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Over the centuries, the Plains of Abraham have been, and still are, the site of many memorable happenings.
The Plains of Abraham are to Québec City as Central Park is to New York—an oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. The scene of many historic milestones over the centuries, the Plains today are the mainstage venue for headline cultural events.
Canada’s first national historic park, Battlefields Park, which includes the Plains of Abraham, was created in 1908 to mark the 300th anniversary of the founding of Québec. The 98 hectare park is a vast playground that draws sports enthusiasts, strollers out for a breath of fresh air, and families in search of an idyllic picnic spot. A jewel in the park’s crown, the Joan of Arc Garden is a delight for the senses, with over 150 plant and flower varieties on dazzling display.
Québec City’s defensive system, the heart of which is located on the Plains of Abraham, was built between 1608 and 1871, but evolved considerably over that same period. Today, the fortifications consist of 4 gates, 3 Martello towers, the Citadelle, and the ramparts encircling the Old Town over nearly 4.6 km. The Citadelle was erected between 1820 and 1850, and was the largest British fortress in North America at the time. A national historic site of Canada since 1980, it boasts a characteristic star shape, clearly distinguished from above.
The Plains of Abraham were the site of the famous Battle of Québec in 1759, which saw the French and British troops face off in a fight for control of the city and the surrounding territory. The two armies clashed again several months later in the Battle of Sainte-Foy. Ultimately, the decisive British victory had a significant influence on Québec’s architecture, defensive works, and urban planning.
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, the fine arts museum on the Plains of Abraham, is worth a visit as much for its stunning architecture as for the remarkable exhibits on display within its walls. Québec City is also home to a number of other reputed museums with varied and entertaining collections.
The impression made upon the visitor by this Gibraltar of America: its giddy heights; its citadel suspended as it were in the air; its picturesque steep streets and frowning gateways; and the splendid views which burst upon the eye at every turn: is at once unique and lasting. - Charles Dickens, American Notes, 1842
One of Canada’s premier musical events, Festival d’été de Québec presents over 300 shows during 11 days on 10 stages in the heart of Old Québec, including the festival main stage on the Plains of Abraham.
Mid-July
Unique in Québec, the changing of the guard ceremony at the Citadelle is inspired by its counterpart version at London’s Buckingham Palace. A daily summer tradition since 1938, the ceremony features soldiers from the Royal 22e Régiment in their impressive red ceremonial dress and black bearskin hats.
Late June to early September
In addition to the Citadelle, Québec City’s fortifications have many other important components. Originally built for defensive purposes, they now delight visitors from around the world.
Originally built in 1693, the porte Saint-Jean was demolished and rebuilt several times. The current version, just a few steps from Place D’Youville at the entrance to the old walled city, dates from 1940.
The first porte Saint-Louis was built in 1693, the same year as the porte Saint-Jean. The version that stands today near Parliament Hill and the Citadelle of Québec dates from 1878.
The last of the gates to be erected, the porte Kent is the only one that never served any defensive role. It was built purely for decorative purposes in 1879 when the fortifications were being restored.
The porte Prescott was built in 1797 and demolished in 1871. Rebuilt in 1983 as a pedestrian bridge over Côte de la Montagne, it looks much different today than it did originally.
Québec’s four Martello towers were built between 1808 and 1812 under British rule to defend the city against a possible American invasion. Tower No. 3 was destroyed in 1904, leaving the three that remain today, the only Martello towers in the province. Tower No. 1 stands at the edge of bluffs on the Plains of Abraham, overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Tower No. 2 is located at the highest point in the city, at the corner of Taché and Laurier Avenues, and Tower No. 4 is on rue Lavigueur.
Designated a Canadian national historic site in 1959, Artillery Park houses a series of buildings that include the Dauphine Redoubt, one of the oldest-standing military structures in the country. A witness to 250 years of history, the Redoubt occupies a location recognized for its strategic importance as early as the 17th century. Various other defensive works were built here over the years.
The museums of Québec City present a rich and diverse array of exhibitions sure to appeal to art lovers and history buffs alike.
Located just steps from the mighty St. Lawrence River, Musée de la civilisation opened its doors in 1988. This popular museum emphasizes visitor participation and interactivity with permanent and temporary exhibitions oriented toward the social sciences and humanities.
Québec City’s fine arts museum on the Plains of Abraham houses a collection of more than 37,000 works dating from the 17th century through to the present. Inaugurated in 1933, the museum promotes Québec art and showcases international art as well.
This museum dedicated to francophone culture and history in North America and around the world is housed on the remarkable Séminaire de Québec site.
Located just opposite the Château Frontenac, Musée du Fort presents a sound and light show recounting Québec City’s military history.
This museum is part of a magnificent complex in the heart of Old Québec that is considered one of the finest examples of convent architecture in North America. It houses the heritage treasures of Canada’s oldest religious teaching order.
This museum, founded in 1950 at the Citadelle of Québec and home to one of the largest military collections in Canada, retraces military history from New France to the present. It has been an official Canadian Forces museum since 1974.
Within the walls of an old convent steeped in nearly 400 years of history and recently opened to the public for the first time, the museum presents the Augustinians’ work caring for the sick, the community’s way of life, and the evolution of health care from the beginning of colonisation. The permanent exhibition includes more than 1000 artefacts and archives that highlight this exceptional heritage.
Gateway to the Plains of Abraham and occupying a building constructed in 1939 whose architecture is inspired by the Loire castles, the Musée des plaines d’Abraham highlights the historical significance of this prestigious city park.
