Monument Samuel-De Champlain Travel Guide

The Samuel de Champlain Monument has been a prominent symbol of Quebec City since its inauguration on September 21, 1898. The monument pays tribute to Samuel de Champlain, the French explorer and cartographer who founded Quebec City in 1608. Champlain is also credited as the first European to explore the Great Lakes.The monument's base is constructed from limestone sourced from the same quarry that supplied stone for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The bronze statue of Champlain stands at 4.25 meters tall and depicts him in his forties. No authentic portrait of Champlain exists, so the sculptor drew inspiration from other period portraits. The monument also features a high relief depicting a woman representing Quebec City recording historical events, a child symbolizing the science of navigation, and Victory with outstretched wings.Located on the Dufferin Terrace, the monument is a popular gathering place for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can enjoy street performances and take in the panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River, Lower Town, and the Laurentian mountains. The UNESCO Monument, commemorating Old Québec's designation as a world heritage treasure, stands nearby.