Have a seat and savor the Saint Lawrence River while learning about Battlefields Park (commonly called the Plains of Abraham). This is the city’s largest urban greenspace. The 250 rolling acres are lined with paved roads and walking trails. This creates a haven for joggers, cyclists and strollers. The open spaces are perfect for basking in the sun. Families gravitate to picnic tables. Everything is the essence of serenity. But this is also the site of violent history. During one hour on September 13, 1759, about 4,400 British regulars overran 3,400 French soldiers and militia. This victory in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham transferred Québec City to the British. The Battle of Québec also marked the beginning of the end for New France. A second skirmish between the two countries was the Battle of Sainte-Foy on April 28, 1760. Although the French technically won, it was too little too late. On February 10, 1763, the Treaty of Paris was signed. This ended the Seven Years’ War. France agreed to a long list of concessions, including transferring sovereignty of Canada to the British.
