Frommer's Review
Covering 108 hectares (267 acres) of grassy hills, sunken gardens, monuments, fountains, and trees, Québec's Battlefields Park is Canada's first national urban park. It stretches over the Plains of Abraham, where Britain's General James Wolfe and France's Louis-Joseph, Marquis de Montcalm engaged in their short but crucial battle in 1759, resulting in the British defeat of the French troops (and the death of both military leaders). Today it is a favorite place for all Québécois when they want some sunshine or a bit of exercise.
From the spring through the fall, be sure to see the Jardin Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc Garden), just off avenue Wilfrid-Laurier between Loews le Concorde Hôtel and the Ministry of Justice. This spectacular garden combines French classical style with British-style flower beds. Close to 6,000 trees representing more than 80 species blanket the fields. Prominent among these are sugar maple, silver maple, Norway maple, American elm, and American ash. Within the park are also two Martello towers, cylindrical stone defensive structures built between 1808 and 1812, when Québec feared an invasion from the United States.
Free concerts are given during the summer at a bandstand here, the Kiosque Edwin-Bélanger. Theatrical events are also presented in the park during the summer. Fittingly, perhaps, the national anthem "O Canada" was first performed here.
The Discovery Pavilion of the Plains of Abraham, at 835 av. Wilfrid-Laurier, at the far northeastern end near the Citadelle (tel. 418/648-4071), has a gift shop, Internet station, bathrooms, and, in winter, cross-country ski rentals. The tourism bureau also has an office here. A multimedia exhibit called "Odyssey: A Journey Through History on the Plains of Abraham" is presented in English, French, Spanish, and Japanese.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
