Citadelle of Quebec

Perched on Cap Diamant above the St. Lawrence, the Citadelle of Quebec is a star-shaped fortress that dominates the skyline of Old Québec. Visitors find a fortress that is still in daily use. The British built the present structure between 1820 and 1850, after the War of 1812 raised fears of an American attack. It replaced earlier French and British defences on the same strategic point, and its walls tie into the fortifications that still encircle the upper town, which make Quebec City the only walled city north of Mexico. It was never attacked, but it remains a military installation today.

That is a main reason to visit. The Citadelle is the home of the Royal 22e Régiment, the French-speaking infantry regiment of the Canadian Army, nicknamed the Van Doos, which has been based here since the 1920s. It is also the Quebec residence of the Governor General of Canada, and a National Historic Site. Soldiers live and work on the site, so visits are by guided tour, led by guides who describe the fortress's layout, its history and the daily life of the regiment. The tour passes through the main gate, around the parade ground and along the ramparts with long views toward Château Frontenac, the Plains of Abraham and the river below.

The Royal 22e Régiment Museum is devoted to the Royal 22e Régiment and occupies the old powder magazine and the former prison buildings, where its collections trace the regiment's service from the First World War onward, with uniforms, medals, weapons and personal items. The regiment's mascot is a goat, a tradition that sometimes appears on parade, and the animal is one of the Citadelle's most popular figures.

The ceremonies are the other draw. During the summer months the Changing of the Guard takes place in front of the visitors, with red tunics, bearskin hats and a band, and the Noon Cannon Blast echoes across the city each day, with the Changing of the Guard running through August. Times vary by season, so check them in advance, along with the admission arrangements on the official website.

The Citadelle is reached on foot from the old city, through a gate in the walls, and the climb is steep. Wear comfortable shoes. History enthusiasts and families with older children tend to get the most from the tour, while those with limited time may prefer a walk around the ramparts and a stop at the Plains of Abraham nearby.