Vehicle Traffic: The park will be closed to vehicle traffic starting this Friday, November 22, for the winter season.

Nature, Sports and Leisure Activities

Trails and Facilities

The Plains of Abraham are a place where many sports and recreational activities are practiced, including skating, running, walking, cycling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. 

Vue aérienne de l'anneau de glace des plaines d'Abraham à la tombée du jour.
Vue aérienne de l'anneau de glace des plaines d'Abraham à la tombée du jour.
Plan aérien d'un skieur de fond sur les plaines d'Abraham, on aperçoit derrière lui le fleuve Saint-Laurent. View of a cross-country skier on the Plains of Abraham, with the St. Lawrence River visible behind him
Une femme courant sur une piste multifonctionnelle en nature sur le plaines d'Abraham à l'automne. A woman running on a multifunctional trail in nature on the Plains of Abraham in the fall.
Un jeune homme et une jeune femme aux cheveux blonds se lancent le frisebee, on aperçoit derrière la tour Martello 1. A young man and a young woman with blonde hair are playing frisbee, with Martello Tower 1 visible in the background.
On this page

A vast playground

The park has always maintained its vocation as a vast playground. In the past, people enjoyed snowshoeing, tobogganing, skiing, skating, and hockey on the world's first covered skating rink! The Quebec Bulldogs even won the Stanley Cup there twice in the 1910s. Large crowds also gathered for horse races, and the elite played golf.

Today, the park allows residents and visitors to engage in numerous sports such as inline skating, running, walking, cycling, football, soccer, cross-country skiing, and a multitude of other recreational activities in a highly inviting environment.

Information regarding the cross-country ski trails will be available shortly. Stay tuned!

Trails and Multifunctional Paths

In summer, visitors can enjoy 1.4 km of multifunctional trails surrounding the Plains sports field, offering free access for running, walking, and cycling. Other interpretive trails are also available:

 

Nature Trail

From Cap-aux-Diamants to Grey Terrace

From Cap-aux-Diamants to Grey Terrace, follow the Nature Trail that runs along the cliff on the southern side of the Plains of Abraham. Located between the Cap Blanc staircase and the Gilmour Hill, this historic route takes you along the path of the country's first herbalists. Along the way, you will discover breathtaking views of the river.

 

Plains of Abraham Trail

Gilmour Hill Area

The path, over 1 km long, runs through a natural environment, separate from road infrastructures, and emphasizes the area's beauty and history with its rest areas and interpretive panels, and impressive views of the St. Lawrence River. At times winding, with a gentler slope than Gilmour Hill, the route is designed to facilitate pedestrian and cyclist traffic. 

It becomes a safe and popular space for park users between the Samuel-de-Champlain Promenade and Old Quebec.

In Winter

Whether in summer or winter, sports and recreational activities allow you to enjoy nature in the city and explore the history of this vast urban and historic park.
 

Cross-country Skiing

The Plains of Abraham provide more than 14 km of ski trails laid out for classic and skate cross-country skiing (beginner, intermediate and expert).

Access to the trails is free and equipment rental is available at the skaters' chalet of the Plains of Abraham Skating Rink.

The trails are groomed on a daily basis, weather permitting. Check the trails' status and follow grooming in real-time on the Nordic Pulse web app.

Refrigerated Ice Rink

Located in the sports field of the Plains of Abraham, closed to Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, this 358-meter long by 7-meter wide ice rink lets you fully enjoy the pleasures of winter. You have access to the skater's chalet offering equipment rentals as well as a snack bar.

Updates are posted on the Facebook page of the Plains of Abraham Skating Rink. Subscribe to the page to stay informed about the latest posts. 

Skating Rink

View the map

Snow Sliding

Each winter, the Plains turn into a grand playground. Slide in one of the two designated areas behind the Plains of Abraham Museum! The major events site, located behind the Plains of Abraham Museum, offers two beginner-level areas where both young and old can enjoy free and safe sledding.

Snow carpet rentals are available at the Museum.

Vue aérienne de l'anneau de glace des plaines d'Abraham à la tombée du jour.
Vue aérienne de l'anneau de glace des plaines d'Abraham à la tombée du jour.
Un homme et une femme pratiquant le ski de fond sur les plaines d'Abraham, on aperçoit derrière eux la tour Martello et le fleuve Saint-Laurent. A man and a woman cross-country skiing on the Plains of Abraham, with the Martello Tower and the St. Lawrence River visible behind them.
Plan your visit
Walker Code of Conduct

Be courteous to other park users;

Follow the instructions given by safety officers;

Remain on the track prepared for your skiing style (classic or skate ski) and follow the indicated direction.

Cross-Country Skier Code of Conduct

Maintain a safe distance between yourself and the skier ahead of you;

Step off the trail if you stop or fall so that you do not hold up other skiers;

On a single track, signal your intention to pass another skier without being rude;

On a double track, use the left lane to pass other skiers and remain in the right lane if you are skiing more slowly;

On hills, start your descent only after the skier ahead of you has reached the bottom of the slope;

Be aware of other park visitors, especially near walking trails and areas for sliding.

Security Service

Report any irregularity or dangerous situation to the Plains of Abraham Security Service (24/7) by calling 418-648-4652.

Signage

Please pay attention to the signs and follow their instructions. It’s a matter of safety for all users and respect for the team that marks the cross-country ski trails and maintains the paths.

Parking

Check the parking options on the interactive map.