Always the Plains for a beautiful winter!

News release

December 8, 2021 – Québec – The National Battlefields Commission

Today, the National Battlefields Commission (NBC) presented its 2021-2022 winter program and the new lighting concept for the Joan of Arc Garden. More than ever during the pandemic, the Plains have been accessible and were visited by the region’s citizens. To further contribute to visitors’ wellbeing, the NBC is pleased to offer even more beauty and enhanced activities. Visitors to the Plains will benefit from the site’s natural setting and the joys of winter with a diversified roster of pursuits including a longer cross-country skiing season, areas prepared for sliding and a warming station.

At nightfall, the Joan of Arc Garden comes alive with soft, enchanting lighting and a great artistic aura in keeping with the site, the majestic elms surrounding the flowerbeds and the famed Joan of Arc monument. The lighting varies with atmospheric conditions, thanks to a real-time system connected to the Quebec weather station - a salute to the old weather station that operated on the Plains from 1930 to 1954! As the year unfolds, custom lighting in harmony with nature will highlight milestones on the calendar.

Winter activities have been further enhanced with the addition of areas for sliding in the major events location behind the Plains of Abraham Museum. Other innovations: the cross-country ski season will be extended, thanks to artificial snow. In addition, cross-country skiers will be able to follow trail grooming in real-time with the Web Nordic Pulse app. Visitors will enjoy warming up at a warming station with seating and a fireplace located near the Joan of Arc Garden.

The NBC is proud to present programming that focuses on accessibility and the safe coexistence of users, while showcasing the Park’s rich heritage. The innovations for 2021-2022 are the result of work carried out by the Winter Activities Advisory Committee formed last spring. The NBC sincerely thanks all Committee members, Park employees and park users who contributed significantly to the Committee’s work.

Quotes

Since my arrival in January, I hav e noted with great pride the significant role played by the NBC in the community, particularly during this unprecedented period of the pandemic. My team and I sought to improve access to, and the range of, activ ities offered to better respond to v isitors’ needs. So, I am very pleased with the latest innovations presented today. They are high points of the strategic planning recently completed. In winter, always the Plains!”

- Annie Talbot, Secretary-General Manager

Quick facts

  • Lighting of the Joan of Arc Garden - NEW

    At nightfall, the Joan of Arc Garden comes alive with soft, enchanting lighting. A project completed by cadabra.

    Year round. At the Joan of Arc Garden.

  • Warming station – NEW

    A user-friendly area (fireplace and seating) to welcome visitors with some soothing warmth. The station is part of Québec City’s warming station circuit .

    Until March 6, 2022. Sunday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. At the Joan of Arc Garden along Taché Avenue. Free.

  • Areas for sliding – NEW

    A place organized to slide in complete safety using your own equipment .

    Dependant on snowfall. At the major events location behind the Plains of Abraham Museum. Free.

  • Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and walking

    The Park offers 13.9 km of groomed trails for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers; 3.8 km (round trip) for snowshoeing, and; 6.7 km of trails for walking.

    Dependant on snowfall. Trails map available online. Free. Equipment rental at the skaters’ chalet ($).

  • Cross-country skiing: Web Nordic Pulse app – NEW

    Cross-country skiers will be able to follow trail status and grooming in real-time.

    Online at Nordic Pulse. Free.

  • Plains of Abraham skating rink

    A city of Québec and NBC partnership offering a refrigerated outdoor rink so young and old can enjoy winter.

    December 9, 2021, to March 14, 2022. At the sports field west of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Free. Schedule available online. Equipment rental at the skaters’ chalet ($).

  • Fastoche refreshment service- NEW

    Present on the Plains during summer, Fastoche now offers hearty drinks during the cold season and tasty treats during the sugaring off season.

    Starting mid-December. At the services pavilion near the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand; also in temporary locations. Varying schedule and goods ($).

  • Plains of Abraham Museum

    Welcome and information centre. The Plains of Abraham Museum also presents the Battles 1759-1760 and Identities exhibitions. Various services, including a souvenirs boutique.

    Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At 835, Wilfrid-Laurier Avenue, Québec (Québec) G1R 2L3. Rates online.

  • COVID-19 measures

    The National Battlefields Commission is counting on the customary cooperation of Battlefield Park users in complying with health measures in effect.

  • Information: online or by telephone at 418 649-6157 or 1 855 649-6157.

Associated links

Contacts

Media relations:

Valérie Gignac
Client Development Assistant
The National Battlefields Commission
valerie.gignac@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
418 649-6186

Other information:

Plains of Abraham Museum
information@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
418 649-6157

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