Explore the museums inside the Citadelle of Québec. This fortress located on a cliff above the St. Lawrence River was built to ward off invading American soldiers in the 19th century. But the Americans never invaded and the citadel was never attacked.
While parts of the citadel are open to the public as a museum, the majority of the building is still in use by the military and government. Québec’s Royal 22e Régiment use the fortress as a ceremonial home and the Governor General of Canada has their official residence here.
Take a 1-hour guided tour of the buildings and grounds, included in the price of admission. See inside an old military prison, which today houses the regimental museum, and inside a former gunpowder storage room. In the summer months, you can even tour the citadel after dark.
The museum houses military artefacts from more 300 years ago. See Canadian uniforms from World War I and II, century-old weapons, flags, medals and banners. A section of trench art features sculptures made from debris from more recent wars.
The Royal 22e Régiment’s Changing of the Guard takes place every morning between the end of June and early September. See the ceremony at the parade ground. Every Saturday throughout July and August you can also see the Beating of the Retreat, a military tradition that dates back to the 16th century.
Walk to the Citadelle of Québec from nearby attractions such as Battlefields Park and Dufferin Terrace. Come by bicycle from other parts of Old Québec and use the free bike racks provided. There is free two-hour car parking outside the fort.
The museum, guided tour and ceremonies are all included in the price of admission. Children under the age of 7 get in free. The citadel is open daily, except on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Note that a new museum will open in 2014 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal 22e Régiment. You can find up-to-date information on the official Citadelle of Québec website.
