Where to run in Québec City: the best routes in the Capitale-Nationale

This guide highlights the best places to run in Québec City and the surrounding area, with details for each including approximate distance, surface, atmosphere, recommended skill level, and highlights. We wrap up with practical tips for choosing your route based on your goals, running in the winter, and staying safe. Lace up your shoes—let’s go explore the Capital on the run.

Must-try routes in the City

The heart of Québec City is full of routes accessible on foot or by public transit. Here are the classics that every runner in the region eventually comes to love.

The Plains of Abraham

Parc des Champs-de-Bataille, better known as the Plains of Abraham, is the number one training ground for runners in Québec City. This vast green space perched above the river combines grass, paved trails, and gravel paths—all just a stone’s throw from Old Québec.

• Distance: 2- to 5-km loops, easily extended by linking trails.
• Surface: asphalt, fine gravel, and large lawns.
• Atmosphere: historic and scenic, with views of the river and the Citadel.
• Level: all, from beginners to interval runners.
• Highlights: parking, water fountains in the summer, joint-friendly terrain, and light traffic.

It’s the perfect spot for your interval training, morning runs, or a gentle first loop on the grass.

The Samuel-De Champlain Promenade

Stretching along the river between the Québec Bridge and the Côte-Gilmour area, the Samuel-De Champlain Promenade is undoubtedly the region’s most beautiful riverside route. The flat, wide path runs alongside the St. Lawrence River, with rest stops, piers, and green spaces all along the way.

• Distance: approximately 6 km end-to-end, or 12 km round trip.
• Surface: smooth asphalt and wooden sections.
• Atmosphere: maritime, open, ideal at sunset.
• Difficulty: suitable for all, particularly pleasant for long runs.
• Highlights: flat and safe route, views of the river, water fountains, and restrooms during the season.

Be aware of the wind, which can be strong along the waterfront: dress appropriately, especially in the spring and fall.

Bois-de-Coulonge Park

Adjacent to the Plains, Bois-de-Coulonge Park is a former viceregal estate converted into a public garden. Its winding paths meander through mature trees, flower gardens, and scenic overlooks of the river.

• Distance: loops ranging from 1.5 to 3 km, easy to repeat.
• Surface: fine gravel and paved paths.
• Atmosphere: peaceful, shaded, almost rural.
• Level: beginner to intermediate.
• Highlights: gentle inclines for hill training, beautiful surroundings, and tranquility.

You can easily combine this with the flat areas and the promenade to create a long, varied run without ever leaving the riverbank.

Major corridors and multi-use trails

The Québec City region has a network of bike paths and green corridors that are perfect for running, especially when you want to rack up kilometres without worrying about traffic.

The Littoral Corridor

The Littoral Corridor runs along the river and the Saint-Charles River, connecting several neighbourhoods in the city. It’s one of the most popular routes for long runs, as you can run for hours without encountering any major intersections.

• Distance: over 15 km nonstop, adjustable to your liking.
• Surface: smooth asphalt.
• Atmosphere: waterfront, with the river on one side and the marshes on the other.
• Level: all; excellent for endurance.
• Highlights: flat, well-maintained, dotted with rest stops, and connected to other trails.

The Cheminots Corridor

Built on a former railroad right-of-way, the Cheminots Corridor connects Québec City to Val-Bélair and beyond, spanning about 30 kilometres. It’s a runner’s paradise for those training for a half-marathon or marathon.

• Distance: up to 22 km one way.
• Surface: asphalt, with sections of crushed rock.
• Atmosphere: wooded and rural as you move away from the city.
• Difficulty: intermediate to advanced for long distances.
• Highlights: very gentle and even gradient, ideal for maintaining a steady pace.

The Saint-Charles River Linear Park

This park follows the Saint-Charles River from its mouth to Lake Saint-Charles, passing through several neighbourhoods. It alternates between urban, wooded, and natural settings, offering a beautiful variety of landscapes.

