03 Jul Best Quebec City Workouts 101
Best Quebec City Workouts 101
When travelling, it can be hard to stick to our workout routines. Especially when visiting Quebec City, we cannot resist the temptations of the epicurean delights that the French Canadians are well known for. Between the freshly baked pastries at the local bakeries, the local French bistros, (let’s not forget our fabulous cheeses and wines), the daily calorie count can get pretty high.
I have lived in the Old City for 18 years now. For those that want to hit the gym, Nautilus Plus offers a complete facility to meet your needs. They charge a daily drop-in rate of 15$ CAD.
Yet located right in the heart of Old Quebec City lie the Plaines of Abraham. The National Battlefield Park has trails throughout, including the Plaines of Abraham Trail with 1190 meters of pathway and at times 8% grades. I walk the trails and nature paths daily for exercise, adding stairs into the mix to increase my cardio. The trails are also safe for not only pedestrians and runners, but for hiking and cycling enthusiast as well.
Stairmaster 101
To get a great cardio boost, I recommend starting your daily workout on the Terrace Dufferin just in front of the historic Chateau Frontenac. From the Manoir d’Auteuil, it is but a 5 minute leisurely walk which I recommend walking at a brisk pace to warm up. Proceed to the Promenade des Gouverneurs where you will begin your 196 stairs upward. Do not worry, there are many river view platforms along the way to take a rest and to break up the climb. Whether you jog it, slowly walk it or take two steps at a time, your cardio rate will climb as you do. You will then take 20 steps down to a walking platform that is flat until you pass the outer walls of the Citadel. This is a great cool down. You will then have another 91 steps up until you find yourself at the Kiosk atop the Plaines of Abraham.
Stairmaster 202
Once you have completed the Promenade, vere to the left on the paved road: Cap aux Diamants. As you pass the lookout point with the canon and continue on the road, you will eventually notice a man made pathway in the grass. Follow this to the left and down the hill until you see the kioske in this photo.
Here begins the Escalier du Cap Blanc or the Cap Blanc Stairs. You will see locals going up and down these stairs, which are incredibly challenging due to the steep grade. Those of us local exercise buffs challenge each other to see just how many times we can climb up and down the stairs. I have one neighbor that does it 5 times before finishing his workout. One journey is enough for me. You will descend 398 stairs then climb back up the 398 steps again. There are only two platforms for resting in this path. Once at the top, you can head back through the Plaines of Abraham to your hotel or continue left on the nature trails. Either way, you will have put in at least 4 miles at whatever pace you choose, all while taking in the beautiful views and nature of the Battlefield Park.
For more information in planning your Quebec City stay, feel free to reach out to us at: reservations@manoirdauteuil.com
Map of the Plains of Abraham
Here is a map of the park pointing out the various landmarks as well as the parking areas. Download the Map
