Because the theme is criminal, the stories may involve darker subject matter. If you’re looking for light laughs and friendly folklore, this one might feel more intense than you expect.

Where It Starts: Les Promenades Fantômes and the Theatre-Ghost Approach

The tour’s first stop is Les Promenades Fantômes. From there, the evening becomes a guided walk that blends history-era storytelling with street-theatre performance.

Even though you’re out in open air, the style isn’t “stand here and listen.” It’s closer to watching a living play in public, with the guide keeping you moving through the scene. That’s part of why this format works so well in a place like Old Quebec, where stone streets and narrow sightlines naturally create a stage-like feeling.

If you like experiences that give you a reason to slow down and pay attention—rather than just “check off” sights—this start point and format fit that style.

Price and Value: Is $26.80 Worth It?

At $26.80 per person for about 2 hours, you’re paying for more than a script read aloud. You’re paying for an acting-led performance plus a guided walking experience.

Here’s how I think about the value:

• You get an actual show, not just a basic walking tour.
• The cast element matters. When actors keep characters lively, the experience feels like entertainment with context.
• The structure is clear: 10 ghost cases in roughly 2 hours means you’re not stuck with one long lecture.

It also helps that the tour has strong social proof: it’s rated 4.8 with 29 reviews, and 97% of reviewers recommend it. That doesn’t mean every minute will be perfect for every person, but it does suggest the core formula works.

And because it’s capped at 25 travelers, you’re more likely to get that “group-sized” performance feel rather than a crowded shuffle where the guide can’t interact.

Who This 2-Hour Crimes in New France Tour Fits Best

This is ideal for:

• First-time visitors who want Old Quebec context without doing a heavy museum day.
• Returning visitors who have seen the big sights but want a different way to interpret the streets.
• Anyone who enjoys interactive performances and likes the idea of being part of the moment, not just standing at the edge of it.

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re traveling with kids aged 9 and under. It’s not recommended for them.
• You have serious medical conditions, since it’s still a walking performance at night.

One more fit note: the tour is offered in English, so plan on that if you’re choosing between language options.

Timing, Tickets, and How to Avoid a Bad Night

The experience is typically booked about 9 days in advance on average. That tells you something useful: it’s popular enough that you’ll want to plan ahead, especially in peak travel weeks.

You’ll receive a confirmation at the time of booking, and you’ll get a mobile ticket. That’s convenient, but it also means you should have your phone charged and accessible when it’s time to meet.

Because it’s a night walk, wear shoes you’d actually wear for a couple hours of moving around. Even when the pace is controlled by performers, you’ll still be on your feet for most of the evening.

Tips That Make the Story Land Better

This kind of tour rewards small attention habits. Here’s what helps most:

• Go in with the right mindset: this is theatre + crime storytelling, not a silent “facts only” walk.
• Stay off autopilot. The guide’s job is to keep you involved, and you’ll get more out of the evening if you actively follow the character introductions.
• Be ready for surprises. The best moments aren’t announced as “now something scary happens.” They tend to pop up as the story moves forward.

If you’re the type who likes to ask questions, keep that energy—just note that the performance is built on timing, so don’t disrupt the flow.

Should You Book This Interactive Street Theatre Ghost Tour?

Book it if you want a fun, interactive way to see Old Quebec and you enjoy stories with darker themes. The combination of a performer/guide, character-driven segments, and the built-in surprises is exactly the kind of “why didn’t I do this sooner?” tour that makes a city feel new again.

Skip or reconsider if you need a gentle, family-friendly tour, or if walking at night plus story intensity isn’t a great match for your situation. Also, if you’re only interested in light ghost atmosphere and not crime and punishment framing, you may find the theme heavier than you expected.

If you’re on the fence, here’s a simple test: do you like being part of the show? If yes, this one is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Interactive Street Theatre Crimes in New France tour?

It lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The first stop is Les Promenades Fantômes.

What’s the price per person?

The price is $26.80 per person.

What language is the tour offered in?

It’s offered in English.

What’s included with admission?

Admission includes the ghost tour and it’s described as a fun experience.

Is it suitable for children?

It’s not recommended for children aged 9 and under.

Is this tour refundable or changeable after booking?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If it’s canceled because a minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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