SAMUEL-DE CHAMPLAIN PROMENADE

A Reimagined Landscape Between River and City

The Saint Lawrence River is much more than a majestic waterway bordering the city of Québec—it is the beating heart of its history, a powerful symbol of identity, and a living emblem of the relationship between nature and urban life. For centuries, its shores have witnessed a variety of uses—from Indigenous transportation routes to colonial trade routes, and later as a key axis of the modern economy. Yet over time, access to this exceptional natural heritage gradually diminished, cut off by unfriendly road infrastructure.

This reality gave rise to the Samuel-De Champlain Promenade project, driven by an ambitious vision: to return the river to the citizens. This flagship 11-kilometre project transformed a highway corridor into a vast public linear park, blending urban design, ecology, culture, and recreation. It stands as one of the most significant public space redevelopment projects undertaken in Québec at the turn of the 21st century.

A Collective and Sustainable Vision

The idea to transform Champlain Boulevard emerged during public consultations held in the fall of 2000 by the National Capital Commission of Québec. Citizens, along with municipal and government stakeholders, clearly expressed a desire to reconnect the city with its river and to make this space a place of life, leisure, and reflection.

In response, the Commission—together with the City of Québec and the Ministry of Transport—commissioned a consortium of experts (including the firms Gauthier Daoust Lestage, WAA (Williams Asselin Ackaoui), and Option Aménagement) to design a project that harmonized accessibility, quality of life, sustainable mobility, and environmental protection. The project also benefited from the expertise of several specialists, including engineers from the Genivar Group.

A Landscape-Inspired Redevelopment

At the heart of the concept is the idea of transforming a roadway into a calm urban boulevard where traffic coexists harmoniously with pedestrian paths, bike lanes, and green spaces. The boulevard’s route was reconfigured to better align with the natural shape of the shoreline, with wide curves concaving toward the river. These curves open up strategic riverside coves, creating direct access points to the water.

This approach provides a continuous experience of landscape discovery: perspectives open successively onto the river, the cliff, wooded areas, and human-made installations, creating a varied and immersive promenade. The entire route is dotted with welcoming public spaces, rest areas, promontories, and lookouts.

A Promenade for Everyone

The Samuel-De Champlain Promenade is designed as an inclusive space, accessible to all types of users. It features a continuous, multifunctional path approximately four meters wide, dedicated to pedestrians, cyclists, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. This path runs along the river from the west (Irving Wharf) to the east (Old Québec) and connects the various sections of the project.

Five major activity hubs structure the promenade, each highlighting a particular aspect of the territory:
- The Ecological Hub, in the west, showcases the Sainte-Foy woodland and the Victoria cove. It includes an exceptional conservation zone with reforested areas, a reconstructed marsh, and educational trails.
- The Cultural Hub offers installations and events that celebrate Indigenous and Québec heritage.
- The Service Hub brings together visitor infrastructure such as parking, sanitation modules, and rest areas.
- The Leisure/Beach Hub, around Anse au Foulon, is a place for relaxation and direct contact with the river, featuring water play areas and sandy spaces.
- The Civic Hub, connected to institutions and major events, completes this dynamic framework.

These hubs are linked by landscaped connector zones that ensure the aesthetic and functional continuity of the project, while encouraging a diversity of atmospheres and uses.

Nature, Design, and Sustainability

True to sustainable development principles, the project takes an ecological and site-sensitive approach. The materials used are durable and resistant to Québec’s harsh climate. Plant selection was carried out with care—local species adapted to the river’s microclimate were prioritized to create resilient and harmonious natural environments.

One of the project’s major strengths is its educational dimension. Across the various hubs, visitors can learn more about local flora, fauna, history, and shoreline evolution. Interpretive panels, artistic installations, and cultural activities enrich the experience.

A Legacy for Future Generations

The Samuel-De Champlain Promenade was inaugurated as part of the 400th anniversary celebrations of Québec in 2008, marking a new chapter in the relationship between the city and the river. The project has been praised for its comprehensive vision, sensitive site integration, and positive impact on citizens’ quality of life.

More than just a landscape redevelopment, it is a space of life, memory, and future—a continually evolving place that grows with the city and its people. It stands as an inspiring model of urban transformation, recognized nationally and internationally.