The Governors’ Promenade

The wooden staircase in front of you leads to the Governors’ Promenade—an extension of Dufferin Terrace that connects Château Frontenac to the Plains of Abraham, along the Quebec Citadel. Stretching over 500 metres, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful walk, with stunning views over the Saint Lawrence River. It follows the path of an old dirt road that once wound its way up the cliff-side, linking the harbour to the Upper Town. In the 18th century, it was a dangerous route for locals, as landslides were quite common and the cliff was unstable. When the British arrived, they decided to develop the area. After building Durham Terrace, they added a staircase to give soldiers easier access to the Citadel. The promenade you see today took shape in the early 20th century and was extensively renovated in the 1960s, which didn’t come cheap. It was officially named the Governors’ Promenade, in honour of the many men—both French and British—who served as governors of Canada over the centuries.