Next activities

Free Outdoor Shows
From June 8 to August 18, 2013

Program now available. Click here for more information.

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Previous activities

Great Celebration of Nature
May 12, 2013
From 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
At the Plains of Abraham greenhouses
at the corner of Briand and De Bernières
(East of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec)
Information : 418 649-6157 / 1 855 649-6157

18th edition of the Plains' horticultural rendez-vous

 

 

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During this month dedicated to trees and forest, the National Battlefields Commission invites nature lovers and budding horticulturists to its annual spring rendezvous: the Great Celebration of Nature. This is a unique opportunity for the public to visit the greenhouses in a convivial atmosphere and absorb the first colours and smells of the plants soon to embellish the park. This year again, the 18th edition will gather over thirty exhibitors specializing in various environmental fields in an effort to promote exchanges with visitors. Families are welcome on the Plains of Abraham, where a wide range of activities awaits them, including the popular plant distribution of the Mon arbre à moi (‘My own tree’) campaign.

The park’s greenhouses, among the oldest still active in Quebec, grow approximately 50,000 annual, biennial and perennial plants that are needed, among other things, to beautify the Plains of Abraham and Des Braves Park. On this open house day you will see, exceptionally, how traditions can rub shoulders with pioneering horticulture.The staff of the National Battlefields Commission will be happy to share their knowledge with you and unsparingly provide sound horticultural and arboricultural advice.

Outside of the greenhouses, the Commission has invited a range of experts to give the public an opportunity to develop their knowledge on subjects dealing with various nature disciplines: urban ecological practices, mycology, ragweed control, native plants, forest heritage, plant maintenance, metals and minerals, solar observation, pruning, birds, flowers, insects, and much more. Come and meet members of the Friends of the Plains of Abraham Society and horticultural societies. Also, the Club Volkssport Nord-Sud of Quebec organises two 5-km walks with departures scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Children will take advantage of the celebrations to have a field day. On the menu: inflatable games, arts and crafts, costume workshop and small farm. Funnymen Ketchup the Clown and Ludo, experts in the art of amusing little ones, will ask the children to join them at 2:30 p.m. to plant a tree, a concrete gesture for the planet. Approachable reptiles will also be on hand.

A highly popular attraction, approximatly a 1000 seedlings of basil Ocimum Basilicum Eowyn, grown in the park’s greenhouses, will be offered free of charge to the first visitors (limited quantities, one plant per person).

Tree saplings will be distributed by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et Faune Québec to parents enrolled in the ‘Mon arbre à moi’(My own tree) program for newborns, and the Association forestière des deux rives will hand out 2000 plants of various species. An ideal way to reforest an entire neighbourhood!  

Because it is in our nature, the National Battlefields Commission continues to take a green turn. Join us in our efforts to preserve this unique heritage for everyone’s benefit.

Exhibitors:

Arboretum Experts
Association des gens d'affaires du Faubourg
Association forestière des deux rives
Association herpétologique de Québec
Cercle des mycologues amateurs de Québec
Club d'astronomie VÉGA de Cap-Rouge
Club des ornithologues de Québec
Club Volkssport Nord-Sud de Québec
Craque-Bitume
CREO
Engrais Acadie
Fédération des sociétés d'horticulture et d'écologie du Québec
Fierbourg
Forêt Montmorency
Garnison Valcartier, Défense nationale
Horticulture Indigo
La bibitte mobile
Le Naturaliste
Les amis des plaines d'Abraham
Les Jardins Atsenti Auarata
Matériauthèques en Chaudière-Appalaches
Ministère des Ressources naturelles du Québec
(Géologie Québec, Inventaires forestiers, Mon arbre à moi, Protection des forêts, Forêt Québec)
Pépinière et paysages Marcel Marin
Réserve nationale de faune du Cap Tourmente - Environnement
Société d'horticulture de Québec
Société des Glaïeuls du Québec
Société québécoise du Dahlia
Ville de Québec
Violon et champignon

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2012

The Great Celebration of Nature has been very successful on the Plains of Abraham, May 13, 2012. On this occasion, children were asked to plant a magnolia together, concrete action for the planet.

