Parks and the outdoors in Quebec City

17 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Quebec City.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Eat
Au Petit Coin Breton
Primarily a creperie with both savoury and sweet crepes, with other Breton-style dishes on the menu. The ambiance is "theme park" Breton (they're in a tourist area, after all), the food is tasty, the waitresses are attentive without being overbearing, and the prices are... not unreasonable, considering they are in a tourist area.
June 24 to Labour Day: daily 08:30-23:00; Labour Day to June 23: Sun-Thu 08:30-21:00 Fri-Sat 08:30-22:00
Drink
Bar Le Sacrilège
Neighbourhood bar in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste district, a 5-minute walk from the Old City gates (Porte Saint-Jean). Known for its glass-enclosed four-season patio hidden in the backyard — one of the few heated winter terraces in the world — and for some of the cheapest pints in town. Free weekly events: chess tournament (M), run club (Tu), karaoke (W), music trivia (Th). BYO food is allowed.
Daily 12:00-03:00
Do
Dufferin Terrace
Terrasse Dufferin
Boardwalk along (east of) the Chateau Frontenac. Offers a grand view of the St. Lawrence River, running from the statue of Champlain/the top of the Funiculare to the bottom steps of the Governors' Walk, with covered gazebos protruding out for even better views of Lower Town along the way.
Buy
Galeries de la Capitale
Large shopping mall towards the north of the city which boasts 280 stores and 35 restaurants. Also has an IMAX theatre and an indoor amusement park which includes a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster and a skating rink for hockey games.
See
La Promenade Samuel-De Champlain
Pleasant walking path next to the St. Lawrence river, some 15 minutes by car to the southwest from Haute Ville. The path goes through greenery and past artworks.
Do
Mont-Sainte-Anne
Ski and snow during the cold season. Camping, biking and hiking at summertime.
See
Musée national des Beaux-arts du Québec
Located on the Battlefields park, the mission of this art museum is to promote and preserve Québec art of all periods and to ensure a place for international art through temporary exhibitions. You can also visit the old prison of Quebec City, which is now one of the two main pavilions of the museum. The annex was designed by renowned architectural firm OMA.
Tue Thu-Sun 10:00-17:00, Wed 10:00-21:00Online: $22 adult, $20 senior, $12 young adult, $5 youth, children free
See
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
The site of 83-m-high Montmorency waterfall. There are paths downstream of the waterfall with views of the waterfall and a suspension bridge offering a view over the waterfall. Located at Quebec's eastern city limits, about 11 km from the old city.
$7.57 for non-residents of the province, $3.78 for residents of the province
See
Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge
Residence of past lieutenant-governors from 1870-1966 and spread over 24 ha, this garden features heritage buildings, wooded areas and gardens.
See
Park d'Artillerie
In the 18th century the site of fortifications, later a garrison and until 1964 a munitions factory, there are two buildings left in this National Historic Park. In the former brick foundry there's a museum exhibiting the history of the city, and in the former building of the arsenal there's a weapon exhibition. Another attraction in the park is a Celtic cross commemorating the Irish famine and Irish immigration to North America.
Open now · closes 5 pm
Do
Promenade des Gouverneurs
Scenic walk starting at the top of the Funiculare, continuing along the wall over looking the old city. The many staircases lead to overlooks offering scenic views of the St. Lawrence. The walk ends at the gazebo on the Plains of Abraham. At the southern end there's free parking with space for 50 cars.
See
The Battlefields Park
The Plains of Abraham, Parc des Champs-de-Bataille, Plaines d'Abraham
Site of the 1759 battle in which the British conquered Quebec, now used for public events, sports, and leisure activities.
Eat
Un Thé au Sahara
Small restaurant with good Moroccan food, somewhat of the main tourist trail. The restaurant has no alcohol license, though guests are allowed to bring their own bottle of wine.
See
Vieux-Port
The oldest port in Canada, and second most important in the province and on the Saint Lawrence river is an attraction in its own right. It's easily accessible on foot from the old town, and has a market hall where you can buy local food products.
Do
Villages Vacances Valcartier
Water park and go-carts open during the summer season. Tubing and ice skating offered in the winter.
Do Not mapped
AML Cruises on the St-Lawrence river
Offers three-hour cruises leaving from the docks nearby the ferry. One of the cruises leaves as the sun is setting and comes back when the sun is down for a stunning view of Quebec city by night.
Do Not mapped
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on Plains of Abraham
Treat yourself to nature in the city and ski free of charge in one of the most accessible, enchanting sites there is, as you enjoy a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Quebec City (CC BY-SA 4.0).