“Promenade Samuel-De Champlain: Québec’s Transformative Riverfront Landscape”

Located along the historic St. Lawrence River, the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain in Quebec, Canada, is a transformative urban landscape project designed by Daoust Lestage Lizotte Stecker. Covering an impressive 150,000 m² across 2.5 kilometers, the recently completed third phase, finalized in 2024, continues a 15-year vision of reconnecting the city with its riverfront. Once a fragmented expanse dominated by highways and railway corridors, this waterfront has been transformed into a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable public space for the people of Quebec.

The overarching goal of the project was to return the river to the public, embracing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates urban planning, landscape architecture, and architectural design. Every element—from the master plan to urban furniture, signage, and pavilions—was carefully considered to enhance user experience while respecting the site’s historical and ecological context.

Embracing History and Nature

The design draws inspiration from Quebec’s rich shipbuilding and timber trade history, reflecting the ingenuity of early 19th-century industrialists through a modern architectural language of strength, simplicity, and functionality. The final phase of the promenade introduces a captivating beach area, reminiscent of the beloved “Plage du Foulon” from the early 20th century. The riverfront beach blends sandy shores, river water basins, beach walls, and coastal lyme grass plantings, creating a unique riverside resort experience that is open and welcoming to all, regardless of age or background.

This waterfront oasis establishes a seamless connection between visitors and the river. The design cleverly uses overflowing water basins to give the illusion of bathing directly in the St. Lawrence, enhancing the sensory experience while maintaining safety and accessibility.

Diverse Landscapes and Recreational Spaces

Flanking the central beach, the promenade offers a variety of recreational and ecological experiences. On the west side, visitors enjoy gardens inspired by native coastal meadows, where natural topography and plantings create tranquil, immersive green spaces. The east side features a dockside trail that passes through restored marshlands, culminating in expansive green plains. The promenade is punctuated by three multifunctional pavilions, seamlessly integrated with the landscaping, providing amenities for relaxation, recreation, and community engagement.

Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity

A significant achievement of the project is the restoration of the Saint-Michel marsh and the surrounding ecosystem, enhancing biodiversity in an area that was previously neglected. By prioritizing ecological sensitivity alongside public use, the promenade successfully balances climate action, environmental stewardship, and urban recreation. The revitalized marsh now supports local flora and fauna, making the promenade not only a cultural and recreational hub but also a vital ecological corridor.

A Landmark of Collective Pride

Since its inauguration, the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain has been widely celebrated for its holistic design, fostering public health, ecological awareness, and cultural identity. The project exemplifies how urban waterfronts can be reimagined to deliver inclusive, sustainable, and engaging public spaces. It stands as a landmark of Quebec’s commitment to blending heritage, nature, and modern urbanism.

All photographs are works of Maxime Brouillet, Stephane Groleau, Adrien Williams, Erik Chouinard