Located in Quebec City, the Plains of Abraham is now a park that was once the site of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham that took place in 1759.
The History of The Plains of Abraham in Quebec
The Plains of Abraham is where the Battle of the Plains of Abraham broke out between the British and French empires in 1759. Also known as the Battle of Quebec, the conflict was part of the Seven Years’ War.
France was the first to send colonists to Quebec, one of which included Samuel de Champlain in the early 1600s. De Champlain is largely credited for helping establish Quebec City. He was also instrumental in identifying Cap Diamant (an edge of land on the side of the St. Lawrence River) as a prime location for military operations, which eventually led to the construction of the Citadelle of Quebec.
The French largely controlled Quebec and Eastern Canada during the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century as well. By 1759, however, Britain had gained a lot of ground in North America and was planning on invading Quebec. British general James Wolfe arrived in the province that year to help his nation take over New France, which is where parts of Ontario, Quebec and the northeast United States are located today.
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham took place on September 13, 1759. Prior to that day, Wolfe and his troops had lain siege to the area for three months. The battle was surprisingly short given its significance. It only lasted for an hour and the British were victorious. Both Wolfe and French commander Louis-Joseph de Montcalm sustained injuries that led to their deaths.
The French army left the city following their defeat, allowing the British to gain control of much of New France and helping them win the Seven Years’ War.
Plains of Abraham Lookout
The Park’s Hours and Features
The Plains of Abraham is open to the public daily. There is a museum in the park that has exhibitions on the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. Visitors can learn more about the strategies involved in the battle and see artifacts such as uniforms and maps as well. The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Here are the prices for the museum from July 2 to September 2, 2024.
- Toddlers (0 – 4): free
- Kids (5 – 12): $5.50
- Teenagers (13 – 17) and seniors (65 and above): $12.25
- Adults (18 – 64): $16.50
- Family bundle (includes two kids and two adults): $41.50
Some other parts of the Plains of Abraham include a 1-kilometre trail that joggers often use. The park’s most notable feature is likely the Joan of Arc Garden. Included in the garden are dozens of flower types and most famously a Joan of Arc statue.
The park’s versatility is especially evident during the winter. In colder months, the Plains of Abraham transforms into a cross-country ski trail. An ice rink is also constructed in the middle of the park and the use of these amenities is free of charge.
Special Activities and Events at the Park
Other than its beautiful scenery, the park’s most attractive feature might be the special activities that it offers. The Plains of Abraham hosts events such as indoor and outdoor escape games, treasure hunts, live shows that tell the park’s history and even reenactments of historical events.
Outside of individual activities, the park also has classes that teach participants about the history of the Plains of Abraham. Schools often visit the park but lessons are offered to people of all ages, from kids in kindergarten to adults. The guides for these classes are all dressed up to depict a certain time period and make the experience as immersive as possible.
To stay up to date on the status of each activity and to see their pricing, check out The Plains of Abraham website.
Other Information
For more information about the park click The Plains of Abraham.
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