Old Quebec turns spooky after dark. This 2-hour interactive street theatre show, Crimes in New France, strings together 10 criminal ghosts with walking, acting, and live storytelling.

I like that the guides, Marie Rivière or Jean Rattier, stay in character and keep the pace moving through the city’s darker past. You’ll also get real variety in the route and scenes, not just a single stop-and-lecture kind of tour.

One drawback: it’s almost entirely outdoors, so you need to plan for cold or rain, and you should expect solid walking for the full 2 hours.

Key things that make Crimes in New France special

• Two ghost guides in character: you are led by Marie Rivière or Jean Rattier, French or English
• 10 infamous criminals, one after another: each ghost connects to a crime and a slice of New France-era storytelling
• Old Quebec as your stage: you walk the streets at night, watching scenes unfold around you
• Interactive acting, not passive watching: performers keep you involved throughout the walk
• Route variety: you may see more than one part of the Old Quebec core depending on the departure
• Spooky fun with laughs: the tone often swings toward entertaining storytelling, not just fear

A Ghost Walk That Treats Old Quebec Like a Stage

Crimes in New France is built for nighttime walking. Instead of a quiet guided stroll with facts, you get a street-theatre format where the city itself becomes part of the story. The premise is simple and fun: Old Quebec, when it was known as New France, had a criminal underworld, and tonight you track those ghosts through the streets.

What I really like is how the show balances mood with information. You’re learning about the seedier side of the city’s past, while actors deliver the tales like scenes you can step into. It’s one of those tours where you feel like you’re watching history get acted out, not just explained.

And because it’s a walking tour with several “encounters,” it never feels stuck in one place. Your feet stay busy, and your attention stays grabbed.

Meeting at the Morrin Centre and Getting Your Bearings Fast

You start in a very practical spot: the front of the Morrin Centre (44, Chaussée des Écossais). It’s about a one-minute walk from Quebec City Hall, right behind St. Andrew’s Church, which makes it easier to find even if you’re arriving from sightseeing earlier that day.

Before you head out, do a quick reality check. Old Quebec streets are charming, but they are still streets. I suggest you arrive a few minutes early so you’re not rushing while performers are taking the first steps in the story.

If you like tours that start clean and organized, this one helps. Clear meeting location plus an easy orientation spot means you can focus on the fun once you’re there.

10 Criminal Ghosts, One Story Moving Through Old Quebec

The spine of the experience is that you walk through the heart of Old Quebec while meeting the ghosts of 10 past criminals. Each ghost functions like a mini performance. You get introduced to the person, you hear about the crime, and then you move on to the next stop where the story continues.

Because the tour is street theatre, the “where” matters. Instead of hearing about New France history from behind a podium, you’re experiencing it in the real streets and dark corners of the Old Quebec core. The result is that the criminal stories feel grounded in place, not floating in the abstract.

The route also has some flexibility. People have noted that they saw different routes and covered a wide area of the city during the 2 hours. That matters if you’re staying a few days, or if you already walked around Old Quebec by daylight. You’ll likely see nighttime streets that feel different, because the actors shift your attention from sightseeing to story.

What New France Sounds Like When It Gets Told at Night

The tour’s theme is New France, and it uses the city’s criminal element to show you another side of Quebec City’s past. You’re not just learning names and dates. You’re hearing how ordinary life intersected with wrongdoing, power, and consequences in that era.

A good example of what you might catch in the storytelling: one guest highlighted a connection to an early serial killer tale, and another pointed out how a French Canadian figure’s fate ended with execution by the British. You don’t need to know the history going in. The performance is designed to explain the arc of the story as you go.

I also appreciate that the show doesn’t pretend the past was neat. It treats the darker themes as part of the city’s heritage, then lets you reflect on how a place evolves after centuries of reputation, rules, and rule-breakers.

Acting in Character, With Real Interaction From the Cast

A big reason this tour earns repeat mentions in reviews is performance quality. Guides like Marie Rivière and Jean Rattier are set up as ghostly guides who keep going in character through the whole experience. One review specifically called out a guide named Louis, praised for staying in character the entire time, with quick wit and friendly energy.

This matters because street theatre lives on timing. When the guide is fully in role, your group feels like a participant in the show instead of an audience waiting for the next announcement. Reviews also mention that performers actively encourage people to participate in the acting.

So expect a tour that asks for your attention, and sometimes your reaction. If you like lively guides and a bit of theatrics, you’ll be in the right mood from the start. If you want quiet and strictly factual, this may not be the best fit. It’s meant to entertain as it informs.

Weather, Walking, and Other Practical Stuff That Actually Matters

This is an outdoor tour. The ghosts are walking rain or shine, so plan accordingly. The tour info is clear about what to bring: comfortable shoes, warm clothing, an umbrella, and rain gear.

I’d add one simple mindset. If you dress for comfort, you enjoy the show more. If you show up underdressed, you’ll spend your time thinking about the weather instead of the story.

One more practical note: video recording is not allowed. That’s worth remembering if you normally film tours. You can still take in the experience, but you’ll have to rely on memory and photos instead of full video.

And yes, it’s 2 hours. Several reviews mention that there’s a lot of walking. The pace sounds manageable, but you should still treat it like an evening stroll that happens to be structured, not a quick five-stop walk.

Price and Value: Why $23 Can Feel Like a Bargain

At $23 per person for a 2-hour interactive experience, this is priced in the category of entertainment that also teaches. You’re paying for live performers, a guided street-theatre structure, and a route that covers a good chunk of Old Quebec at night.

Here’s how I’d think about value. If you like ghost tours, you often pay for narration plus maybe a few spooky scenes. This adds acting with ongoing interaction. The cast keeps you involved during the entire journey, which is a big deal for groups that get bored when they feel like passive spectators.

Also, the show format makes the time feel full. Instead of spending most of the two hours standing still, you’re moving between story points. That’s good value because it reduces the dead air that can drag down other tours.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want to Skip)

This is a strong match if you:

• Want history with performance, not just facts
• Like ghost tours, especially ones where the guide stays in character
• Enjoy a lively group atmosphere and some interaction
• Are comfortable walking in Old Quebec after dark

It’s also a good choice for families with kids who can handle a spooky theme without needing scare tactics. Reviews mention families bringing children and saying it was fun and not overly scary, with laughter and a playful tone.

You might want to skip it if:

• You hate being outside for extended periods
• You prefer museum-style learning with no theatrics
• You want minimal walking

In other words, this is for people who want an experience, not just a lesson.

Should You Book Crimes in New France?

If your idea of a great evening in Quebec City includes Old Quebec at night, live acting, and a guided walk that keeps moving, I think you’ll enjoy Crimes in New France. The combination of ghostly guides, 10 criminal stories, and an interactive street-theatre style turns the streets into something you remember.

Book it if you’re the type who likes to be part of the show, even in small ways. And don’t overthink the theme. You do not need to be a Quebec history expert to follow along. You’ll be guided through the stories as you walk.

If the weather looks rough, pack properly. This tour works rain or shine, but your comfort is what determines whether you fully enjoy the atmosphere.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

All departures leave from the front of the Morrin Centre, 44, Chaussée des Écossais street, about a one-minute walk from City Hall, right behind St. Andrew’s Church.

How long is Crimes in New France?

The experience runs for 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $23 per person.

What languages are offered?

The live tour guide speaks French and English.

Is the tour indoors or outdoors?

It takes place exclusively outside, and the ghosts walk rain or shine.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, an umbrella, and rain gear.

Can I record video during the tour?

No, video recording is not allowed.

What if my plans change?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.