Place D'Youville

Place D'Youville is a public square in Quebec's Old Town that sits between Parliament Hill and the historic quarter, featuring wide walkways and buildings from different eras. The space opens up to allow people to move easily and gather comfortably throughout the year.

The site began as a glacis in front of Quebec's fortifications and transformed into open ground in 1815 when the walls no longer served their original purpose. A market known as Montcalm opened there in 1871 before the area eventually became a public gathering place.

The square functions as a cultural hub where three major theaters operate nearby, shaping how locals and visitors experience arts and performance throughout the year. This concentration of venues gives the area a distinct character tied to live entertainment and creative events.

Winter transforms the square into a skating rink where visitors can enjoy ice sports, while summer hosts various festivals and open-air events throughout the season. The open layout makes navigation simple at any time of year, and benches and pathways accommodate different types of activities and rest.

A bronze sculpture called 'The Muses' by artist Alfred Laliberté sits on the square as a reminder of the city's 375th anniversary celebration that took place decades ago. Few visitors notice this artwork while passing through, making it one of the overlooked treasures of the space.

Location: La Cité-Limoilou

GPS coordinates: 46.81220,-71.21420

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01