Battlefields Park is a historic natural park above the St. Lawrence River. Explore 103 hectares (225 acres) of landscaped gardens and open green spaces while taking in views of the St. Lawrence River and city skyline. In summer stroll between monuments and fountains and walk beneath trees in the arboretum. Go cross-country skiing, ice skating and tobogganing in winter.
The park’s strategic position above the river played a key role in the defense of Québec. Today you can walk through the Plains of Abraham where the French and British fought in 1759. The French lost the battle and Canada was ceded to the British.
Find more military history in the Martello Towers, which were built in the 1800s to fend off the Americans if they tried to invade Québec. Martello Tower 1 houses an exhibition during summer. Use the multimedia device, free with admission, to see animations and maps that tell of the towers’ history. Learn about the battles on the Plains of Abraham in the Discovery Pavilion.
With the history of the park fresh in your mind, climb up the Grey Terrace and look out across the landscape to the river. Head north through the Joan of Arc Garden to the arboretum. Here, you can discover more than 28 species of trees while getting fit on long hiking trails.
Battlefields Park is no less popular in winter, when locals and visitors come to make the most of fresh snowfalls. Hire gear from outlets in town to go cross-country skiing, tobogganing and ice skating. Peak ski season is between December and March.
Battlefields Park lies in Old Québec’s Upper Town. Come by cable railway from the Lower Town or on foot from the Château Frontenac. There is free parking outside the park.