• Distance: Up to 32 km of trails, to be covered in sections.
• Surface: asphalt and crushed rock trails.
• Atmosphere: nature in the city, with riverbanks, footbridges, and marshes.
• Difficulty: all levels.
• Highlights: numerous access points, shade in the summer, and abundant wildlife.

For elevation changes and a challenge

Québec is a city of hills and stairs. If you’re looking to strengthen your legs or add some elevation to your workout, these spots are perfect for you.

Old Québec and its staircases

Running in Old Québec means embracing the elevation changes. Between the Upper Town and the Lower Town, the cobblestone streets and numerous staircases—including the famous Casse-Cou staircase—turn any run into an impromptu hill workout.

• Distance: short loops ranging from 3 to 6 km, with significant elevation changes.
• Surface: cobblestones, concrete, and steps.
• Atmosphere: unique, historic, nestled between the city walls and the river.
• Level: intermediate to advanced, due to the climbs.
• Highlights: power training, exceptional scenery, and proximity to the plains.

A tip: Avoid peak tourist hours and watch out for slippery cobblestones when they’re wet.

Montmorency Falls Park

About fifteen minutes from downtown, Montmorency Falls Park offers a spectacular setting with its 83-metre waterfall, taller than Niagara Falls. The panoramic staircase that runs alongside the falls is a memorable challenge.

• Distance: 3- to 5-km loops around the site.
• Terrain: trails, footbridges, and long staircases.
• Atmosphere: majestic, with the roar of the falls and the mist.
• Difficulty: intermediate to advanced.
• Highlights: significant elevation gain, panoramic views, and fresh air near the water.

Mont Bélair and its trail running routes

At 485 metres, Mont Bélair is the highest point in Québec City and serves as the gateway to trail running in the region. Its trails climb through the forest to lookout points that overlook the entire Capitale-Nationale region.

• Distance: loops ranging from 5 to 12 km depending on the trails chosen.
• Terrain: dirt trails, roots, and rocks.
• Atmosphere: wild, forested, and challenging.
• Level: intermediate to advanced; trail running experience recommended.
• Highlights: significant elevation gain, unspoiled nature, and breathtaking views.

Trail running shoes are required, and be sure to bring water: there are no water fountains at higher elevations.

The Sainte-Foy outdoor recreation centre

Nestled in a wooded area in the Sainte-Foy region, this outdoor recreation centre offers a network of multi-use trails surrounding a body of water. It’s a great transition between road running and trail running.

• Distance: loops ranging from 2 to 8 km.
• Surface: compacted dirt and rock dust trails.
• Atmosphere: accessible, family-friendly, and wooded natural setting.
• Level: All, including trail running beginners.
• Highlights: shade, soft terrain, tranquility, and proximity to major roads.

Practical tips for running in Québec City

No matter which route you choose, a few tips will help you make the most of the region.

• Beginners: Stick to flat, gentle surfaces like the Plains of Abraham or the Samuel-De Champlain Promenade. Alternate between running and walking, and gradually increase your distance.
• Long runs: Opt for major running routes like the Littoral, the Cheminots, or the Saint-Charles River Linear Park, where you can rack up the kilometres without stopping at intersections.
• Elevation: Once a week, incorporate the stairs in Old Québec, Montmorency Falls, or Mont Bélair to build strength.
• Winter: The plains and many trails are cleared of snow, but ice is still common. Removable crampons and appropriate footwear make all the difference. Dress in layers and protect your extremities from the river wind.
• Safety: Wear reflective clothing early in the morning or in the evening, let a friend or family member know your route, and bring water on long runs through wooded areas. When trail running, keep your phone charged.

To pinpoint each route, distance, and elevation gain, check out our GPS routes and view them on the interactive map. And if you want to turn your training into a goal, take a look at the races in the Québec City area.

Conclusion

From the Plains of Abraham to the trails of Mont Bélair, via the riverside paths and the stairways of Old Québec, the Capitale-Nationale offers a route for every runner and every mood. The hardest part is deciding where to start. Explore the routes to find your next loop and check out the race calendar in Québec to give yourself a goal to strive for. Happy running, and enjoy every stride in one of the most beautiful running regions in the country.