On the picture, Ketchup the clown and Ludo surrounded children and the guests of honor. From left to right:

-Mr. Richard Gohier, member of the Association forestière des deux rives’board of directors
-Mr. Richard Savard, associate deputy minister at Forêt Québec, Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune
-Mrs. Florence Lantier, member of the National Battlefields Commission’s board of directors
-Mrs. Margaret F. Delisle, member of the National Battlefields Commission’s board of directors

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From History to Legend:
Marie-Josephte Corriveau
(1763-2013)

Hosted Commemorative Activity
Relive the last moments of the woman who left her name in history books and entered into legend, by revisiting the trial, the long walk to the execution site and her passage into the collective psyche of an entire nation.

April 18, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
$15/18-64 ans, $13/13-17, 65 and over.
At the Musée des Ursulines de Québec and on the Plains of Abraham.
Reservations: 418 649-6157 / 1 855 649-6157.

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The Défilé de la St-Patrick
(St. Patrick's Day Parade)

Watch for the costumed guides personifying the main players in what was to be the most famous of the Quebec legends. Today, 250 years after Marie-Josephte Corriveau, known has La Corriveau, was hanged, she still remains in the popular imagination.

March 23, 2013, 1:30 p.m.
Free
In the streets of Quebec City

Official program for the event: 418 656-7392

Press Release

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The Snowshoer
In English (at 4 p.m.): February 16, 2013
In French (at 7 p.m.): January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 2013
Reservations required, places limited: 418 649-6157

$17/12-64 years old, $15/65 years old and over.
$15/person for groups of 9 and more.
Not recommended for children 12 year old and under.

Guided old-time snowshoe tours

Join a 20th century snowshoer as you set off on a winter stroll to explore the winter sports and recreation of bygone days.

Wooden snowshoes, arrow sashes, lanterns and hot chocolate included.

For a quick view of the Guided Tour SNOWSHOER:

View

Press Release

A member of the "snowshoeing enthusiasts" of the Traders' Union, Amédée Fournier (or his wife), will tell you about the local snowshoeing history, but also about various sports secrets along the park trails : the double Stanley Cup Triumph of the Quebec Bulldogs, the Quebec Skating Rink, among the first indoor skating rinks in Quebec City, the Quebec Skating Club which hosted several competitions (hockey tournament, ice skating competition and curling tournament, to name a few), ski jorring, which consists of hitching oneself to a horse or car and being dragged in the snow, and much more.

Snowshoer Family Outing - NEW
From March 4 to 8, from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
$11/6-12 year old
$13/Adults
418 649-6157
Reservations required, places limited. In French.

Relive the winters of old through an exciting walk in traditionnal snowshoes on the Plains of Abraham. Discover all about the work and shores of the long snow-covered months. Identify animals tracks, pick the best firewood and mostly, let yourself be guided through the wonderful world of your guide and storyteller over a delicious hot chocolate.

Traditionnal snowshoes, arrowed sashes and hot chocolate included.

Collaboration:

Do not miss Amédée participating as a runner at these events :

Raquettes d'Abraham
January 20, 2013

GVSnowshoes Challenge
February 2, 2013

Tournoi Invitation scolaire RSEQ
February 28, 2013

The last two events are presented during the Pentathlon des neiges, which takes place from Friday, February 1 to Sunday, March 3, 2013, on the Plains of Abraham.

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During school break
March 2 to 10, 2013
Information: 418 649-6157


Take advantage of the school break to enjoy yourself in Quebec City's largest playing field. Skiing? Snowshoeing? A rally? A multimedia show? You are spoiled for choice. Whether you play out in the open or indoors, sheltered from the elements, The National Battlefields Commission invites you to loosen up and take part in the historically exciting or "simply" entertaining activities. For the enjoyment of all ages.

