Dufferin Terrace (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Dufferin Terrace?
What makes it 86% Solo-Friendly: The boardwalk is free, safe, and open day or night, offering river panoramas, street performers, and easy links to Lower Town, so a solo visitor can spend flexible, low-cost time exploring.
Positives:
- Free entry: The terrace itself has no admission fee.
- Central location: Easy access to Old Town and Château Frontenac.
Challenges:
- Crowds in peak season: Bench seating fills early in summer afternoons.
- Slippery in winter: Wooden planks can ice over; wear grippy boots.
What is Dufferin Terrace?
- A long, elevated wooden boardwalk and terrace established in 1859 atop Cap-Diamant in Quebec City
- An open-air esplanade stretching along the Dufferin Quay beside Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, commanding views of the Saint-Lawrence River
- A heritage-protected promenade framed by decorative gazebos, 19th-century cannons, and a historic winter toboggan chute
What is so special about Dufferin Terrace for solo trip?
- Stroll a historic 1859 boardwalk with river panoramas
- Use cannons as photo props facing Château Frontenac
- Catch free street performances in warm months
- Ride the funicular for quick access to Lower Town
- Try the winter toboggan slide and guided crypt tour
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: A relaxed walk with time for photos, a funicular ride, and a quick visit to the crypt.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Dufferin Terrace
Walk the boardwalk:
Follow the 425 m wooden promenade along the river.
Tip: Start at sunrise for soft light and empty benches.
Photograph Château Frontenac:
Frame the iconic hotel from the terrace’s cannons.
Tip: Use the historic cannons as foreground for dynamic shots.
Watch street performances:
See jugglers, musicians, and magicians in warm months.
Tip: Arrive late afternoon to catch the peak performance time.
Ride the funicular:
Descend to Lower Town in a quick cliffside cabin.
Tip: Carry CAD 5 in cash and check return times at the kiosk.
Try the toboggan slide:
Speed down the historic winter run at up to 70 km/h.
Tip: Book your CAD 3.48 ticket early at the Au 1884 kiosk.
Explore Saint-Louis Forts crypt:
Tour archaeological remains beneath the terrace.
Tip: Buy the CAD 12 ticket at Parks Canada for a guided tour.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Dufferin Terrace
- Visit early: Arrive before 9 AM to enjoy quiet views and clear photo ops.
- Cash for tickets: Bring small bills for the funicular and toboggan kiosk.
Reviews of Dufferin Terrace
Alireza Abdollahee
Dufferin Terrace is a wide wooden boardwalk in front of the Château Frontenac in Quebec City, offering sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River, Old Port, and surrounding historic landmarks.
Tom Yenk
Great place to go for a walk and hang out anytime of the day, especially in the evening, looking over the river, watching the ships go up-and-down.
Reza Sattarzadeh Nowbari
This terrace has a fantastic view to the Quebec City harbour. It's ideal to spend some time here because you get the chance to walk in the terrace, admiring the famous hotel as well as the view of the harbour.
Amartya Ghosal
Undoubtedly the main tourist attraction in Old Quebec City. Whether it’s enjoying the scenic views of the Lower Town, gazing over the St. Lawrence River, admiring the architecture of Château Frontenac, enjoying the cool breeze, watching live performances by local artists, or simply spending time with your loved ones, this historic public space offers it all. We stayed at a nearby hotel and spent ...
Yasser Abed
Beautiful views and lively atmosphere! Dufferin Terrace offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and Château Frontenac. A perfect place to walk, relax, and enjoy street performers. A must-visit when in Old Quebec!
When is the best time to visit Dufferin Terrace (Quebec City, Canada)?
In summer, visit at sunset for live music and cooler air. Winter brings toboggan runs and ice sculpture displays during the Winter Carnival. Spring and fall can be windy; bring layers.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Funicular one-way ticket | CAD 5 |
| Toboggan slide | CAD 3.5 |
| Crypt tour | CAD 12 |
| Hot cocoa or ice cream | CAD 4 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 24.5 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Dufferin Terrace
Address: Rue des Carrières, Québec, QC G1R 5J5, Canada
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Dufferin Terrace (Quebec City)?
About Dufferin Terrace
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 888-773-888810 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities