Quebec City
- 1 map
- €11.99 per group
- ~2 h 30
Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec, in Canada. It stands on a high cliff above the Saint Lawrence River. People here speak French. The name comes from an Algonquian word, Kebec: it means “where the river narrows”. The Wendat Nation, also called Huron-Wendat, lives today in Wendake, near Quebec City.
Stops to discover
Porte Saint-Louis
The Porte Saint-Louis is a gate in the walls of Vieux-Québec. It links the old town with the newer neighbourhoods that grew up outside the walls.
Porte Saint-Jean
The Porte Saint-Jean is one of the gates in the walls of Vieux-Québec. It opens onto Rue Saint-Jean, one of the best-loved streets in the city.
Petit Séminaire
The Séminaire de Québec is a group of stone buildings in the heart of the upper town. People have come here to learn for more than three centuries.
Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville
Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville is the square in front of Quebec City's city hall. From here you can see the city hall, its gardens and the façade of the basilica-cathedral.
Place d'Armes
Place d'Armes is the square in front of the Château Frontenac, in the heart of the upper town. The Terrasse Dufferin, above the river, and Rue du Trésor both start here.
Parc Montmorency
The Parc Montmorency is a park at the top of the cliff, above the lower town. For many years the elected members of the city and the province met here.
Quartier Petit-Champlain
The Quartier Petit-Champlain is a neighbourhood in the lower town, at the foot of the cliff. Its main street is car-free and full of small shops.
Place Royale
Place Royale is the square where Quebec City was born in 1608. Today it is a cobbled corner of the lower town, with stone houses and steep roofs.
The sights along the route
The route crosses Vieux-Québec, the old town protected by UNESCO. It is the only city in North America, north of Mexico, that still has its walls all around it. It passes stone gates, squares and cobbled streets. Then it goes down towards the river, into the lower town. You will discover the rest stop by stop.
There are eight stops and about 2.5 km on foot. You need about three hours of play, plus your breaks. The route goes downhill and has a steep staircase near the end, with a street without steps as an alternative. It does not return to the starting point.
History and culture, lived through play
Every stop tells a piece of history. There are governors, merchants, artists and builders. There are questions about houses and squares, riddles, anagrams and little logic puzzles. The questions are designed for children aged 9 and up and for their parents.
You don't need to know everything already. Many answers are found by looking closely at what is in front of you, others by thinking together. Always cross at the crosswalk when the white walking figure lights up. In winter, stairs and cobblestones can be icy: dress warmly and walk slowly.
An adventure that continues
Once the hunt is over, Quebec City still has a lot to offer families. In winter, snow turns parks and hills into huge playgrounds. Along the river runs a long promenade with lawns and play areas.
Outside the walls there are big parks, lovely in every season. Every neighbourhood has its own story: the next hunt is waiting for you.
Frequently asked questions
€11.99 per group. One purchase unlocks the map on one phone and the whole group plays together, as many of you as you like. You get access by email right away and the map stays valid for 1 year.
About 2.5–3 hours on foot, at an easy pace, including stops to solve the puzzles. Each map's page shows its stages, distance and estimated time.
No, you can play straight from the browser: Piracity is a web app (PWA) you add to your home screen in two taps.
Recommended from age 8; younger children play as a team with their parents.