INDOOR ACTIVITY

Odyssey multimedia exhibition
Every day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take a virtual 400-year trip with Odyssey, a multimedia exhibition devoted to the Plains of Abraham. Thanks to the magic of multimedia, you will follow in the footsteps of the first European explorers, immerse yourself in a conflict that stretched from the French dream to the British occupation and attend in person the birth of Canada. By the same token, you will live a fascinating adventure on the site that witnessed the birth of the country!
Fee: two admissions for the price of one
(Regular fee: $10/adult, $8/13-17 year-olds or people over 65).
Free for children 12 years old or less when accompanied by an adult.
Details regarding the Odyssey multimedia exhibition



OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Snowshoer's Family Outing - NEW
From Monday to Friday, from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Relive the winters of old through an exciting walk in traditionnal snowshoes on the Plains of Abraham. Discover all about the work and shores of the long snow-covered months. Track animals, pick the best firewood and mostly, let yourself be guided through the wonderful world of your guide and storyteller over a delicious hot chocolate.
Fee: $11/8-12 year old or 65 and over
$13/18-64 year old

Traditionnal snowshoes, arrowed sashes and hot chocolate included.

Winter Pedestrian Rally
Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m; Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.
Put on your hiking boots and join in the family rally to discover the history of the Plains of Abraham. Under the lovely white snow cover are hidden intriguing discoveries and, to add some spice, a few trick questions… Relive the park's history by tackling fascinating subjects: What was the role of the governor to whom we owe the famous trophy of the Canadian football league? What is Joan of Arc doing on the Plains? Who was Edwin Bélanger? Is there a haunted labyrinth in the Martello Towers? Who gave his name to Gilmour Hill? And what can we say about the O Canada? So, get ready to discover your park and its history.
Starting point at the Discovery Pavilion of the Plains of Abraham. Questionnaire and answers available on the premises.
Download the rally
and
Download the map

Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and walking trails
Every day. Free.
Enjoy nature in the heart of Quebec City. Ski, snowshoe and walk in one of the most attractive and accessible natural settings. 14 km of laid out trails for classic or free style cross-country skiing for beginners or intermediate level skiers; 5.6 km of snow sidewalks for hikers; a new 6-km marked-out snowshoe path (round trip), south of the nature trail along Cap-aux-Diamants up to Gilmour Hill (starting near the Cap Blanc stairs).
Details regarding cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

The "Friends of the Plains of Abraham" society offers equiment rental service every day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Discovery Pavilion. A trail map is available in the various service points of the park. A waxing room (at the playing field) and two heated stops are provided for hikers and cross-country skiers (at the Discovery Pavilion and at the Pavilion, near Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand).
- Automatic info-line for trail conditions: 418 648-4212.
- Equipment rental (adults and children): 418 648-2586.

Parking (fee-charging) available behind the Discovery Pavilion of the Plains of Abraham and eating space available indoors (bring your snack).

Press relase

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Quebec City treats itself to an Odyssey
Saturdays and Sundays in January and February, 2013
Information: 418 649-6157

Every Saturday and Sunday of January and of February, the residents of Québec City and its surroundings will have the chance to visit, free of charge, the multimedia exhibition Odyssey: a journey through history on the Plains of Abraham, by showing proof of residency.

The Plains of Abraham: a park at the centre of the lives of citizens, a unique historic site in North America. Head for the Odyssey multimedia exhibition and discover the importance of the Plains of Abraham in the country’s history. A 400-year captivating virtual journey alongside the great characters who helped shape our history, from the birth of New France to the creation of the park through the famous battles of the Plains of Abraham and Sainte-Foy.

Pretend you’re a tourist visiting your own city and get to know this important chapter of the Plains of Abraham's history.

