Scenic Views · Quebec
A grassy lookout on the Citadelle slope in Québec City, also known as Terrasse Saint-Denis, with one of the best views of the Château Frontenac and the St. Lawrence. Free, but expect a lot of stairs.
The Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace is an open lawn and viewpoint tucked between avenue Saint-Denis and the Citadelle, part of Battlefields Park. Until 2007 it was simply called the Saint-Denis Terrace. From here you look down over Dufferin Terrace to the Château Frontenac, the old town and the St. Lawrence, and reviewers call it one of the most photogenic panoramas in the city, day or night.
There are two main ways up: climb from the end of Dufferin Terrace past the toboggan runs, or walk in from avenue Saint-Denis. The Contrescarpe trail around the Citadelle walls also reaches it. Either way involves a good number of steps, which one visitor estimated in the hundreds, and people say the effort pays off. A bust of Pierre Dugua de Mons stands on the site, and there are benches.
It's a relaxed spot for a picnic on the grass, a sunrise or the city lights at dusk, and a good add-on to a walk around the Citadelle or the Plains of Abraham. Access is free.
Visitors over the years have mentioned construction in and around the park, so parts may be fenced off at times. The climb is tiring on hot days, and in winter the slope is often snow-covered, so wear decent footwear.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 768 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.
