Several former private estates have been transformed into large open spaces popular with the public. Newer city parks were designed to capture the essence of the wider open spaces on the outskirts of town. Each neighbourhood and district has its own parks that contribute to improving the quality of life in the city, which is already reputed to be among the highest among North American cities. Estates and city parks of note include:

Battlefields Park
Located in the heart of Québec City, this park consists of 108 hectares of plains and vales with flower beds, groves and tended lawns; it is one of the most prestigious urban parks in the world. This site includes the Citadel and magnificent Jeanne d'Arc garden, Discovery Pavillion, Martello Towers, promenade des Gouverneurs and Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand. Criss-crossed by many trails and paths suitable for nature walks, jogging, inline skating and, in the winter, cross-country skiing. Beautiful scenery in an exceptional urban setting.

   Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge (park)
   This park overlooks the St. Lawrence River from atop the cliff. It served as the residence of governors general
   and lientenant governors until 1966. Today, this 24-hectare site is known for its gardens and is one of the
   most picturesque public parks in the city.

   Villa Bagatelle
   Be sure to visit this English garden to admire the 350 species of local and exotic plants, themed exhibitions
   and the villa's exceptional rural Neo-Gothic architecture dating back to the 19th century.

   Domaine Maizerets (estate) and the Arboretum
   This 27-hectare estate, located in the Limoilou district, is considered an exceptional natural site. Picnickers,
   outdoor sports enthusiasts and budding scientists frequently visit the arboretum, a living «museum» with over
   16 000 trees and perennials growing lushly on the grounds.

   Historic District of Trait-Carré
   One of the jewels of the region's heritage is this historic district, whose lots have been parcelled in a unique
   manner: they are laid out in a star shape, with the Saint-Charles-Borromée Church at its centre.

   Bourg de Fargy
   The Bourg du Faguy was the heart of the Beauport district during the 17^th and 18^th centuries. The buildings
   found here reflect the evolution and complementarity of different architectural styles. Other noteworthy
   constructions in the Bourg include rows of Victorian style houses, ancestral homes, a church, presbytery and
   convent.

   Place de la Gare
   This public garden, located across from the Gare du Palais train station, was designed to recognize water as a
   renewable source of energy. The fountain-sculpture created by Charles Daudelin captures the power of this
   resource.

   Place de la FAO
   A magnificent public square at the intersection of Saint-Paul, Saint-Pierre and Sault-au-Matelot streets.
   A superb fountain-sculpture in the form of the bow of a ship appears to emerge from the pavement. This work
   of art commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
   (FAO), founded in Québec City in 1945.

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