Walk the Promenade Des Gouverneurs When You Visit Quebec
Walk the Promenade Des Gouverneurs When You Visit Quebec
Named after the Governor General of Canada from 1872 to 1878, Lord Dufferin. Make sure to walk the ‘Promenade des Gouverneurs’ when you visit Quebec.
Dufferin played a key role in keeping Quebec City’s fortifications intact. He was a great admirer of the city’s architecture. He helped raise funds for their renovations and to Queen Victoria herself at the time.
He selected the “Citadelle” as the summer residence of the Governor General. It still is the official summer residence to this day.
At 655m long with 308 steps it makes for one of the most memorable walks you will take when you visit Quebec. The ‘promenade’ takes you from Terrasse Dufferin. It connects the boardwalk in front of the Chateau Frontenac to the southernmost point of the Citadelle to the Plains of Abraham. It hangs off Cap-Diamant.
Cap Diamant (or Cape of Diamonds) so-called because Jacques Cartier thought it contained diamonds. After samples were examined in Europe on his return it was found to be simple quartz.
It is not a difficult walk. Simply take your time. We recommend you start from the Citadelle side. A pleasant and easy walk around the fort. This will give you the opportunity to see the redoubt construction of the famous fort.
Moreover, from this vantage point you will take hundreds of pictures. It makes for breathtaking views of the St-Lawrence river, the Ile d”Orleans and the city.
Once you get back to Terrasse Dufferin, you can take in the Champlain Statue, visit the Chateau Frontenac or take the ‘funiculaire’ down to lower-town.
Prime Minister John Diefenbaker would inaugurate the ‘Promenade des Gouverneurs’ in September 1960. Today it is one of the top attractions of the city. So Make sure to walk the ‘Promenade des Gouverneurs’ when you visit Quebec.
Promenade des Gouverneurs
For a closer look at Old Quebec’s historic district, visit Fortress of Quebec National Historic Site. From Dufferin Terrace, you can walk to the historic Citadelle, one of the most important military fortresses in North America. On one side are the fortifications of the old redoubt. On the other, a breathtaking view of Old Quebec and the waters of the St. Lawrence River.
A short walk up rue St-Louis is the St. Louis Gate. One of the five entrances to the original walled city. No trip to Quebec is complete without a walk along the Governor’s Promenade. This giant walkway resembling an ancient sailing ship that connects Dufferin Terrace in front of Frontenac Castle with the cliff-top plains of Abraham Park. Or this excursion will take you through beautiful winter scenery as you learn about the history of the area and Canada in winter. As you stroll through the cobbled streets, your passionate local guide shares the vibrant history of Old Quebec.
