Dufferin Terrace Tours and Activities

Dufferin Terrace
Dufferin Terrace
Dufferin Terrace
Dufferin Terrace
Dufferin Terrace


Some of the best views in the city, and a huge ice slide in winter, can be enjoyed from this promenade high above the St. Lawrence River.

Stretch your legs on one of the city’s most popular walks and look out over Old Québec and the St. Lawrence River. Dufferin Terrace is a riverside walkway just below the imposing Fairmont Château Frontenac hotel. The long, wooden boardwalk is a lively spot during the summer months when street performers entertain and vendors sell snacks and souvenirs. In winter, there is a massive ice slide at the end of the terrace.

As you walk along the terrace, observe the cannons that once defended Québec or stop by the statue of explorer Samuel de Champlain, the city’s founder. 

Discover what lies beneath the planks at your feet with a guided tour of the archeological remains of Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux. These ruins were uncovered in a series of digs between 2005 and 2007. The ruins are directly under the terrace and are what’s left of the former residences of the British and French governors who held office between 1620 and 1834. The tour price includes a visit to a kitchen with original oven, latrines and ruins of several outbuildings. For an opportunity to see the archeological digs for free, look down from the terrace’s “archeoscopes.” There are three of these 5-foot (1.5-meter) tall glass prisms built into the promenade.

In the winter months, race down the ice slide situated on the western flank of the terrace. This temporary toboggan run has been created every year since the late 1900s. The top of the run is 269 feet (82 meters) above the terrace and it’s a steep slide along its 492 feet (150 meter) length. There’s no need to bring your own toboggan, because rental is included in the ticket price for the slope.

Situated in Old Québec, Dufferin Terrace is easily reached on foot or by bus. Make your journey more interesting by taking the cable railway up the cliff from the Quartier Petit-Champlain in the Lower Town. If you are feeling energetic, climb the adjacent stairs. You can also jump aboard a small Écolobus, a cheap, electric city bus that moves between the Upper and Lower Town.

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Les Caches de la Grande Pointe
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Best Lodging Options Near Dufferin Terrace

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

4.5 out of 5
1 rue des Carrieres, Québec City, QC
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Hôtel Le Concorde Québec

Hôtel Le Concorde Québec

3 out of 5
1225 Cours du General de Montcalm, Québec City, QC
Hôtel Le Concorde Québec
 Hôtel Palace Royal Centre-Ville par JARO

Hôtel Palace Royal Centre-Ville par JARO

4 out of 5
775 Honoré-Mercier Ave, Québec City, QC
Hôtel Palace Royal Centre-Ville par JARO
Hotel Acadia

Hotel Acadia

3 out of 5
43 Rue Sainte-ursule, Québec City, QC
Hotel Acadia
Hôtel Manoir Vieux Québec

Hôtel Manoir Vieux Québec

3.5 out of 5
6 Rue de la Porte, Québec City, QC
Hôtel Manoir Vieux Québec
Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec

Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec

4 out of 5
1220, Place George-V Ouest, Québec City, QC
Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec
Hotel Manoir Victoria

Hotel Manoir Victoria

4 out of 5
44, Cote du Palais, Québec City, QC
Hotel Manoir Victoria
Hôtel Sainte-Anne

Hôtel Sainte-Anne

3 out of 5
32, rue Sainte-Anne, Québec City, QC
Hôtel Sainte-Anne
Delta Hotels by Marriott Quebec

Delta Hotels by Marriott Quebec

4 out of 5
690 Boul René Levesque E, Québec City, QC
Delta Hotels by Marriott Quebec
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Dufferin Terrace

At Dufferin Terrace in Québec City, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including vibrant festivals, live music, and engaging theatre performances. For a unique experience, consider taking a photo tour or participating in horse riding, both available for an additional charge. Don't miss the Festival d'été, which showcases the city's rich cultural scene and lively atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in local entertainment.

Shopping

Dufferin Terrace offers great shopping options! Visit Quartier Petit Champlain, only 161m away, for charming boutiques, or explore La Maison Simons, located 483m away, for trendy apparel. If you're up for a drive, head to Grande Allée, 1.6km away, for a lively shopping atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience ultimate relaxation at Strøm Spa Nordique, where you can indulge in rejuvenating body treatments surrounded by serene vibes. For a blend of culture and entertainment, enjoy a concert at Palais Montcalm, just a short stroll away, offering an enriching atmosphere that will elevate your spirits.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Le Relais, located 16.1km from Dufferin Terrace, perfect for snow sports enthusiasts. Enjoy the lush landscapes at Les Mosaicultures du Peuple Wendat, 9.7km away, or dive into adventure with water sports at Club Nautique Lac St-Charles, also 16.1km distant.

Nightlife

In Québec City, the Grand Theatre offers a cultural experience with captivating performances, while the Observatoire de la Capitale provides a unique view of the stars. For a more relaxed vibe, Le Trou du Diable is perfect for enjoying drinks in a romantic atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Dufferin Terrace

At Dufferin Terrace in Québec City, visitors can explore a rich tapestry of history through various attractions, including museums, historic buildings, and civic government structures. This vibrant area offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences, making it ideal for families and tourists alike. Don't miss the stunning views and leisurely strolls along the Terrasse Dufferin, where you can fully immerse yourself in the charm of Québec City.

  • Quebec City Town Hall: Located 483m from Dufferin Terrace, this historic civic government building offers a glimpse into the city's rich political history. Its stunning architecture and cultural significance make it a must-see for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Quebec City's heritage.
  • Place Royale: Just 322m away, this charming square is a focal point of the city's culture. Surrounded by historic buildings, it boasts an array of local shops and cafés, providing an authentic taste of Quebec's vibrant urban life.
  • Old Quebec Funicular: A mere 161m from Dufferin Terrace, this historic funicular railway offers breathtaking views as it connects the upper and lower parts of the city. Experience the unique charm and culture of Old Quebec while enjoying the ride.

Best time to go to Dufferin Terrace

The best time to visit Dufferin Terrace is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January12.2°F (-11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February14.4°F (-9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March23.7°F (-4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April36.7°F (2.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
May52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
October45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November32.5°F (0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December20.5°F (-6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dufferin Terrace

To save on your visit to Dufferin Terrace, consider traveling during the off-peak months of January or March to April, when prices are lower. Avoid Saturdays for accommodation, as Tuesdays are the cheapest. Explore nearby free attractions like Quartier Petit Champlain and Quebec City Town Hall. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider eco-certified options for sustainability. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also lead to significant savings. Walking around the compact area is the most economical way to get around.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Dufferin Terrace are January and March to April, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Dufferin Terrace is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Dufferin Terrace is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results from the lowest to highest prices, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Dufferin Terrace hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.