Visit the sprawling city park that marks the site of a vicious battle between British and French soldiers and learn about the city during and after the war.
For more than a century, this historic nature park has been a popular destination for the city’s residents. The 103 hectares (255 acres) of landscaped gardens are home to important monuments, an arboretum and winter ski trails that offer views across the St. Lawrence River.
It’s the park’s proximity to the river that made it such a pivotal stronghold for the city’s defence. It was here, on the Plains of Abraham, that Canada’s future was determined after the French lost control of the country to the British in 1759.
See what’s left of the city fortifications as you wander through the park. The Martello Towers are home to a permanent exhibition outlining the role of the fort. Use the multimedia device included with your admission to see animations and interactive maps appear on the walls. Watch Odyssey, a multimedia presentation that outlines the different battles fought on the plain, at the nearby Discover Pavilion.
Now that you know the park’s history, discover it’s natural beauty by climbing to the top of Grey Terrace. Pause for a photograph of the river from above before stopping to smell the roses at the Joan of Arc Garden. The park’s arboretum contains 28 species of trees from around the world. Follow one of the hiking trails to explore the more rugged parts of Battlefields Park.
In the colder months the park transforms into a hub for wintersports as Québec’s traditionally heavy snowfall provides ample opportunity for cross-country skiing, ice skating and tobogganing. The snow season runs from mid-December until late March. There is no equipment hire in the park so be sure to bring your own gear or rent from one of the many outlets in the centre of town.
Battlefields Park can be found in Old Québec’s Upper Town and can be reached on foot from Château Frontenac. Free parking is available outside the park.
