Tourist GuideThe Plains of Abraham and the MNBAQ: Culture and Open Space, 12 Minutes From Sainte-Foy

Between boulevard Laurier and Old Québec lies a vast space most visitors drive straight past: the Battlefields Park, better known as the Plains of Abraham. About twelve minutes from Hôtel Classique, it is one of the most rewarding ways to approach Quebec City without the narrow streets and crowds of the old town.

 

 

---

 

 

The Plains of Abraham: Quebec City’s great urban park

 

The Plains stretch over several square kilometres on the bluff above the St. Lawrence River. It is both a major historic site — the 1759 battlefield — and the city’s principal green lung.

 

In summer, people run, picnic and attend open-air concerts here. In winter, the park transforms: cross-country ski trails, tobogganing, skating and snowshoe walks. Access to the park itself is free year-round.

 

 

---

 

 

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ)

 

Set within the Plains themselves at 179 rue Grande Allée Ouest, the MNBAQ holds a collection of more than 42,500 works spanning Québec art from the 17th century to today. It is the reference museum for understanding art from here.

 

The complex brings together four pavilions, including the converted former Quebec City prison and the striking Pierre Lassonde Pavilion, designed by OMA and Provencher_Roy. The museum also houses a café-restaurant and a bookstore-boutique.

 

 

---

 

 

A half-day that works in any weather

 

The museum-plus-park combination is effective precisely because it adapts. If it rains or drops to -20 °C, you extend the museum visit. If the weather holds, you walk out to the terrace overlooking the river.

 

It is also an excellent first taste of the city for visitors who find Old Québec too dense: you get the views, the history and the culture without the cobblestone crowds.

 

 

---

 

 

Getting there from Sainte-Foy

 

From Hôtel Classique, take chemin Saint-Louis or boulevard Laurier eastbound; the drive takes about twelve minutes. Museum parking is the simplest option and puts you directly at the edge of the Plains.

 

 

---

 

 

Don't miss

• The terrace and viewpoints over the St. Lawrence River
• The Pierre Lassonde Pavilion and its contemporary architecture
• The Québec art collection: more than 42,500 works
• The former Quebec City prison, integrated into the museum complex
• Cross-country skiing, tobogganing and snowshoeing on the Plains in winter
• Open-air concerts and events in summer

 

Practical info

• MNBAQ: 179 rue Grande Allée Ouest, Québec
• Access to the Plains of Abraham: free and open year-round
• Museum admission is paid; reduced and free rates apply by age and on certain days
• About 12 minutes by car from Hôtel Classique

 

Plan your visit: mnbaq.org | theplainsofabraham.ca