Climb to the cliff-top promenade that runs along the St. Lawrence River for the best views of Québec City and a giant ice slide in winter.
Saunter along Québec’s most popular walking trail to look across Old Québec and the St. Lawrence River from above. Dufferin Terrace sits just beneath the famous Château Frontenac hotel and follows the river edge. Traverse the winding, wooden boardwalk to come across street performers and food vendors in the summer. In winter the end of the terrace is home to a huge ice slide.
As you walk, look for the cannons that once protected the city. Be sure to stop at the statue of Samuel de Champlain, the man who founded the city.
Take a guided tour of the archaeological remains of Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux. The ruins, uncovered between 2005 and 2007, are all that’s left of the former homes of the British and French governors who occupied the buildings between 1620 and 1834. The ruins are located immediately beneath the terrace. The free tour takes you through the kitchen, complete with its original oven, past the latrines and through several other buildings. If you don’t have time for the tour peer down an “archeoscope”, a glass tunnel, from the terrace for a glimpse at what’s below.
Visit in winter to race down the ice slide at the end of the terrace. The temporary sled run has been erected every winter for more than a century. A fee to access the slope includes toboggan hire. Race your friends down the 82-metre (269-foot) tall slope to cover a distance of 150 metres (492 feet).
Dufferin Terrace is located in Old Québec and can be reached on foot or by bus from most areas of the city. Take the scenic route to the terrace by riding the cable car that leads from the Petit-Champlain district of the Lower Town. A staircase follows the same route and is great for those wanting to stretch their legs.
