Cross-country Skiing Season Has Arrived on the Plains

From: The National Battlefields Commission

News release

Québec (Québec), January 23rd, 2023 – Cross-country skiing season has begun on the Plains of Abraham. As of this morning, all ski trails (classic and skate ski) are ready for use, and pedestrian pathways have also been groomed. This winter, the National Battlefields Commission is thrilled to be able to rely on new grooming equipment to make the team’s work easier. Improved signage will also help different users share the trails harmoniously.

Grooming operations can be followed live on the Nordic Pulse web app. The trail map is available on the Plains of Abraham website and is also posted in various places around the park. Users will also see the new names for the cross-country ski trails, which were announced on November 24th:

  • 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.

Visitors of all ages can also take advantage of winter on the Plains at the sliding areas behind the Plains of Abraham Museum, where the Aeria, Battles 1759-1760, and Identities exhibitions are located. Snow carpets can be rented at the museum’s reception desk for $5 per half day. The Plains of Abraham Ice Rink, presented in partnership with the Ville de Québec, as well as the warming station at the Joan of Arc Garden, are already open. Shoot, Score!, the interactive family tour about winter sports of past and present, is also waiting to welcome you.

Quick facts

  • Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and walking

    Trails for classic and skate skiing (beginner, intermediate, and expert) and for walking and snowshoeing.

    Subject to snow conditions. Access is free. Follow the grooming operations in real time on the Nordic Pulse web app. Trail map available online. Equipment can be rented at the skaters’ chalet ($). 

  • Sliding

    Two sliding areas have been prepared at the events site behind the Plains of Abraham Museum.

    Subject to snow conditions. Access is free. Snow carpets can be rented at the Plains of Abraham Museum reception desk during business hours ($5).

  • Plains of Abraham Ice Rink

    Chilled skating rink at the sports field west of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

    Presented in partnership with the Ville de Québec. Access is free. Schedule available online [French only]. Equipment can be rented at the skaters’ chalet ($).

  • Shoot, Score!

    Family treasure hunt on the Plains of Abraham.

    Until April 2, 2023. Ideal for children 6 to 12 years old. A smartphone with cellular data is required. $12 + tax per group. Purchase online. In partnership with Défi-Évasion.

  • Warming station and illuminated garden

    This warm space, complete with a fireplace and seating, is part of a network of warming stations across Quebec City. This space is illuminated by the surrounding Joan of Arc Garden. 

    Access is free. The Garden is lit year-round, at dusk. The warming station will operate from Sunday to Wednesday, 10 am to 8 pm, and Thursday to Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm, until March 19, 2023.

  • Exhibitions

    Aeria, Battles 1759-1760, and Identities

    Open all year at the Plains of Abraham Museum. Schedule and rates are available online. 

  • More information and winter programming: online at theplainsofabraham.ca, by phone at 418-649-6157, or at the Plains of Abraham Museum reception desk (835 avenue Wilfrid-Laurier, Québec, QC  G1R 2L3).

Associated links

Contacts

Media inquiries: 
Nathalie Allaire
The National Battlefields Commission
nathalie.allaire@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
418-648-4801

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

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