Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace

This is my favorite place in all of Quebec City! When I found it, by walking along the Citadelle walls and being surprised by its presence as I rounded the corner, I was in pure joy! You have to come here! Choose a sunny day when the colors will be popping, and you can watch kids happily rolling down the steep hill! A cool breeze blows off the river making it a perfect summer spot. Spread out before you is the blue Saint Lawrence River, Chateau Frontenac in all its splendor, gorgeous pristine rowhouses of Ave Saint-Denis, and the bright green citadel walls. The Citadelle was carved into Cap Diamant (the mountain) so that the enemy would not see its location. You can look down on the moat around it. Bring a book or picnic and spend a few hours here resting from your travels. At the bottom of the hill is La Terrasse Saint-Denis, with some benches, lampposts, and pretty flower beds. A footpath leads down to Les Glissandes de la Terrasse, a toboggan ride open in winter, and then Dufferin Terrace, the wide wooden boardwalk above the river where everyone strolls happily along and musicians play French songs.

There are two ways to get to Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace (and the grassy slope above it called Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine), and I think it's much nicer to arrive from above than from below (your knees will agree!). The park is just lovelier seen from atop than arrived at from below. To arrive from above, walk up the road called Cote de la Citadelle. You will come to a guard gate for the Citadelle. Take the path to the left of the  "La Citadelle de Quebec" shade canopy. The path veers slightly left and uphill. This path leads along the perimeter of the Citadelle walls, following its star shape. The Citadelle was built in a star shape to further confuse the enemy, so that they would never know which direction they were facing. The walls are a wonderful place to walk, past wildflowers and the greenest green. You will pass beautiful views of Ave Saint-Denis below, and then arrive at Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace! It is a ten minute walk.
To get to Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace from below, simply walk up the footpath from the dead end of Place Dufferin Terrace, also called Rue des Carrieres, near Parc des Gouverneurs.
This area reminded me so much of Sydney, where I grew up! So much! The hill over water, the flowers, the high heights, the crisp air and breeze.

Directions

The best way to arrive here is on a ten minute walk, starting at 3 Cote de la Citadelle. See directions in the last paragraph above.

Click on map for interactive view