More details about the Odyssey multimedia exhibition
Press Release (2012)

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Halloween
October 1st to November 3^rd, 2013
Information and reservation: 418 649-6157
Where are Martello Tower 2 and Joan of Arc Garden

Leaflet (2012)
Press Release (2012)

Throughout the month of October, ghosts, elves and fairies will be haunting the Plains of Abraham hoping to come across courageous visitors. Beginning October 1, the National Battlefields Commission invites the population to take part in this feast, as amusing as it is terrifying. The young and not so young will enjoy all kinds of activities: Haunted Tower and Fantastic Rally, Ghoulish Walk, Bewitching Tour, Family day, Chambers Gang Trial and Mysterious Decors at Joan of Arc Garden

 

Decoration at the Joan of Arc Garden
October 1 to November 3, daily
Day or evening, at the Joan of Arc Garden
Free access

In her magnificent fall garden, Joan of Arc plays host during the month of October to mysterious legendary decorations related to the history and tales of the Plains of Abraham: the white lady of Cape Diamond, the Sabbath, Halloween lives on, the voices of Joan of Arc, the Corriveau, the widow’s walk, the white “Credo 1941” stone, phantoms behind bars, etc.

Something new this year, new sets will be added to illustrate duels, the discovery of human bones, a camp for German prisoners and public punishments.

Several tombstones will remind strollers of the personalities who left their mark on the park.

Download the legends (2011)
Download the tombstones

 

 

Haunted Tower and Fantastic Rally
October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27, 2013
From 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
At Martello Tower 2 and Joan of Arc Garden
$2/person, 5 years old and over.

The entire family is invited to explore the haunted tower and its mysterious labyrinth. At each turn, surprises and décors will amaze and amuse even the smallest of visitors: spaceship, treasure island, cemetery, mummy, witches and scarecrows… Harry Porter himself will be part of it! A bewitching way to be in the mood for Halloween.

And then, visitors will travel to Joan of Arc Garden to take part in the fantastic rally, a self-guided tour for children aged 5 and over. The questionnaire (given at the haunted tower) will challenge the craftiest among them with two sets of questions: one for 8 years and over and mini-questions for younger children.

 

Bewitching Tour: Family Lantern Tour
October 19, 20, 26 and 27 2013
(in French only)
At 10 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Starting at Martello Tower 2
$8/5-12 years old; $10/years and older
Reservations required: 418 649-6157

Follow Marguerite or Abraham Martin, who will guide you along the unusual decorations of the Joan of Arc Garden. Let shivers run down the spines of small children (5 to 12 years old) and older ones too, as they walk this unexpected course.

Thanks to magic spells and rituals, your guide will show you (by reciting formulas, using a lucky charm and chanting various invocations) how to outsmart the mysteries that haunt the park. You will then need to keep your cool while visiting the haunted Martello Tower 2 labyrinth.   

 

Ghoulish Walk: Guided Lantern Tour of the Park
October 18,19, 25, 26, 31 and Nove,ber 1, 2013
Several departures in the evening. (in French only)
Starting at Martello Tower 2
$15/ person (13 years old and over)
Not recommanded for children 12 years old and younger.

Reservations required: 418 649-6157
You may bring your own lantern (optional)
(tour available in English upon request for groups)

Join this spellbinding interactive walking tour to discover the Plains under a more ghoulish light with Marie-Josephte Corriveau, the woman who was hanged on the Plains of Abraham for the murder of her second husband, or Governor James Murray, the same one who instituted proceedings in 1763 for that purpose.

“I am warning you, we risk a lot by strolling on the Plains tonight. If you run into a shifty individual, don’t look him in the eye, and if someone tries to rob you, scream at the top of your lungs, Stop thief! This should be enough to drive him off”, your guide will warn you.

Today a peaceful place, in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries the Plains were the scene of dark illegal activities since this was a remote, disreputable location well hidden from view therefore an ideal spot for crime, prostitution, duels, black masses, bloody punishments, even executions.

Shed some light on the dark history of the Plains of Abraham and the many obscure legends linked to it. Dare to meet a thief, a treasure hunter and period characters, intriguing and mysterious. Military discipline in the Martello Towers, surgery at the time of the battles, public hangings, origins of Halloween and black masses on the Plains will reveal their secrets to those who venture in the darkness, a lantern in hand.

Who knows who you might bump into. They who are without a shadow must have sold their souls to the Devil…

view

Collaboration:

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Journées de la culture
(Culture Days)
September 29, 2013
Free
At the Discovery Pavilion

Discover the archaeological collection of the Plains of Abraham.