Espaces portuaires
Espaces portuaires: Spaces where the river meets the city
The Port of Québec’s Espaces portuaires initiative is transforming the port area into a collection of vibrant, accessible, and inclusive areas. Through these recreational, cultural, and educational venues, the Port opens its doors and wharves, sharing its history and inviting people to experience the river in a new way.
What Are the Espaces portuaires?
The Espaces portuaires are a Port of Québec initiative that aims to bring the community closer to the river and the port by creating a variety of accessible spaces and experience for all to enjoy.
This project represents a new approach to the port, viewing it not only as a location for vital economic activities, but also as a space for memory, dialogue, and discovery.
Espaces portuaires was born in the unique context of urban cohabitation, in the heart of a vibrant historic city. Its purpose is to rebuild the connection between the community, the river, and the port area by opening up physical and symbolic spaces in the Port.
L’Agora, L’Oasis, la Baie de Beauport, La Cale, la Discoglace, la Marina, le Village Nordik, the event spaces, and the terminals and wharves where cruise ships dock are all part of Espaces portuaires.
The Espaces portuaires mission
The mission of Espaces portuaires is to make the Port of Québec a place where locals, tourists, and cruise passengers can:
- Discover maritime and port heritage
- Experience the river through a variety of cultural, educational, recreational, and supporting activities
- Gain a better understanding of the Port’s role in the history, economy, and daily life of Québec, as well as its future
- Join a collective discussion about the coexistence of the city, the river, and the port activities
This approach is helping to establish the Port of Québec as an open and committed member of the community.
The focuses of Espaces portuaires
Axis 1 – Communities
Make the port areas inclusive and unifying spaces that foster encounters between locals, families, tourists, cruise passengers, businesspeople, and port partners. This axis focuses on festivities, sporting events, shows, and collaborations with Indigenous communities.
Axis 2 – Knowledge
Share and pass on knowledge of the Port’s history, maritime heritage, biodiversity, and current reality. Visitors can explore the river and the Port from a variety of angles through exhibitions, lectures, guided tours, and educational games.
Axis 3 – Dialogues
Create forums to talk about the future of the river and port area. Citizen meetings, discussion tables, artistic projects, and cultural mediation are all part of a collective, sustainable reflection process.
Places to Experience the River Year-Round
Espaces portuaires is supported by a network of iconic sites. In total, 26% of the Port of Québec’s territory is open to the public.
L’Agora, L’Oasis, la Baie de Beauport, La Cale, la Discoglace, la Marina, and le Village Nordik all offer the public unique ways to experience the river, as well as the chance to relax, explore, and observe port life in all seasons
Port of Québec Agora
Port of Québec Agora is a vibrant and welcoming venue for cultural events, concerts, public gatherings, and community activities. This one-of-a-kind amphitheatre is an iconic, accessible, and lively public space at the heart of the port area, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
The Port of Québec Oasis
The Port of Québec Oasis is a riverside relaxation area and free summer facility where visitors can read, unwind, and socialize while enjoying the views of the Marina. North America’s first port swimming space offers easy, free, and soothing access to the river, with Olympic-length swimming lanes.
Port of Québec’s Baie de Beauport
Port of Québec’s Baie de Beauport is an active urban beach that offers swimming, water sports, trails, family activities, events, restaurants, relaxation areas, boat launches, and sports programming. It offers locals and tourists a comprehensive beach experience just minutes from downtown.
La Cale du Port de Québec
La Cale du Port de Québec is an entertainment and discovery space, hosting sporting, cultural, and community events in a relaxed and accessible setting that showcases port life. This magnificient terrace, which is located in the heart of Old Québec on the banks of the river, is a multi-purpose venue that brings citizens together around the water.
The Port of Québec Discoglace
The Port of Québec Discoglace is a skating rink located on the riverbank – a genuine winter experience in a picturesque setting. This new attraction keeps the energy flowing through the port spaces all year round and adds to the appeal of the Agora by offering a distinctive winter activity.
Port of Québec Village Nordik
The Port of Québec Village Nordik transforms the Louise Basin into an ice fishing experience, with activities and entertainment for all ages. It’s a unique place to experience the power of ice in the heart of the port. The Village Nordik also makes the river accessible, even in winter.
The 2026 Program – A Year of Discovery and Dialogue
Espaces portuaires has a rich and diverse program of events (french only) for 2026, offering opportunities for reflection, learning, and wonder.
Highlights include:
- Exhibitions and cultural projects in partnership with the Musée de la civilisation and other cultural players
- Conferences and citizens’ meetings on the history of the Port, the river, and the challenges of cohabitation
- Educational activities, such as the Flot program for children
- Artistic participatory events that invite people to imagine what the port of tomorrow might look like
This program aims to breathe life into the Port beyond its functional use, remaining it as an open-air museum and a place for dialogue about the future of the port area.
Espaces portuaires is an invitation to reclaim the river and discover the Port in a new way, participating in a collective vision of an open, vibrant port that is firmly anchored in its city.