Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site of Canada

What's New

News from under the Dufferin Terrace!

Reconstruction work began in May on the Dufferin Terrace and the fortification wall beneath it, below the Château Frontenac. The project is essential to public safety, and offers an excellent opportunity to uncover archaeological remains hidden since 1838 beneath the Terrace’s wooden platform.

A Bit of History & Archeology

Fort Saint-Louis’ Fortification Walls. © Archéo-Québec / J.Beardsell

Between 1620 and 1834, four forts and two Saint-Louis chateaux were constructed in upper Quebec City. The chateaux served as the homes of all French and several British governors.

Parks Canada archaeologists analyzed a number of artifacts and remnants in the southeastern courtyard of the Saint-Louis chateau during a 1985-1986 dig under part of the Dufferin Terrace.

In 2005, the first of three digs planned within the current project provided significant archeological data. Remnants of two of the four forts, the two Saint-Louis chateaux and several accessory buildings were explored. Already, the collection of artifacts covers the site’s occupation period from 1620 to 1834. The 2006 digs will take place between May 1 and October 27.

Rebuilding the Terrace - For All to Enjoy

Archeological digging , summer 2005. © Parks Canada / Renald Gauthier

Between now and 2009, the Parks Canada technical team will have removed 1500 square metres of wooden platform to strengthen the fortification wall. The archeologists' exploration began in mid June 2005 and will continue to November 2007. In the summer of 2008, work will pause to allow people to visit the archaeological site. In 2009, the project will conclude with the installation of the Dufferin Terrace platform.

Welcome and Interpretation

Residents of Quebec City, visitors and tourists benefit from a bilingual welcome and interpretation program offered on the terrace. Members of the public can ask questions and learn more about the scope of the work as well as the site's archaeological value and its place in Canadian history.

A 90-minute guided tour of the fortifications is offered every day from June to October beginning at the Dufferin Terrace. Accompanied by a Parks Canada guide, visitors can learn about the people and skills that played such a major role in building and conserving the Fortifications of Québec. A commented stop by the archaeological site will be part of the walking tour.

For information regarding visit schedules and rates, contact the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site of Canada at (418) 648-7016.

We hope this major construction project at the Dufferin Terrace will provide an opportunity for everyone to discover and learn. Enjoy!

News from the Governors Promenade

Parks Canada is also restoring the Governors Promenade, which will be closed from May 1 to November 30, 2006.

Construction work will preserve the structural integrity of the walkway and ensure its safety for visitors.

The Governors Promenade is an integral part of the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site of Canada.

A Bit of History

The original construction of the 655-metre Governors Promenade began in 1958 and was completed in 1959, on the occasion of the 350 th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City by Champlain in 1608. Then prime minister John Diefenbaker inaugurated the Governors Promenade on September 9, 1960.

From the Dufferin Terrace, 308 steps offering a magnificent view of the Saint Lawrence River take visitors up to the Plains of Abraham.

Summer 2006

During construction work, visitors who want to access the Plains of Abraham from the Dufferin Terrace can do so via the Saint-Denis steps along the glacis of the Citadelle.

Parks Canada is the federal government agency responsible for protecting and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.