Place des Canotiers
- LocationQuébec (Québec)
- ClientCommission de la capitale nationale du Québec
- year2016
- TeamDaoust Lestage + ABCP
- Awards and distinctions
Special Jury Award, City of Québec Architecture Awards, 2021
Cecobois Award of Excellence – Outdoor Design and Other Structures
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) National Urban Design Awards – Urban Architecture Category
Grands Prix du Design – Special Mention, 2018
OAQ Excellence Awards – Finalist, Commercial and Industrial Buildings Category (Place des Canotiers and Parking Structure), 2017
Institut de développement urbain du Québec (IDU) INOVA Awards – Jury Honourable Mention, 2017
- PHOTOMarc Cramer, Stéphane Groleau, Jean-Philippe Labrie
Reconnecting the city with the river.
Nestled at the foot of OldQuébec, Place des Canotiers reconnects the city with the St. Lawrence River by transforming a former parking lot into a generous public space open to the landscape. Inspired by the site's maritime history, the project reinterprets the character of 19th-century wharves through a contemporary design that creates a place for gathering, contemplation, and discovery in the heart of Québec City's historic district.
Covering nearly 20,000 m², the public square unfolds through a sequence of landscapes and pathways that celebrate views toward both the river and Old Québec. Textured paving evokes the movement of water, while diagonal circulation routes connect a variety of public spaces and invite visitors to discover artworks and scenic viewpoints. Interactive fountain pavers and misting features integrated into the ground recall the ever-present relationship between the city and the river. Broad timber terraces form an elevated promenade leading to a lookout, offering an immersive experience that weaves together suspended gardens, the historic city, and the river horizon.
The project also incorporates a multi-level parking structure discreetly concealed behind an architectural expression inspired by historic port infrastructure. A monumental timber wall recalls the tectonics of traditional wharves while enclosing a stair and promenade leading to a landscaped green roof. A limestone screen establishes a respectful dialogue with the neighbouring Musée de la civilisation, reinforcing the site's connection to its cultural context. By seamlessly integrating infrastructure, landscape, and civic space, Place des Canotiers re-establishes Québec City's historic relationship with the St. Lawrence River through a refined contemporary composition. Recipient of numerous awards for architecture and urban design, it has become one of the city's most iconic public spaces.
