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Viewpoint · Quebec, Quebec
Dufferin Terrace
A wooden boardwalk on the top of the cliff, at the foot of Château Frontenac, with views of the Saint Lawrence River, the Basse-Ville and the Lévis shore. In winter, there is an ice toboggan.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Dufferin Terrace
The Terrasse Dufferin is a wooden boardwalk of about 400 meters along the cliffside of the Haute-Ville. It was built at the end of the 19th century and is named after a former Governor General of Canada. On one side stands the Château Frontenac, with its copper towers; on the other, the drop down to the Basse-Ville and the Saint Lawrence River.
From the parapet you can see the harbour, the ferry that crosses to Lévis and, downstream, Île d'Orléans. Victorian-style kiosks provide shade, and in summer there are musicians and street performers. Under the boards lie the ruins of the Château Saint-Louis, the former governors’ residence, which can be visited during part of the year.
At the southern end begins the Promenade des Gouverneurs, a staircase and walkway attached to the cliff that leads to the Plains of Abraham. In winter, the toboggan Au 1884 speeds down an ice track set up on the terrace. There is no entrance fee for the boardwalk.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
At late afternoon, with the sun over the river, or at night, with the city lit up. In winter, for the toboggan.
How to get there
In the Haute-Ville, beside Place d'Armes. From the Basse-Ville you can go up by the funicular.
Tip
Follow the Promenade des Gouverneurs to the Plains of Abraham: there are many steps, but the river view accompanies the route.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Dufferin Terrace
Where is the Terrasse Dufferin?
At the top of the cliff in the Haute-Ville, beside the Château Frontenac and the upper station of the funicular.
What is the Terrasse Dufferin toboggan?
An ice slide set up in winter, where you ride down seated on a wooden sled.
Is there a fee to visit the Terrasse Dufferin?
There is no charge for the boardwalk. The toboggan and visits to the Château Saint-Louis ruins have separate fees.