A Prime Gathering Place
The Plains of Abraham have long been a prime gathering place. Even before the creation of the Battlefields Park in 1908, agricultural fairs were organized there as early as the late 18th century. The army also used the Plains in the 19th century for reviews and military maneuvers, which attracted many curious onlookers. At the same time, the site also hosted several circuses that presented their shows there. The most famous of these was certainly that of William Frederic Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill.
The Plains of Abraham also witnessed significant events during the 20th century. Among them, we can mention the landing of the very famous Charles Lindbergh on April 24, 1928. The Eucharistic Congress of 1938, as well as two festivals, the Superfrancofête in 1974 and Chant’Août in 1975, were also major events that attracted considerable crowds.
Major Events Site
DirectionsMeanwhile, the site is used to celebrate and commemorate some significant historical events. One of these commemorations even led to the creation of the Battlefields Park: the celebrations of the tricentennial of the city of Quebec in 1908. Fifty years later, the city also used the Plains to organize the festivities for the 350th anniversary. The Plains of Abraham also took part in the 400th anniversary of the city of Quebec in 2008.
The Plains of Abraham also host activities related to festivals and popular celebrations each year. The Festival d'été de Québec, for example, presents numerous varied musical performances, while the Carnaval de Québec uses the park to hold its snow sculpture contest and to set up its "family zone" where various activities such as sliding, dog sledding, snow rafting, and more take place.
