We’ve put together a 5 mile (8.5k) ‘runseeing tour’, involving the periphery of Old Quebec and some of the major highlights. A great place to start is the famed Chateau Frontenac Hotel. The first section is a 1.5 loop along the Rue des Remparts, which is the old fortification, above the city, with great views, passing Notre Dame Basilica and other landmarks. The next section is the ‘Promenade des Gouverneurs’, which is a wooden boardwalk with views to the water, and plenty of stairs (!), passing the outskirts of the Citadelle, with the Plains to the left.
Then, you’ll do an approx 2km Parliament tour, heading down the Grande Allée, and coming up the Ministers Walk. Then, head by the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site, passing the old ‘Hotel Dieu’ hospital on the right. The final section is a jaunt along the water, following the Corridor du Littoral around the basin, passing the Naval Museum and the Musée de la Civilisation. Finally, head up the stairs to the Musée de la Place Royale, and the Montmorency Park National Historic Site. This last section is hilly with stairs! Note: A funicular is available to take visitors between the old city and Rue de Remparts.
Promenade des Gouverneurs
Add-Ons/Options
More of ‘Old Quebec’: The area called ‘Old Quebec’ is a fairly compact area right in the city, mainly between Rue des Remparts and Rue Saint Louis. There are lovely, intimate narrow streets with old buildings, cute shops, and many bars & restaurants. In a Europe-esque area like this, it’s always fun to build your own route, going in and out of the streets and alleys. Below is a map showing the area and adjoining parts of the city to add mileage.
Plains of Abraham. See our separate route. It’s 2k from one end to the other.
Build your own route. This is meant to be a guide, but lots of options to vary!
We’ve put together a 5 mile (8.5k) ‘runseeing tour’, involving the periphery of Old Quebec and some of the major highlights. A great place to start is the famed Chateau Frontenac Hotel. The first section is a 1.5 loop along the Rue des Remparts, which is the old fortification, above the city, with great views, passing Notre Dame Basilica and other landmarks. The next section is the ‘Promenade des Gouverneurs’, which is a wooden boardwalk with views to the water, and plenty of stairs (!), passing the outskirts of the Citadelle, with the Plains to the left.
Then, you’ll do an approx 2km Parliament tour, heading down the Grande Allée, and coming up the Ministers Walk. Then, head by the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site, passing the old ‘Hotel Dieu’ hospital on the right. The final section is a jaunt along the water, following the Corridor du Littoral around the basin, passing the Naval Museum and the Musée de la Civilisation. Finally, head up the stairs to the Musée de la Place Royale, and the Montmorency Park National Historic Site. This last section is hilly with stairs! Note: A funicular is available to take visitors between the old city and Rue de Remparts.
Promenade des Gouverneurs
Add-Ons/Options
More of ‘Old Quebec’: The area called ‘Old Quebec’ is a fairly compact area right in the city, mainly between Rue des Remparts and Rue Saint Louis. There are lovely, intimate narrow streets with old buildings, cute shops, and many bars & restaurants. In a Europe-esque area like this, it’s always fun to build your own route, going in and out of the streets and alleys. Below is a map showing the area and adjoining parts of the city to add mileage.
Plains of Abraham. See our separate route. It’s 2k from one end to the other.
Build your own route. This is meant to be a guide, but lots of options to vary!
Scroll Down For Route Maps
Essentials
8.6 km (5.3 miles), with options
406 feet (can eliminate 200 feet w/Funicular)
Chateau Frontenac
Route accessible from most major downtown/old city hotels
One of Canada's most important historical parks is also a great running spot. Run along cliffside trails with great views of the water. Combine with Promenade Samuel de Champlain for an iconic longer run!
A wonderful bike and pedestrian path, with great water views along most of the way, and several Quebec sites and parks. Many loop options possible, incorporating the multiple bridges and paths on both sides of the river.
A bicycle/pedestrian path along the St. Lawrence River, paralleling Boulevard Champlain, for nearly 10km. Good water views most of the way. A highlight is the 2.6 km Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, starting at the 7k mark.
Wonderful park and bike path, inaugurated in 2008 as a gift from the government of Québec to the capital for its 400th anniversary. Has won numerous awards. Several sections, for 4km to the Laporte Bridge.
There are 30 sets of stairs linking Quebec's Upper and Lower towns. There are 10+ sets that have more than 100 stairs, with Cap-Blanc featuring 398 stairs. Do them as a run or incorporate with another route.
Pleasant run in Quebec City's attractive residential area. The area north of Grande Allée and south of Ch. St-Foy, inside Ave. Belvedere to the west. Attractive homes, wide sidewalks.
30 minutes from Quebec City, this is a great trail running destination in summer. There are trails for various abilities: a gentler run to the summit, a loop around a lake, summit ridge trails, and a waterfall trail involving 400 steps.
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!
Subscribe
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
8.6 km (5.3 miles), with options
406 feet (can eliminate 200 feet w/Funicular)
Chateau Frontenac
Route accessible from most major downtown/old city hotels
bove the city, with great views, passing Notre Dame Basilica and other landmarks. The next section is the ‘Promenade des G
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!