Quebec City is considered to be one of the most historic sites in Canada. And Battlefield Park, established in 1908 as part of the city’s 300th anniversary, preserves its long history. The Plains of Abraham Museum is situated in the park and provides its comprehensive history.
Linda’s Pick of the Exhibits
My favorite part of the museum was the main permanent exhibit — Battles 1759 to 1760. Why? Because I’d learned so much about the Battle of the Plains of Abraham back in my school days and the exhibit did an amazing job of bringing the history to life.
What made the Battle of the Plains of Abraham important?
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was fought on September 13, 1759. It was a key battle between the French and the English during the Seven Years War (also called the French and Indian War in North America).
Indeed, this was the war that decided whether Canada would evolve as an English or French-speaking country.
The British were led by General James Wolfe. On the other side, the French were under General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm. And the battlefield? A plateau situated just outside the walls protecting Old Quebec’s Upper Town known as the Plains of Abraham.
Way back in 1734, the plains had been identified by this name on an early map. They were named after an early 1600s fisherman and river pilot named Abraham Martin who owned the section of farmland.
But back to the battle. Some might say it wasn’t a fair fight by the norms of the time, since General Wolfe launched a surprise attack. How? His 4500 man force landed at L’Anse-au-Foulon and scaled the cliffs to reach the plains.
Montcalm had about 5000 troops, so the fight was fierce, if short. The French soon retreated to the city.
Both generals lost their lives. Wolfe died on the battlefield while Montcalm died the next day.
While the costs were high for both sides, ultimately the battle led to the British gaining control of Quebec and New France. It was a pivotal point in the war for control of North America as the United States were still under British rule at this time.
The exhibit does an exceptional job of presenting information in an interactive way. While some visitors may not start out being very interested in history, making guesses on the purposes of artifacts and how they may have been used creates a lot of engagement.
Another example displayed a powder measure for making musket cartridges with the question (in French and English): I am made of …
- bronze
- brass
- copper
You can flip the question for the answer… brass. The powder measure is often used by the soldiers to make musket cartridges. This alloy contains mainly copper and zinc. Brass is used because it rarely produces sparks.
The displays that really captured my attention though were the uniforms worn throughout the period. Wow!
What’s in the Plains of Abraham Museum?
The Plains of Abraham Museum has a ground floor entrance area and three upper floors of exhibits. Approximately 3,000 items are displayed at a time. However, the collection is much larger, so there’s always something new to see.
The key exhibits include:
- An immersive projection room featuring films that recount key moments from the siege of Quebec and the Battle of the Plains of Abraham
- Battles 1759 to 1760 – the main exhibit focused on the critical battles
- Identities and Traces – thematic exhibits that highlight the artifacts and people connected to the park
- Order and Law – a section within the Batailles exhibit covering civilian and military justice, uniforms and discipline
- A changing temporary exhibit area
Fast Fact: Various punishments were used to keep order during this period of war. Leg irons were used to limit the movement of an accused or condemned person during travel. Whips made of bundles of birch twigs or single straps of leather were used to punish thieves. Among the French, the sword was used largely in duels, a single combat to preserve honour among gentlemen and soldiers. Among the British, running the gauntlet was a common punishment. The soldiers stood in two rows. Using the ramrod of their musket, they struck the back of the soldier walking down the centre. ~ Plains of Abraham Museum
The museum is spacious, using many different artifacts and strategies to make it highly interactive and engaging.
What’s in Battlefield Park in Quebec City?
Battlefield Park is one of Canada’s best known urban green spaces. It blends history, culture, and recreation in the heart of Quebec City. Located around 2 km (about 1.2 miles) from the main gates entering Old Quebec, you can easily visit it before or after touring the UNESCO site of Old Quebec.
There’s a lot to see and do year-round in Battlefield Park. The park overlooks the St. Lawrence River, so the scenery is great with grassy hills (or snowy hills!), sunken gardens, monuments, trails for everything from jogging to cross-country skiing, and more.
My personal favorite activity on the Plains of Abraham is the largest winter carnival in North America, the Quebec Winter Carnival. I’ve attended a couple of times and just love it!
You’ll also find historic cannons and fortifications, along with Martello Towers. The Towers are historic structures used for defense.
The Joan of Arc Garden, with its landscaped flower beds and statues, is another beautiful spot in the park.
Fast Fact: The landscape artist, Louis Perron, created the Joan of Arc Garden in 1938. Why? As a floral showpiece for the large equestrian statue of Joan of Arc. The statue was donated to the park by Archer Milton Huntington and Anna Hyatt Huntington (also the sculptor).
What’s in the Joan of Arc garden? Over 21,000 plants of more than 140 species. As well as the artistic plant arrangements, there’s also artistic lighting at night.
Linda’s Road Trip Tips
I visited the museum and park while in Quebec for the TBEX travel bloggers conference. For my stay, I selected the Hotel Chateau Laurier (not the Fairmont). It’s right opposite the museum and just a seven minute walk to the Convention Centre.
Rooms were comfortable and the hotel had all the amenities from an indoor pool to breakfast (at a fee). I particularly found the hotel store useful. Not only could I buy an adult beverage to enjoy in my room after a busy day, I even bought an umbrella after forgetting to pack one.
Right beside the hotel, you’ll find a street home to a wide selection of restaurants with patios and microbreweries. I opted for Les 3 Brasseurs. My meal? A Traditional Sauerkraut dinner with sausage and ham, along with a flight of beer. It was delicious!
Of course, it goes without saying that you must spend time in Old Quebec while you’re in Quebec City. The only walled city in North America, the earliest parts of the walls date back to 1690. You can even walk the entire 4.6 km (2.9 miles) long walls!
Who Should Visit the Plains of Abraham Museum & Battlefield Park
The Plains of Abraham Museum is a must-see destination for everyone interested in Canada’s French / English history. With all of the interactive exhibits there’s lots to keep children from middle school age, right through to seniors, intrigued.
Battlefield Park provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy both greenery and history while getting some exercise.
And of course, with all of the events held in the park, it’s a popular spot for activities.
There’s an elevator between the museum’s floors, making it accessible for strollers and those with mobility restrictions.
A subtitled version of the movies in the projection room is available upon request. Free guided assistance is also available for anyone with a disability.
I spent about an hour-and-a-half in the museum. While you could walk through the exhibits faster, you’d miss the interactive components that make the museum so interesting.
How Do You Visit the Plains of Abraham Museum?
The Plains of Abraham Museum is the gateway to Battlefield Park in Quebec City.
Parking: Paid parking is available onsite. They're open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As well, there's on-street metered parking options. There are additional parking lots in Battlefield Park.
Street Location of the Plains of Abraham Museum: 835, Wilfrid-Laurier Avenue
The museum and park are open year round. Check days, hours, and admission fees at the Plains of Abraham Museum website.
Keep up to date with what’s happening with the Plains of Abraham Facebook page.
Take a virtual tour to learn more with The Plains of Abraham: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go video on YouTube.
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Acknowledgments
I had free admission to the museum as part of my TBEX registration with Quebec City Tourism.
guide2museums.com 