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Monument Samuel-De Champlain: A Tribute to Quebec City's Founder

A historic monument honoring Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec City, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city's past.

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The Monument Samuel-De Champlain, located on Dufferin Terrace, is a tribute to Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec City. The monument offers visitors splendid views of the St. Lawrence River, the Lower Town, Île d'Orléans, the south shore and the Laurentian mountain range.

A brief summary to Monument Samuel-De Champlain

  • Monument Samuel-De Champlain, Esc. Frontenac, Québec City, La Cité-Limoilou, Quebec, G1R 4S7, CA
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Local tips

  • Visit during the summer to enjoy street performances and events on the Dufferin Terrace.
  • Take photos of the iconic Château Frontenac in the background for a memorable shot.
  • Stroll along the Dufferin Terrace for panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and Lower Town.
  • Consider taking the funicular down to the Petit-Champlain Quarter for a charming experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Monument Samuel-De Champlain is located on Dufferin Terrace next to the Château Frontenac in the heart of Old Québec. From most points within the Old Québec, it is easily accessible by foot. Simply head towards the Château Frontenac and follow the Dufferin Terrace. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The Réseau de transport de la capitale (RTC) bus network serves Old Québec. Check the RTC website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the bus stop, follow signs towards the Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace. A one-way fare is CA$3.75. Note that due to a maintenance workers' strike at the RTC, no bus service will be available starting July 4, 2025 at 5:20 a.m. and for the duration of the strike, which is expected to last until July 13.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Quebec City. Request a ride to the Château Frontenac. From there, the monument is a short walk along the Dufferin Terrace. Taxi fares are based on a metered rate, with a base fare of approximately CA$4.55, plus CA$1.75 per kilometer. A short trip within Old Québec will likely cost between CA$11 and CA$18.

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Discover more about Monument Samuel-De Champlain

The Monument Samuel-De Champlain stands proudly on the Dufferin Terrace, a lasting tribute to the founder of Quebec City. Erected in 1898, this impressive monument is the work of sculptor Paul Chevré, a Titanic survivor, in collaboration with architect Paul-Alexandre Le Cardonnel. The monument marks the approximate site of the first Saint-Louis Château, built in 1647 by Champlain's successor, Charles Huault de Montmagny. The monument stands 16 meters high, with the bronze statue of Champlain measuring 4.25 meters. Champlain is depicted in his forties, holding a cavalier hat and rolled letters. The base is constructed from limestone sourced from the same quarry that supplied stone for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. A bronze relief shows a woman, personifying Quebec City, recording historical events, with a child representing the science of navigation, and Victory with outstretched wings sounding a trumpet. Located next to the Château Frontenac, the monument overlooks the crowds of tourists and locals who gather in Old Québec. Visitors can enjoy street performances, photograph the Château Frontenac, stroll along the Dufferin Terrace, and take the funicular to the Petit-Champlain Quarter. The monument serves as a reminder of Champlain's legacy as an explorer, cartographer, and key figure in establishing French settlements in North America.

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