Horse-drawn carriage tours, known locally as calèches, have long been associated with sightseeing in Old Quebec. Older guides list several operators, fixed routes and prices, but those details are no longer reliable enough to use for planning.
Confirm availability before your visit
Do not assume that a carriage will be waiting at a hotel or landmark. Verify that an operator is currently active, then confirm the pickup point, tour length, price, capacity, language and cancellation policy directly.
Questions to ask
- Is the quoted price per carriage or per passenger?
- Where does the ride begin and end?
- Does the route include Upper Town, Lower Town or Battlefields Park?
- What happens during rain, extreme heat or winter weather?
- What animal-welfare and rest policies does the operator follow?
Alternatives for touring Old Quebec
Visitors can explore many central landmarks on foot, including Dufferin Terrace, or use the funicular between Upper and Lower Town. Guided walking and vehicle tours may be easier to verify and reserve in advance.
My Father was fond of visiting Canada and winter sports. I remember a carriage ride when I was very young.
This sounds fun. I wonder how cold it is there while these carriage rides are going on. How warm would I need to dress?