Parks in Quebec City near Beauport: Three Green Spaces to Know

Parc Montmorency is an urban park in Old Québec with layers of agricultural and political history. Louis Hébert, his wife Marie Rollet and their three children established a farm on the land in 1617, on part of what was the first cultivated land in New France.

The park later became the site of the Legislative Assembly of United Canada. Québec City hosted the parliament from 1852 to 1855 and again from 1860 to 1865; the former parliament building on the site was destroyed by fire in 1883.

Today, monuments to Louis Hébert and Sir George-Étienne Cartier, along with a plaque commemorating Québec’s first parliament building, mark the park.

Parc Montmorency forms part of the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site and was designated a historic site of Canada in 1949. Its central setting makes it a natural addition to a walk through Old Québec; you can fit the park into a wider one-day Old Québec itinerary from Beauport.

The Plains of Abraham offer a large landscape for walking, running, cycling and cross-country skiing. They form part of Battlefields Park, which also includes Des Braves Park, and the site was the setting for major battles in 1759 and 1760.

For a shorter route, the 1 km Plains of Abraham Trail is a multifunctional and interpretive path for pedestrians and cyclists near Gilmour Hill. It connects the Samuel-de-Champlain Promenade and Old Québec, and has resting areas, interpretive panels and views of the St. Lawrence River. The trail is lit year-round and groomed in winter.

The 1.8 km Nature Trail follows the southern cliff between the Cap Blanc Staircase and Gilmour Hill, with river views along the way. There is also a 1.4 km multipurpose track for free recreational use. Organized activities, skateboards, roller skis and small motorized vehicles are prohibited on that track.

The Plains of Abraham Museum serves as the park’s reception and information centre, with brochures, park maps, washrooms, a drinking fountain, a boutique and parking. Its hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on certain holidays; check the official site before you go.

Choose Parc Montmorency for a compact stop centered on Old Québec’s civic history, and the Plains of Abraham for more room to walk, cycle or ski. The Plains’ network gives you options for a short interpretive outing or a longer route along the river-facing cliff.

For a winter visit, the Plains of Abraham Trail is groomed, and the park offers cross-country skiing routes. In other seasons, walking, running and cycling are among the park’s activities. The landscape is uneven, so take care and inspect the area before starting an activity.

Dogs are allowed on the Plains, but they must stay on a leash no longer than 3 metres. Owners must pick up and dispose of their dogs’ waste. Camping, outdoor cooking devices such as barbecues, drones, mountain biking, motocross and bicycle racing are prohibited, with an exception for the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec.

The Plains of Abraham are free to access year-round, and the museum offers basic visitor facilities and park information. The grounds managed by the National Battlefields Commission include Battlefields Park, Parc des Braves and Pierre-Dugua-de-Mons Terrace.

If you want to combine green space with city sightseeing, Parc Montmorency sits in the historic district, about a 10-minute drive from Hotel Motel Le Chateauguay. For broader trip logistics, how to get around Beauport and Québec City can help you plan the city portion of your day.

Before heading to the Plains, keep the terrain and activity rules in mind, especially if you plan to cycle or bring a dog. For current museum hours and access details, check the official site before you go.