Discovering Old Quebec Through a Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt
Our review of the Old Quebec Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour offers a practical look at an activity designed to turn sightseeing into a fun, interactive game. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, based on user reviews and official details, it’s clear that this experience has some unique perks.
What we like most? First, the affordability at just $5.99 per person, making it a wallet-friendly way to explore. Second, the flexibility of being a self-guided activity—pause, resume, or skip parts at will. And third, the interactive nature of solving riddles at landmarks, which makes visiting more engaging than just strolling past sights. A potential drawback? The experience relies heavily on having a reliable internet connection and compatible devices, which could be a concern for some travelers.
This activity seems best suited for small groups, families, couples, or even corporate team-building. If you enjoy exploring at your own pace and love a little puzzle-solving challenge, this tour can add a playful twist to your time in Quebec City.
Good To Know

- Flexible and self-paced: Pause or resume anytime, no strict schedule to follow.
- Affordable value: At less than $6, you get an interactive tour with multiple landmarks.
- Includes navigation & app: The World City Trail app guides you with clues, making navigation straightforward.
- Multi-language options: Available in English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, and Spanish.
- No entry fees required: Puzzles relate to outdoor areas; you’re not required to pay for entry.
- Good for small groups: Only your group participates, ideal for families and friends.
Exploring Old Quebec with a Modern Twist

This scavenger hunt offers a fresh way to see Old Quebec. Instead of following a conventional tour route with a guide, you become the storyteller and explorer, using clues to discover the city’s hidden corners. The tour covers over 10 attractions, with a walking distance of approximately 1.5 km and an estimated walking time of around 22 minutes—perfect for a relaxed two-hour adventure.
What makes it engaging is the use of location-based riddles. These clues challenge you to use your observation skills, logic, and imagination to find the next destination. As you solve each puzzle, you gather local facts and legends, adding some context to your sightseeing.
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Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect
Starting Point: City Hall of Quebec City
The tour kicks off at the historic City Hall, easily accessible via public transportation. The absence of a fixed schedule means you can start anytime during their operating hours (12 PM to 11:30 PM daily). From here, the clues lead you through the cobblestone streets and charming alleyways of Old Quebec.
Landmark Discoveries & Hidden Gems
While detailed stops aren’t specified, reviews reveal that the app and clues are connected to outdoor landmarks, including famous sites like Chateau Fontenac. The riddles incorporate local stories, history, and science, making it more than just a sightseeing walk. One reviewer mentioned that there’s a nice balance of fun and educational content, especially appreciated by children and adults alike.
Interactivity & Flexibility
You’re free to take photos, have a snack, or rest whenever you wish. This makes the activity highly adaptable—if a particular landmark piques your interest, you can linger longer. One reviewer said, “Once we got the hang of the app, it was super fun! Would do this again in other cities.”
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End Point & Reusability
The tour concludes back at City Hall, completing your loop. Since there’s no time limit, you can stretch the experience over a few hours or do it in segments across multiple days if preferred. Plus, using the World City Trail app, you can replay the tour or explore other cities with similar activities.
The User Experience: What Travelers Are Saying

While overall reviews are positive, some users have highlighted areas for improvement. One reviewer noted that the app’s battery consumption was higher when using Google Maps directions extensively, which might impact those with limited phone battery life. Interestingly, the tour’s official response pointed out that this shouldn’t be a common issue if using the app as intended.
Another point raised involved ticketing logistics. One user was confused about the need for multiple tickets but was reminded that each person requires their own, which is standard practice. It’s worth double-checking your ticket details to avoid any last-minute surprises.
The strongest praise comes from those who appreciated the value for money. One reviewer called it “a great teaching tool for kids” and enjoyed incorporating science and history into their walk. Several mentioned that the activity made exploring more lively and memorable, especially compared to traditional guided tours.
Practical Aspects & Tips

Price & Value: For under $6, you get an interactive experience that combines sightseeing with brain-teasing puzzles, making it well worth the cost. No entrance fees are necessary, as the riddles are based outside, so your budget stays tight.
Duration & Pace: With a walking time of just over 20 minutes, this is more of a leisurely activity than a full-day tour. You can easily do it in a couple of hours, or extend your exploration by stopping at favorite spots.
Navigation & App Use: The World City Trail app is straightforward, guiding you through each clue. However, it does require a stable internet connection, so plan accordingly, especially if you’re visiting areas with weak Wi-Fi.
Language Options: With multiple languages available, this tour is accessible for international visitors. Confirm your preferred language when booking to ensure a smooth experience.
Group Size & Participation: Only your group participates, making it ideal for small groups, families, or friends. It’s also a private activity, so no worries about strangers tagging along or noisy groups.
Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity is perfect for travelers who prefer exploring at their own pace, enjoy solving puzzles, or are looking for a budget-friendly way to see Old Quebec. It’s especially good for families with kids, couples seeking a fun date idea, or small groups wanting a team-building experience. If you’re after a structured guided tour with a guide explaining every detail, this might not be your best fit.
The Sum Up

The Old Quebec Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour offers a playful, affordable way to experience the city’s highlights. Its main strengths are the flexibility to explore on your own terms, good value for the price, and the ability to turn sightseeing into an interactive challenge. While it may require a stable internet connection and a bit of navigation effort, these are minor hiccups compared to the reward of discovering hidden corners and local stories.
For those who enjoy a bit of puzzle-solving and want to avoid overly scripted tours, this activity can make your visit to Quebec City more memorable and engaging. It’s especially suited for small groups, families, or anyone looking for a light, fun activity that combines adventure with education.
FAQ

Do I need to download anything before starting the tour?
Yes, you need to download the World City Trail app, which provides navigation and clues for the tour.
Can I start the tour at any time?
Absolutely. The tour is self-guided and has no fixed schedule, so you can begin whenever it suits you during their operating hours.
Is this activity suitable for children?
Many reviewers found it to be a good educational and fun experience for kids, especially because of the puzzles and local stories involved.
How long does the tour take?
The walking component is about 22 minutes over 1.5 km, but with pauses, photo opportunities, and optional stops, plan for roughly 2 hours.
Are there any entry fees for attractions?
No, since the clues are based on outdoor locations, you’re not required to pay for entrance fees.
What languages is the tour available in?
It’s offered in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, and Spanish, so choose your preferred one when booking.
This self-guided scavenger hunt in Old Quebec promises a playful, flexible way to uncover the city’s charm without the rush of traditional tours. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, it’s a clever use of technology to enhance your sightseeing experience.
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