D’Youville Square (Place d'Youville), Quebec City

Situated at one of the busiest intersections in the city, D’Youville Square (Place D’Youville) holds historical significance as a former bustling marketplace that now serves as a lively crossroads, marking the boundary between Old Quebec and Quebec Parliament Hill.

The area that is now the square has been a vibrant gathering place since the 1730s when it was a part of the Saint Jean suburb. From 1877 to 1931, it was known as Montcalm Market, or Carré Montcalm. After Montcalm Market was demolished to make room for the construction of Montcalm Palace, the area was renamed Montcalm Square.

In 1965, the square officially took on the name D'Youville in honor of Marguerite d'Youville, Canada's first Catholic saint. It is still commonly referred to as D’Youville Market, or Carré D'Youville. Nearby, D’Youville Street (Rue d'Youville) leads to the chapel of the Sisters of Charity of Quebec, a community founded by Marguerite d'Youville in 1849.

Following recent redevelopment efforts, the square now boasts a spacious promenade adorned with trees and benches, making it a popular gathering place. The counterscarp wall, a remnant of the old fortifications from the 19th century, is accentuated by black granite blocks. Starting in October, a section of the square transforms into an ice rink, much to the delight of local skaters. In the summer, it becomes one of the venues for the Quebec summer festival.

On the western side of the square, you'll find The Muses (Les Muses), a bronze sculptural group created by Alfred Laliberté and gifted to the city by the Government of Quebec in 1983 for its 375th anniversary. This sculptural group features six muses representing Music, Oratory, Poetry, Architecture, Sculpture, and Painting.