Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Quebec City, Quebec!

Shrine of Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré (Sanctuaire de Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré)

Why Visit?

Experience a serene and accessible day at the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, a beacon of spirituality and beauty, nestled just 30 kilometers east of Quebec City along the picturesque Saint Lawrence River. Renowned for its miraculous healings, this shrine welcomes over a million visitors annually, including those seeking comfort and mobility.

Getting There:

The journey begins with an accessible drive; rental vans equipped with wheelchair lifts are available in Quebec City. Alternatively, book a spot on a wheelchair-friendly tour bus that provides round-trip services to the shrine.

Start Your Tour:

Arrive at the Shrine, majestically standing with its neo-Romanesque structure since 1926. The main entrance and the basilica itself are wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of movement. You"ll find reserved parking spots close to the entrance.

Inside the Basilica:

Explore the stunning interior, highlighted by mosaics and stained glass that narrates Sainte-Anne’s story, the grandmother of Jesus according to Catholic tradition. The basilica offers ramps and an elevator to assist in navigating between different levels. Don"t miss the Scala Santa, a replica of the Holy Stairs Christ ascended in Jerusalem, which also features an accessible side ramp.

The Memorial Chapel:

A short, smooth path leads you to the older, original chapel, built in 1876, now restored to its former glory. Here, accessibility is maintained, allowing everyone to appreciate its peaceful ambiance and artifacts.

Pause and Reflect:

Rest at the tranquil Stations of the Cross garden, where paths are paved and flat for easy accessibility. Each station offers a moment of peace and reflection.

Departure:

After a fulfilling visit, head back to the entrance. The site features accessible restrooms and a gift shop where you can pick up a memento from your visit.

Whether seeking spiritual solace or marveling at architectural grandeur, the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a welcoming pilgrimage site for visitors of all mobility levels.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec), a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, perfectly accessible for wheelchair and mobile scooter users. This charming district, with its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant streets, offers a delightful experience, blending history with accessibility.

### Morning: Arrival and Ramparts

Start your day at the iconic Porte Saint-Jean, where nearby parking spaces and ramps ensure smooth access. Marvel at the preserved city gates which once defended the oldest city north of Mexico. The ramparts are mostly accessible, with flat paths leading to breathtaking views of the city. Take a leisurely roll along the fortified walls, soaking in the history narrated through accessible interpretive panels.

### Midday: Quartier Petit Champlain

Head down to Quartier Petit Champlain, accessible via the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec. The funicular, equipped with a wheelchair-friendly car, descends gracefully, offering picturesque views of the district. Explore the quaint streets of Petit Champlain, where shops and cafes have ramps and accessible entrances. Enjoy a delightful lunch at one of the accessible terraces, offering local delicacies like poutine and maple syrup pie.

### Afternoon: Place Royale and Musée de la Civilisation

From Petit Champlain, roll over to the nearby Place Royale, the birthplace of French America. This cobblestone square is equipped with smooth pathways for easy navigation. Nearby, the Musée de la Civilisation offers an inclusive experience with its universal accessibility. Engage with exhibits about Quebec"s rich cultural heritage, all clearly explained and interactive.

### Evening: Dufferin Terrace

Conclude your day at the Dufferin Terrace, accessible via a ramp from Rue du Fort. This wide wooden boardwalk offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and the majestic Château Frontenac. As the sun sets, enjoy the street performances often held here, rounding off a perfect day in Old Quebec.

Old Quebec combines the charm of its history with the convenience of modern accessibility, ensuring every traveler can enjoy its wonders.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency)

Why Visit?

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Montmorency Falls Park, located just a few minutes away from Quebec City. This natural wonder, standing at 83 meters (272 feet) tall—taller than Niagara Falls—offers an accessible adventure for wheelchair and mobile scooter users.

Getting There: The park is easily reachable by car, with designated accessible parking available close to the main entrance and the cable car station. For those using public transport, buses are equipped with accessibility features to accommodate all travelers.

Start Your Tour at the Visitor Center: Begin your exploration at the accessible visitor center where you can gather insightful park information and maps specifically tailored for wheelchair users. Bathrooms here are also wheelchair-friendly.

Cable Car to the Top: From the visitor center, take the wheelchair-accessible cable car up to the top of the falls. The ride provides a breathtaking panorama of the falls and the surrounding natural landscape. At the summit, enjoy the stunning views from the spacious observation deck, which is fully accessible.

