5
14
Beginner to Expert
5
14
Beginner to Expert
Skiing in the heart of the city
Enjoy winter sports for free in an accessible and enchanting location with a spectacular view of the Saint-Lawrence River.
The Plains of Abraham provide more than 14 km of ski trails laid out for classic and skate cross-country skiing (beginner, intermediate and expert):
5 classic trails: 1 easy trail, 3 intermediate trails and 1 expert trail
3 skate trails: 1 easy trail, intermediate trail and 1 expert trail
Skaters' chalet
DirectionsFollow the trail grooming in real-time through the Nordic Pulse app
Download the Nordic Pulse app on your smart device or check the interactive map to view current trail conditions. The trails are groomed daily when conditions allow.
Note that rain, snow, and sleet precipitation can delay or prevent grooming and deteriorate the condition of groomed trails. Depending on conditions, between 5 and 10 hours of work are needed to cover all trails and paths with the machinery.
Trails
Besides adding a special touch to the trail experience, the names will help visitors learn about the park's history.
Trail 51 - Des Braves: after the park at the site of the Battle of Sainte-Foy in 1760.
Trail 52 - Gilmour: after the road that runs downhill from the Plains of Abraham to Boulevard Champlain. That name comes from John Gilmour (1812-1877), who opened a shipyard in the cove where the road comes down to the river.
Trail 53 - Martello: in honour of nearby Martello Tower 1. Like the other Martello towers of Quebec City, this one was built in the early 19th century to meet the threat of an American invasion.
Trail 54 - Cap-Blanc: after the staircase it goes by. Built in 1868, the staircase was used by workers to walk up to the Cove Fields munition factories.
Trail 55 - Cap-aux-Diamants: because it partly follows the cliff edge of Cap Diamant. That was a name given to the cape in the 17th century. The shorter version of "Cap Diamant" has prevailed since the 18th century.
You can rent cross-country ski (classic) at the the Skaters' chalet of the Skating Rink, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Adult: $24.00 / 2 hours or $32.00 / half-day
Children: $14.00 / 2 hours or $20.00 / half-day
Family (2 adults and 2 children): $45.00 / 2 hours
A $10 fee applies after a 15-minute delay.
Prices don't include taxes.
The waxing room is located near Trail 51, on the Sports Field (Montcalm Avenue entrance). A rest area is available right next to the waxing room.
Both are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. when the trails are groomed.
Check out the parking options nearby.
For an enjoyable and harmonious winter, please follow these guidelines:
- Maintain a safe distance between yourself and the skier ahead of you
- Step off the trail if you stop or fall so that you do not hold up other skiers
- On a single track, signal your intention to pass another skier without being rude
- On a double track, use the left lane to pass other skiers and remain in the right lane if you are skiing more slowly
- On hills, start your descent only after the skier ahead of you has reached the bottom of the slope
- Be aware of other park visitors, especially near walking trails and areas for sliding
Remain on the track prepared for your skiing style (classic or skate ski) and follow the indicated direction
Be courteous to other park users
Follow the instructions given by safety officers
Report any issues or hazards to the Plains of Abraham Security (24/7) by calling 418-648-4652.
A team from the Canadian Ski Patrol is also on-site.
