Le Parcours des Anses — piste cyclable au bord du fleuve.
1. Lévis Terrace — the signature view
The Lévis Terrace is one of the province's most spectacular viewpoints: an elevated belvedere with a panoramic view of the river, Old Quebec and the Château Frontenac.
It's free, open year-round, and particularly magical at sunset or at night. The terrace is in Vieux-Lévis, walkable from the ferry terminal in about 10 minutes via the Côte du Passage.
2. Parc de la Chute-de-la-Chaudière
The Parc de la Chute-de-la-Chaudière surrounds a spectacular 35-metre waterfall. The suspension footbridge crosses the falls for an unforgettable experience.
The park has walking trails, picnic areas, and interpretive signs. Access is free. The park is in the Chutes-de-la-Chaudière-Ouest borough, a 15 to 20 minute drive from central Lévis.
3. Parcours des Anses
The Parcours des Anses is a bike and pedestrian path over 15 kilometres long that runs along the Saint-Laurent in Lévis. It connects Vieux-Lévis to Saint-Romuald, crossing several riverside parks.
It's the favourite spot for walkers, joggers and cyclists year-round.
4. The main sites at a glance
Lévis offers a good variety of free parks and outdoor sites. All are accessible free of charge and most stay open in winter.
All these sites are maintained by the City of Lévis or by local organizations. Parking is free in the vast majority of cases. Parcours des Anses and Lévis Terrace are accessible by STLévis bus if you don't have a car — check the routes serving Vieux-Lévis and Saint-Romuald on stlevis.ca.
| Site | Main feature | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Lévis Terrace | View of Old Quebec and Château Frontenac | Vieux-Lévis, free |
| Parc Chute-de-la-Chaudière | 35-m waterfall, suspension footbridge | Chutes-Ouest, free |
| Parcours des Anses | 15 km along the river | Vieux-Lévis to Saint-Romuald |
| Outdoor skating rinks | Open skating in winter | Several sectors, free |
| Cross-country ski trails | Walking and skiing in winter | Parc Chutes, parcours Anses |
5. Municipal sports and leisure
The City of Lévis offers hundreds of sports and cultural activities each season: minor hockey, soccer, baseball, swimming, gymnastics, dance, martial arts.
Registration opens on specific dates — sign up early. Municipal libraries also offer free programming: children's workshops, book clubs, talks.
6. Winter activities
In winter, the city maintains free outdoor skating rinks, cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.
The Parcours des Anses stays open for walking and cross-country skiing. Dress in layered clothing — temperatures can drop below −25 °C in January-February.
7. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions from newcomers on Lévis parks and leisure: public-transit access, recommended period for the footbridge, and municipal activity registration for non-residents.
Can you reach the terrace and the falls without a car?
Yes for the terrace, partially for the falls.
The Lévis Terrace is in Vieux-Lévis, about 10 minutes' walk from the ferry terminal via the Côte du Passage — easy to combine with a Quebec-Lévis crossing. Several STLévis bus routes serve Vieux-Lévis.
The Parc de la Chute-de-la-Chaudière is harder: it's in the Chutes-de-la-Chaudière-Ouest borough, about 15 to 20 minutes by car from central Lévis. Some STLévis routes get you nearby but you typically need a final 1 to 2 km walk.
For a no-car day: ferry → walk to the terrace → lunch in Vieux-Lévis → return by ferry. The falls deserve their own day, ideally with transport.
What's the best season to visit Parc de la Chute-de-la-Chaudière?
Each season offers something different.
- Spring (April-May): the falls are at their peak power — snowmelt produces an impressive flow and roar
- Summer: easiest visit, pleasant weather, families everywhere on weekends
- Fall (mid-September to mid-October): photogenic peak — colourful leaves, fewer visitors
- Winter: more atmospheric — partially frozen falls, snow-covered footbridge — but check the status before leaving
Recommendation for a first visit: a Saturday morning in early summer or fall.
How do I sign my kids up for municipal sports activities?
Through the online portal of the City of Lévis at ville.levis.qc.ca, or by phone at 311.
Sessions follow the school year:
- Fall: registration in late August
- Winter: registration in November
- Spring: registration in February
- Summer: registration in April
Important for newcomers: registration requires « resident » status, automatic if your Lévis address is on file. Declare your address with the city first.
Popular classes (swimming, hockey, gymnastics) fill within hours — set a reminder one week in advance. Fees are heavily subsidized for residents (about half of non-resident fees).
8. See also
To make the most of Lévis year-round:
- Read surviving Quebec winter to prepare the right gear before the first cold snap.
- See first steps in Lévis for libraries and 311 that open access to municipal leisure.
- Prepare your outings with transit in Lévis (STLévis and ferry) to reach the terrace and Chute-de-la-Chaudière without a car.
9. Official sources
Author's Note: The suspension footbridge of the Chute-de-la-Chaudière is an experience not to miss. Go one Saturday morning during your first year.
