Dufferin Terrace Tours

Parks Canada\'s Dufferin Terrace which includes landscape views, heritage elements and a coastal town
Parks Canada\'s Dufferin Terrace featuring signage and heritage elements
Parks Canada\'s Dufferin Terrace which includes heritage elements and a city
Parks Canada\'s Dufferin Terrace which includes street scenes
Parks Canada\'s Dufferin Terrace which includes street scenes, military items and heritage elements


Some of the best views in the city, and a huge ice slide in winter, can be enjoyed from this promenade high above the St. Lawrence River.

Stretch your legs on one of the city’s most popular walks and look out over Old Québec and the St. Lawrence River. Dufferin Terrace is a riverside walkway just below the imposing Fairmont Château Frontenac hotel. The long, wooden boardwalk is a lively spot during the summer months when street performers entertain and vendors sell snacks and souvenirs. In winter, there is a massive ice slide at the end of the terrace.

As you walk along the terrace, observe the cannons that once defended Québec or stop by the statue of explorer Samuel de Champlain, the city’s founder.

Discover what lies beneath the planks at your feet with a guided tour of the archeological remains of Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux. These ruins were uncovered in a series of digs between 2005 and 2007. The ruins are directly under the terrace and are what’s left of the former residences of the British and French governors who held office between 1620 and 1834. The tour price includes a visit to a kitchen with original oven, latrines and ruins of several outbuildings. For an opportunity to see the archeological digs for free, look down from the terrace’s “archeoscopes.” There are three of these 5-foot (1.5-meter) tall glass prisms built into the promenade.

In the winter months, race down the ice slide situated on the western flank of the terrace. This temporary toboggan run has been created every year since the late 1900s. The top of the run is 269 feet (82 meters) above the terrace and it’s a steep slide along its 492 feet (150 meter) length. There’s no need to bring your own toboggan, because rental is included in the ticket price for the slope.

Situated in Old Québec, Dufferin Terrace is easily reached on foot or by bus. Make your journey more interesting by taking the cable railway up the cliff from the Quartier Petit-Champlain in the Lower Town. If you are feeling energetic, climb the adjacent stairs. You can also jump aboard a small Écolobus, a cheap, electric city bus that moves between the Upper and Lower Town.

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Best Lodging Options Near Dufferin Terrace

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

4.5 out of 5
1 rue des Carrieres, Québec City, QC
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
 Hôtel Palace Royal Centre-Ville par JARO

Hôtel Palace Royal Centre-Ville par JARO

4 out of 5
775 Honoré-Mercier Ave, Québec City, QC
Hôtel Palace Royal Centre-Ville par JARO
Hilton Quebec

Hilton Quebec

4 out of 5
1100 Rene Levesque East, Québec City, QC
Hilton Quebec
Hotel Manoir Victoria

Hotel Manoir Victoria

4 out of 5
44, Cote du Palais, Québec City, QC
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Hôtel Manoir Vieux Québec

Hôtel Manoir Vieux Québec

3.5 out of 5
6 Rue de la Porte, Québec City, QC
Hôtel Manoir Vieux Québec
Best Western Plus City Centre/Centre-Ville

Best Western Plus City Centre/Centre-Ville

3.5 out of 5
330, de la Couronne street, Québec City, QC
Best Western Plus City Centre/Centre-Ville
Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec

Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec

4 out of 5
1220, Place George-V Ouest, Québec City, QC
Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec
Delta Hotels by Marriott Quebec

Delta Hotels by Marriott Quebec

4 out of 5
690 Boul René Levesque E, Québec City, QC
Delta Hotels by Marriott Quebec
Le Capitole Hôtel

Le Capitole Hôtel

4.5 out of 5
972, rue Saint-Jean, Québec City, QC
Le Capitole Hôtel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dufferin Terrace

Dufferin Terrace in Québec City is a vibrant destination featuring festivals, live music, and theater. Visitors can enjoy guided city tours and delightful walking experiences along the terrace, which offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. For those seeking more, additional tours are available for a deeper exploration of the area's rich history and culture. Don't miss out on this picturesque spot for a pleasant stroll and memorable experiences.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at Quartier Petit Champlain, just 0.1 mile from Dufferin Terrace, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. Saint-Jean Street, located 0.6 mile away, features various family-friendly shops. La Maison Simons is also nearby at 0.3 mile, perfect for unique gifts.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Palais Montcalm, where captivating music concerts elevate your spirits just 0.4 miles from Dufferin Terrace. For sports enthusiasts, PEPS offers thrilling events at a stadium 4 miles away, while Marina Saint-Roch provides a refreshing pool experience for families, located 1 mile from the terrace.

Adventure

At Dufferin Terrace, experience thrilling skiing at Le Relais, located 10 miles away, perfect for adrenaline seekers. Explore the stunning landscapes of Les Mosaicultures du Peuple Wendat, 6 miles away, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy water sports at Club Nautique Lac St-Charles, also 10 miles away, for an adventurous day on the water.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Dufferin Terrace, starting with a captivating show at Théâtre du Petit Champlain. For a unique twist, visit the Observatoire de la Capitale for stunning views and entertainment. Wrap up your evening at Le Lieu, where culture and romance blend perfectly.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Dufferin Terrace

During your visit to Dufferin Terrace in Québec City, you'll discover a rich array of historic buildings, museums, and civic structures that highlight the area's cultural heritage. This picturesque location offers stunning views and is perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Be sure to explore Old Québec and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds this beautiful terrace for a memorable experience.

  • Quebec City Town Hall: Located 0.3 miles from Dufferin Terrace, this historic civic government building showcases stunning architecture and a rich cultural history. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic landmark, often bustling with local events.
  • Old Quebec Funicular: Just 0.1 miles away, this historic building offers a unique ride that connects the lower and upper parts of the city. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area as you ascend, making it a memorable part of your visit.
  • Place Royale: Situated 0.2 miles from Dufferin Terrace, this charming square is steeped in history. Surrounded by beautifully preserved buildings, it captures the essence of Old Quebec's culture and city vibe, perfect for leisurely exploration.

Best time to go to Dufferin Terrace

The best time to visit Dufferin Terrace can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Dufferin Terrace falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Dufferin Terrace falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January12.2°F (-11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February14.4°F (-9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March23.7°F (-4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April36.7°F (2.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
May52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
October45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November32.5°F (0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December20.5°F (-6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dufferin Terrace

To save money on your visit to Dufferin Terrace, consider traveling in January or March through April, as these months offer lower prices compared to the peak summer season. Tuesdays tend to be the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotel options and sort your search results by price to snag the best deals. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings through package deals, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and potential cash back on future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dufferin Terrace are January and March to April, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dufferin Terrace is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Dufferin Terrace is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Dufferin Terrace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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