Bonjour! Hello! ¡Hola!

With an academic background in international studies including a master's degree in international history and politics, my specialty is explaining Quebec City's history not only from a local point of view, but also by highlighting the international context of the last five centuries.

Before being a tourist guide, I too traveled…After 13 years away that took me to Toronto, Switzerland, Spain, and Mexico, I returned to settle in my hometown of Quebec City in 2013. As a jack-of-all-trades (in the good sense!), long before becoming a certified tour guide, I worked for various international organizations including the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Centre of Excellence for Destinations (CED).

My professional experience goes beyond the institutional sector. From 2009 to 2013, I was general manager and co-owner of La Hacienda del Gobernador, a boutique hotel, restaurant, and art gallery in Mexico. Under the supervision of Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History, I converted a former prestigious residence in ruins classified as a National Historic Monument by applying principles of conservation of built heritage and sustainable development.
When I returned to Quebec City, I directed the tourist and cultural operations of the magnificent Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, a National Historic Site, for several years. I also served as vice president and interim general manager of Quebec City's religious heritage and tourism council, vice president of Old Quebec's borough council, and board member for Destination Québec Cité, the city's tourism board.

When I'm not guiding, as a trained historian, I work on personal historical projects. I also participate in the diplomatic life of the city, as I am Honorary Consul of Spain in Quebec City.

Tommy

+20 years in the tourism industry locally and internationally

B.A. in International Studies (York University - Toronto)
M.A. in International History and Politics (The Graduate Institute - Geneva)
Certificate - Quebec City Local Tour Guide (Champlain St. Lawrence College - Quebec City)

Active Member of the Quebec City Tour Guide Association
Active Member of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec
Active Member of the Quebec Historical Society

Board member of the Quebec City Tourism Bureau (2015-2019)
Vice-President of the Corporation of Religious Heritage and Tourism of Quebec (2014-2019)
Vice-President of the Old Quebec-Cap-Blanc-Parliamentary Hill Borough Council (2015-2016)

Recipient of 2015 Award of Excellence by the Québec Religious Heritage Council

Passionate about communication, I have given several keynote and public speeches at numerous national and international tourism events.

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This express tour will show you the most important parts of the Historic District of Old Quebec, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985.

Starting with the first nations, we'll go through the history of the city with the arrival of the first French settlers, the creation of the Royal colony of New France, the emergence of Quebec City as capital of British North America, the creation of the Dominion of Canada, leading to the contemporary era. Almost 500 years of history!

Having studied and work for almost 15 years inside the old city walls, I'll take you to see hidden gems off the normal tourist path. You'll understand why the "Quartier latin" is my favourite area of the city. Of course, I'll give you great recommendation for food, but I'll also warn you all the tourist traps you should always avoid, such as a terrible restaurant that serves a "rosé" mixing red and white wines leftovers…!

Historic District of Old Quebec Walking Tour (2h)

Picking you up and bringing you back directly at the Port of Quebec City, this VIP tour with a private chauffeur will show you many murals of the city, the Montmorency Falls, and the Island of Orleans.

Shore Excursion - Quebec City Highlights with a private chauffeur (6h)

Let me show the two neighbourhoods where I live! In a way I live in both places at the same time since my street divides both neighbourhoods. Montcalm and Saint-Jean-Baptiste are, along with Parliament Hill, the Upper Town districts starting on the western part of the Old Town fortifications. Historically, Saint-Jean Baptiste was a popular district, and Montcalm was privileged by the elite. Many features of the past still linger, but these days, both districts are bustling urban neighborhoods where all kinds of people mingle.

Montcalm is known as the Art District of Quebec, I'll show you my favourite public street art, a series of streetlamps with ever changing artwork decorating the various giant lampshades! After, I'll tell you about my favourite hangouts on Saint-Jean Street, such as Le Projet, a microbrewery pub inside a former Second Empire bank, and Cantook Café, where you can taste the best cup of coffee the city has to offer!

Tour guide in Quebec City Tommy B.

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