Enjoy winter on the Plains! Sports and recreational activities allow you to enjoy nature in the city and explore the history of this great urban and historic park.
Sports and recreation
Cross-country skiing
Walking
Sliding
Skating
Family Treasure Hunt
Shoot, score!
Nature in the City
Lighting at the Joan of Arc Garden
Warming Station
Exhibitions
Aeria
Battles 1759-1760
Identities
Cross-country Skiing
Ski in an enchanting decor along groomed trails 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.
Walking
Experience nature in the city along trails on the Plains!
The map of the park indicates trail locations and various points of interest.
Sliding
There are two areas for sliding located at the major events site behind the Plains of Abraham Museum to slide in safety.
If you are not equipped for sliding, rent a crazy carpet at the reception desk of the Plains of Abraham Museum at the cost of $5 for a half day. Deposit of a personal identification card required and $75 fee in case of loss or major damage.
Skating
Enjoy winter fun at the Plains of Abraham Skating Rink maintained in cooperation with Québec City.
The refrigerated ice rink located in the sports field is open to skaters free of charge. The skaters' chalet nearby also offers a range of services including equipment rental.
Shoot, score!
Will you find the lost good-luck charm? Go and look for it while having fun and testing your limits!
This treasure hunt, ideal for families with children age 6 to 12, will take you on a journey across the Plains and through winter sports of past and present.
Lighting at the Joan of Arc Garden
At nightfall, the Joan of Arc Garden comes alive with soft, enchanting lighting and a great artistic aura in keeping with the site, the elms surrounding the flowerbeds and the famed Joan of Arc monument.
The lighting varies with atmospheric conditions, thanks to a system connected to the Quebec weather station - a salute to the weather station that operated on the Plains from 1930 to 1954!
As the year unfolds, custom lighting highlights milestones on the calendar.
Warming Station
Take a welcome rest at the warming station located near the Joan of Arc Garden with its seating and fireplace.
From December 8, 2023 to March 17, 2024.
From Sunday to Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
From Thursday to Saturday: from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The fireplace will be closed in case of high winds or heavy rainfall.
Aeria
Meet eight characters of the Plains through full-size sculptures by artist Jérôme Trudelle.
The exhibition is presented until January 7, 2024.
Battles 1759-1760
Relive the siege of Québec, the Battle of the Plains of Abraham (1759) and the Battle of Sainte-Foy (1760) through an immersive screening, interactive games and more.
Identities
View numerous artefacts from the Park's archeological collection.
Code of conduct
Please observe a few guidelines so that everyone can enjoy a fun and harmonious winter.
- Respect the environment and follow the rules of the Plains of Abraham.
- Be courteous to other park visitors.
- Follow instructions given by patrol staff and by safety and prevention officers.
Skiing
- Remain on the track prepared for your skiing style (classic or skate ski) and follow the indicated direction.
- 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.
Walking
- When using the trails, keep to the space prepared for your activity.
- Do not walk or snowshoe on the ski trails. It's about safety and respect for the work done by the trail groomers.
Thank you for your cooperation and enjoy this beautiful slice of nature in the heart of the city!