Scenic Views · Quebec
Governors’ Promenade
A long wooden cliffside walkway in Old Québec that climbs from Dufferin Terrace below the Citadel toward the Plains of Abraham, with wide views over the St. Lawrence. Free, but expect plenty of stairs.
What visitors say
The Governors' Promenade is a wooden boardwalk and stairway clinging to the cliff below the Citadel in Old Québec. It picks up where Dufferin Terrace ends in front of the Château Frontenac and runs about 655 m, with 308 steps, up to the edge of the Plains of Abraham. Visitors describe a 180-degree view over the St. Lawrence that several called the best river view in the city.
It's free and open to wander at your own pace. Reviewers suggest walking it as part of a loop: start at Dufferin Terrace, climb the promenade, then carry on around the Citadel or into the Plains. One visitor heard naval activity on the river below. The funicular, the ferry to Lévis and the cafés and shops of the old town are all close by.
It suits anyone spending a day on foot in Old Québec who wants a quieter, more scenic route to the Plains than city streets. Summer festival weeks bring a lively atmosphere, with some road closures nearby.
The only real caveat is the climb. It's almost entirely uphill in one direction, and one parent found it hard going with young children. Walking downhill from the Plains end is easier if stairs are a concern. Parks Canada has also been closing the promenade for the whole cold season because of snow removal costs, so winter visitors should reach the Plains by rue Saint-Louis instead.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 74 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.