By Absolutely! Here’s your full guide to the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in Québec City — a scenic, relaxing, and informative way to explore one of Canada’s most beautiful and historic cities 🇨🇦🚌🗝️
🏰 Hop-On Hop-Off Québec City – Quick Guide
🚌 What Is It?
A double-decker open-top bus tour that loops through Old Québec and surrounding areas, letting you hop off at key landmarks, explore at your own pace, and hop back on the next bus.
It’s operated by Unitours / Tours Voir Québec, typically under the “Québec City Bus Tour” or Gray Line Québec brand.
🕐 Operating Season & Hours
- Seasonal service: May to October
- First departure: ~9:30–10:00 AM
- Last departure: ~4:00–5:00 PM
- Buses come every 20–30 minutes
- Full loop = ~1.5 hours
🕐 No hop-on hop-off service in winter (off-season tours are guided only)
🎟️ Ticket Prices (subject to change)
- 1-Day Pass: ~$50 CAD (adult) / ~$30 CAD (child 6–12)
- 2-Day Pass: ~$60–65 CAD (adult)
- Under 6 years: Free
🎫 Book online or via hotels for best deals
🗺️ Top Stops on the Route
The tour covers Old Québec (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and nearby highlights, with 12+ stops, including:
- Place d’Armes / Château Frontenac
- Citadel / Plains of Abraham
- Grande-Allée (restaurants, bars)
- Parliament Building
- Old Port & Cruise Terminal
- Petit-Champlain District / Breakneck Stairs
- Musée de la Civilisation
- Quartier Saint-Jean-Baptiste
- Observatoire de la Capitale (panoramic views)
- Marché du Vieux-Port (Old Port Market)
- Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (main boarding point)
- Rue Saint-Louis & Fortifications
🗺️ Route map available at: unitours.ca
🎧 Tour Features
- Live commentary (bilingual) in English & French
- Some buses may offer recorded multilingual narration
- Local guides share history, legends, and Québec’s French-Canadian culture
📱 How to Book
- Online: unitours.ca or grayline.com
- In person: Ticket booths near Place d’Armes / Château Frontenac
- Travel apps: Viator, GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor
🌧️ Weather Policy
✅ Runs rain or shine
- Open-top seating in nice weather
- Covered lower level available for rain or chilly days
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly?
Totally!
- Great for families with kids or older travelers
- Easy way to explore hilly Old Québec without walking it all
- Stroller-friendly
- Kids under 6 usually ride free
💡 Why It’s Worth It
- Covers all of Old Québec’s major sites
- Learn local history, culture, and legends
- Ideal for cruise passengers or weekend visitors
- You can get off for cafés, museums, views, or shopping, then hop back on!
Want the FAQ version next or help planning a 1-day walking + bus combo itinerary? I’m here for it!
Absolutely! Here’s your full Hop-On Hop-Off Québec City – FAQ to help you plan a smooth and scenic ride through this historic gem of a city 🇨🇦🚌✨
🏰 Hop-On Hop-Off Québec City – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ What is a hop-on hop-off tour?
It’s a flexible sightseeing bus tour that lets you hop off at any stop, explore the area, and hop back on when you’re ready. The loop includes major landmarks and neighborhoods of Old Québec and nearby attractions.
🕐 When does it operate?
- Seasonal service only: May to October
- Buses run daily
- First departure: around 9:30–10:00 AM
- Final pickup: around 4:30–5:00 PM
- Buses arrive every 20–30 minutes
- Full loop (no stops) takes about 1.5 hours
🕐 No hop-on hop-off service from November through April
💰 How much does it cost?
As of the latest updates (via Unitours.ca):
- 1-Day Pass: ~$50 CAD (adult) / ~$30 CAD (child 6–12)
- 2-Day Pass: ~$60–65 CAD (adult)
- Kids under 6: Ride free with an adult
🎫 Book online or through your hotel to save a few bucks!
🗺️ What stops are included?
The tour includes 12+ stops around Old Québec and nearby sites:
- Place d’Armes / Château Frontenac 🏰
- Parliament Building
- Plains of Abraham / The Citadel
- Grande-Allée (restaurants, nightlife)
- Old Port & Cruise Terminal
- Petit-Champlain / Breakneck Stairs
- Musée de la Civilisation
- Rue Saint-Jean & Quartier Saint-Jean-Baptiste
- Observatoire de la Capitale
- Marché du Vieux-Port
🗺️ Map available on unitours.ca
🎧 Is there a guide or audio commentary?
Yes!
- Most tours feature a live bilingual guide (English & French)
- Some buses may offer pre-recorded audio in other languages (check in advance)
- The guides cover history, fun facts, legends, and Québec’s unique French-Canadian culture
📍 Where do I board the bus?
You can board at any official stop, but the main starting point is:
- 📍 Place d’Armes, right in front of Château Frontenac
🌧️ Does it run in bad weather?
✅ Yes, the tour runs rain or shine
- Buses have an open-top deck when it’s sunny
- The lower level is enclosed, perfect for cooler or rainy days
👨👩👧👦 Is it good for families?
Definitely!
- Stroller-friendly
- Kids enjoy the ride and views
- Under 6s usually ride free
🧳 Can I bring bags?
- Small backpacks or day bags: ✅
- Large luggage or suitcases: ❌ (not permitted)
📱 How do I buy tickets?
You can buy:
- Online: unitours.ca
- At ticket booths near Place d’Armes
- Via apps like Viator, GetYourGuide, or your hotel concierge
🔁 How long is my pass valid?
- 1-Day Pass: Valid for the calendar day it’s activated
- 2-Day Pass: Valid on two consecutive days
🎁 Are there combo tours?
Yes! You can often bundle with:
- Walking tours of Old Québec
- Ile d’Orléans countryside tours
- St. Lawrence River cruises
- Or a combo with a bus + boat + walking experience
Need help planning a 1-day route or want to include a river cruise, market stop, or café crawl? I can help design the perfect Québec City day!
