Parc des Champs-de-Bataille (Battlefields Park including Plains of Abraham)

A trip to Quebec City is not complete without a visit to one of Canada’s most historically important parks. The Battlefields Parks includes the famous Plains of Abraham. Located just outside the fortified walls of Old Quebec, the Plains of Abraham is the site of the pivotal battle between French and English soldiers in 1759. Today it is an idyllic parkland which attracts millions of visitors each year and is one of the biggest city parks in the world.

A Violent History

It's hard to imagine that the sprawling 108 hectares of beautifully landscaped meadows once was the site of bloody clashes between the French and the British empires in their quest to control the colony of New France. It was on these grassy knolls during the Seven Years' War that the Battle of the Plains of Abraham took place on September 13, 1759. After a three-month siege, the British troops overcame the French in a decisive victory that lasted less than an hour. The battle claimed the lives of the British commander, Major General James Wolfe, and French General Marquis de Montcalm. The Seven Years' War eventually ended with France surrendering Montreal in 1760 to Great Britain.

A Place to Reflect

The Battlefields Park includes the Plains of Abraham and the Des Braves Park. The area serves to honour the heroism of the French and British soldiers who died in the 1759 battle. There are many monuments in the park including the Wolfe Monument, said to be located in the spot General Wolfe died in battle, the Centennial Fountain which commemorates the centennial of Canadian Confederation in 1967, and a series of plaques throughout the park which detail important events that took place on the Plains of Abraham.

Lush Gardens and Greenery

The parklands of the Plains of Abraham are a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of nature. There are close to 6,000 trees in the Battlefields Park, and fields of colourful plants and artful landscaping. A popular attraction is the stunning Joan of Arc Garden. Lush with perennials and encircled by hedges, it was inspired by a statue of Joan of Arc on horseback received as a gift by the National Battlefields Commission.

A Site for Sport

This massive parkland lends itself well to sporting events and offers and dozens of recreational activities. Winter sport lovers can ski for free on the Plains of Abraham, which offers a snowshoeing trail and cross-country skiing trails in varying levels of difficulty, as well as ski rentals and rest areas. There is plenty of activity in the summer as well with plenty of space for football and soccer games, or taking a leisurely walk while enjoying a perfect view of the majestic St. Lawrence River.

Events and Activities

The Plains of Abraham is a popular destination for outdoor concerts, festivals and leisure activities.

From the Quebec Winter Carnival to Canada Day, there are dozens of events taking place and several exhibits and tours which offer a rich history of the Plains. Visit the two cylindrical Martello towers, which were stone structures built to defend the troops from attacks . Explore the Odyssey Multimedia Exhibition which details the turbulent history of the grounds and the battles that were fought upon it. Other activities include real archaeological excavations, theatrical presentations, and bus and walking tours.

Visiting the Plains of Abraham

A starting point for a visit to the Plains of Abraham is the Discovery Pavilion, located at 835 Wilfrid-Laurier Avenue by the Grande Allee.

This welcome centre offers information about the park, a currency exchange, washrooms, a gift shop and Internet station. Ski rentals can be obtained here in the winter.

For more information on the Plains of Abraham, call 418-648-4071.

Click here to visit Parc des Champs-de-Bataille official website