January 14, 2015 – Québec, Quebec – The National Battlefields Commission
It’s that time of year when the National Battlefields Commission (NBC) again offers visitors a wealth of wonderful winter activities for family and friends, right in the heart of the city! Our cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails are ready and waiting for nature lovers looking for great winter fun that doesn’t cost a penny. The Plains of Abraham ice rink, now located on the sports field, has been as popular as ever since opening December 26. Another favourite, back by popular demand, is local legend Amédée’s snowshoeing outings for history buffs, including a brand-new, romantic Valentine’s Day version. For the second year running, sparkling winter scenes from the Plains of Abraham’s past will be recreated at the Joan of Arc Garden. So come revel in the joys of winter, all right here on the Plains of Abraham.
Highlights
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing – Until the end of March
Ski for free on a beautiful, easily accessible site with breathtaking views of the Saint Lawrence. The Plains of Abraham feature 12.6 km of groomed trails for beginning and intermediate skiers, a 3.8 km (return) snowshoe trail along Cap Diamant from the Cap-Blanc Stairway to Gilmour Hill, and 5.6 km of walking trails. A waxing room and two heated shelters are also available at the Plains of Abraham Museum and the Service Pavilion near the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand. To check conditions any time, call 418-648-4212.
The Friends of the Plains of Abraham offer cross-country ski, boot, pole, and snowshoe rentals at the Location Centre, at the Museum, open Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Classic cross-country skiing lessons are also available, call 418-649-6476 and 418-648-2586 for opening hours and for equipment rentals,
- Skating on the Plains of Abraham Ice Rink – Until mid-March
A collaboration between Ville de Québec and NBC: Enjoy clean, crisp air in the heart of town as you glide around the Plains of Abraham Ice Rink. Located on the sports field, to the west of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, the refrigerated ice rink lets visitors enjoy winter at its finest, free of charge. Skates can be rented onsite and refreshments are available at the skaters’ chalet, a great place to warm your toes! Information: 418-609-1310.
- The Snowshoer – Until March 6
A guided snowshoe tour with an old-time twist, perfect for snowshoe and sports history buffs! Pull on your tuques, mitts, arrow sashes, and traditional snowshoes and join an early 20th-century style snowshoer for an original, lantern-lit look at the history of winter sports and recreation on the Plains of Abraham!
Traditional snowshoes, arrow sashes, lanterns and hot chocolate all included. In English: February 14, 4 p.m. In French: December December 27/January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31/February 7, 21, 28/March 7. All tours depart 7 p.m. $17 ages 13–64 / $15 age 65 and up.
And for Valentine’s Day, The Snowshoer went a courtin’, a new themed tour about courtship rituals in the golden age of snowshoeing, featuring the fascinating—and sometimes racy—stories of our ancestors. All equipment and hot chocolate included. February 14, 7 p.m.
$17 ages 13–64 / $15 age 65 and up.
A family-friendly version is offered during the school break, March 2 to 6, at 2 p.m. The Snowshoer Family Outing lets you re-live the winters of bygone days with a fascinating snowshoe expedition on the Plains, travelling back to an earlier age with our storyteller. Equipment and hot chocolate included. $11 ages 6–12 / $13 age 13 and up.
Reservations required: 418-649-6157 | 1-855-649-6157. Groups of 9 or more can reserve at all times. Gift certificates available.
- Joan of Arc Garden in the Snow – Until mid-April
Experience the Plains of Abraham’s winter heritage in a magical and festive atmosphere with sparkling winter scenes from centuries past. A must-see, again and again!
- Information: Plains of Abraham Museum, 835 Wilfrid-Laurier Avenue, level 0, Quebec City
418-649-6157 | 1-855-649-6157.
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Contact
Nathalie Allaire
Outreach and Media Officer
Communications Division
National Battlefields Commission
418-648-4801, nathalie.allaire@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
