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Step into Quebec City’s history and enjoy a curated gin tasting experience at Cercle de la Garnison. Discover the stories behind the building and craft your own gin & tonic with a local mixologist.
Step into Quebec City’s history and enjoy a curated gin tasting experience at Cercle de la Garnison. Discover the stories behind the building and craft your own gin & tonic with a local mixologist.
Book with Cicerone Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cicerone Tours · Québec, Québec
Situated in the heart of Quebec City, the Cercle de la Garnison offers a captivating journey through history combined with a modern tasting experience. This historic building, steeped in heritage, invites visitors to step back in time and uncover its secrets alongside a knowledgeable guide dressed in period costume. The tour is more than just a walk through history; it’s an interactive encounter that reveals the stories of the 18th-century military officers who once called it home, along with insights into Quebec’s rich past.
After soaking in the history, participants transition into a lively tasting session of Quebec’s renowned gins. Partnering with local distillers, this experience provides a chance to sample a variety of unique gins, each with its own distinct flavor profile. A skilled mixologist then guides everyone through the art of crafting the perfect gin & tonic, blending local spirits with carefully selected botanicals and garnishes. This two-hour adventure captures both the spirit of heritage and the spirit of local craftsmanship.
What makes this experience stand out is its seamless fusion of history, culture, and culinary arts, all set within a beautifully preserved heritage building. The Cercle de la Garnison isn’t just a tour—it’s a celebration of Quebec’s rich heritage and innovative distilling traditions, making it a memorable stop for history buffs and gin enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a curious traveler or a devoted spirit lover, this tour offers a distinctive way to spend an afternoon in Quebec City, immersing yourself in stories and flavors that are uniquely Quebec.
Given its central location and engaging format, it’s an ideal activity for small groups, history aficionados, or anyone looking to add a cultural twist to their visit. Discover the allure of Quebec’s past and present while enjoying a taste of its finest local spirits.
Moderate.
6–8 hours.
Moderate fitness required; participants should be comfortable with outdoor activity.
The tour is designed for adults and contains alcohol tastings, so it’s not recommended for children.
The Cercle de la Garnison is accessible, but it’s best to contact ahead to confirm specific needs.
Participants typically sample 4-5 Quebec gins during the tasting session.
Yes, private tours can be arranged upon request, ideal for groups or special occasions.
Please inform staff in advance; vegetarian options and other accommodations can usually be provided.
The entire experience lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours.
The Cercle de la Garnison dates back to the 18th century and played a key role in Quebec’s military history.
The building and surrounding area are maintained with sustainability in mind, conserving historic architecture while promoting local distilling.
Cicerone Tours is a guided-tour operator based in Québec, Québec, specializing in immersive experiences through Vieux-Québec and surrounding historic sites. The company offers a variety of walking tours, heritage visits and culinary experiences led by local guides, including costumed historical characters who bring more than 400 years of Quebec history to life. Cicerone Tours features itineraries that explore UNESCO-designated Old Quebec landmarks such as Château Frontenac, Place Royale and Quartier Petit-Champlain. Offerings include seasonal winter walks, Christmas-themed tours that visit the German Christmas Market, a dedicated Fairmont Le Château Frontenac tour, and behind-the-scenes visits to heritage buildings like the Cercle de la Garnison. Several experiences pair history with local flavours, providing tastings from Quebec partners and curated gin tastings led by mixologists. The operator is recognized for combining storytelling, culinary tastings and site-specific knowledge to create accessible tours for visitors to Québec City. Tours vary in length and format; for example, the Château Frontenac tour is presented as a 60-minute guided visit. Cicerone Tours is also featured on The Adventure Collective, further establishing its visibility in curated travel listings. All descriptions and offerings reflect the company’s public tour names and summaries as available.
Book with Cicerone Tours