Montmorency Manor: Visit the nearby Montmorency Manor, which offers ramps and full wheelchair access. Inside, you can learn about the history of the falls and the area. The manor also houses a restaurant where you can indulge in some local cuisine while enjoying views of the falls.

Boardwalk and Suspension Bridge: Although the suspension bridge at the top of the falls is not wheelchair accessible, the nearby boardwalk is. This path offers spectacular viewpoints and numerous photo opportunities of the falls and the Isle of Orleans.

Interesting Fact: Montmoreauty Falls is not only a natural spectacle but also a historic site where the famous 1759 Battle of Montmorency took place during the Seven Years" War.

Every aspect of your visit from cozy spots for relaxing to engaging historical insights is tailored to ensure that all travelers, regardless of mobility, can experience the majesty and history of Montmorency Falls Park.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Quebec Royal Square (Place-Royale)

Why Visit?

Magical Place-Royale: A Wheelchair-Friendly Journey Through Time

Start your enchanting exploration of Quebec"s historic heart at Place-Royale, the birthplace of French America. This picturesque square is not just a feast for the eyes but also fully accessible, making it a joy for everyone to visit.

Getting There

Arrive in style and comfort by taking one of the low-floor buses operated by Réseau de Transport de la Capitale (RTC) that cater to those with limited mobility. Alight at the Place d’Youville stop and follow the smooth, flat surfaces leading to the Place-Royale.

Explore and Engage

Begin at the Centre d"Interprétation de Place-Royale, where accessibility is prioritized. Here, immerse yourself in the 17th-century through interactive exhibits and displays, all designed to be wheelchair-friendly. Learn about the bustling life of early French settlers and the evolution of this historic site.

Marvel at Notre-Dame-des-Victoires

Roll your way to one of the oldest stone churches in North America, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. Constructed in 1688, the church has ramp access and offers an intimate glimpse into the religious history that shaped Quebec.

Stroll the Breakneck Steps (if viewing only)

While the steps themselves are not wheelchair accessible, the view from the top is unmissable and can be reached via a nearby accessible route. Absorb the vibrant atmosphere and picturesque views of the lower town.

Dine with a View

Conclude your tour at one of the accessible restaurants overlooking the square. Many offer ramps and accessible restrooms, not to mention a taste of local Québécois cuisine.

Interesting Fact

Did you know Place-Royal was once the bustling center of trade and governance for New France? Today, it stands as a testament to Quebec City’s resilience and charm.

Visit Place-Royale, where history meets accessibility, and every turn offers a story waiting to be discovered by all.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Plains of Abraham (Plaines d"Abraham)

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of the Plains of Abraham

Welcome to the historic Plains of Abraham, a jewel of Québec City and a site of great historical significance. This panoramic green space offers a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, all accessible to visitors on wheelchires or mobile scooters.

Getting There

Start your adventure at the Discovery Pavilion of the Plains of Abraham (835 Wilfrid-Laurier Avenue). It"s equipped with accessible parking and is an excellent entry point. City buses, like routes 11 and 800, also stop nearby and are wheelchair-friendly, ensuring a smooth ride from anywhere in the city.

Touring the Plains

Begin at the Pavilion, where you can explore interactive exhibits about the park"s history — delve into the story of the pivotal 1759 and 1760 battles between the French and the British. The facility is fully accessible, featuring ramps and elevators.

From there, roll out to the beautifully landscaped gardens. The Martello Towers, set against the park"s scenic vistas, offer paved pathways leading up to and around them, allowing for easy navigation. Each tower has its unique tale, enhancing your visit with layers of historical intrigue.

Points of Interest

Make sure to visit the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand, an open-air venue that hosts free musical performances throughout the summer. The paths around the bandstand are smooth and flat, perfect for wheelchair users.

For a serene pause, head over to the Joan of Arc Garden. Its accessible pathways meander through meticulously maintained flower beds and art installations, offering a sensory feast.

Wrap up the Tour

End your day with a relaxing picnic by the St. Lawrence River. Accessible picnic areas provide a comfortable spot to reflect on the day"s explorations while enjoying the stunning river views.

Did You Know?

The Plains were named a National Historic Site of Canada in 1908, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.

This accessible journey through the Plains of Abraham promises a meaningful experience steeped in history and natural beauty, tailored to be enjoyed by all.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.