GUIDES & DISCOVERIES · MILITARY HERITAGE
The Citadel of Quebec
Star-shaped fortress, royal residence, and city symbol
Perched atop Cap Diamant, the Citadel of Quebec is the largest still-occupied military fortress in Canada. From its bastions, the view of the Saint Lawrence and the Plains of Abraham is breathtaking. And every summer morning, the changing of the guard is celebrated there with a solemnity inherited from three centuries of military tradition.
Discover the CitadelIn this article
History
Three centuries of fortification on Cap Diamant
The Citadel as seen today is mainly the work of British engineers from the early 19th century, but its history goes back to the early days of the French colony.
The French had begun fortifying Cap Diamant from the start of colonization, aware that this dominant position over the Saint Lawrence River was the key to the defense of New France. The British, after the conquest of 1759, continued and expanded these fortifications, fearing a French counterattack or an American invasion after the 1776 Revolution.
The construction of the current Citadel began in 1820 and spanned thirty years. The star-shaped form of the fortress, characteristic of Vauban military architecture, allows coverage of all attack angles without blind spots in defensive fire. Despite its impressive defensive power, the Citadel has never been attacked.
The Governor General of Canada
The Citadel is one of the two official residences of the Governor General of Canada (the other being in Ottawa). When the Governor General stays in Quebec, a special flag is raised on the fortress. Some parts of the Citadel therefore officially remain a residence of the Canadian Crown.
The changing of the guard
The daily summer show
Every summer morning, the changing of the guard of the Royal 22e Régiment is celebrated on the Place d'Armes of the Citadel with precision and solemnity that attract hundreds of visitors.
The changing of the guard ceremony
The changing of the guard takes place at 10 a.m. every morning from June 24 to Labour Day. The ceremony lasts about 35 minutes and includes the parade of soldiers in red uniform and bearskin hats, the handing over of orders, and traditional military maneuvers. It is one of the most photographed military ceremonies in Canada.
The Royal 22e Régiment
The "Van Doos" (from "twenty-two" in English pronunciation) is the only francophone infantry regiment of the regular Canadian army. Founded in 1914, it participated in all the major wars and conflicts involving Canada in the 20th century. Its history is inseparable from the identity of Québec and francophone Québec in the Canadian army.
Visit
Practical information and tips
The Citadel is mainly visited through guided tours that allow access to areas normally closed to the public.
Guided tours
Guided tours in French and English are offered from May to October. The tour lasts about an hour and covers the main historic buildings, the Royal 22e Régiment museum, and the bastions offering panoramic views of the city. The guided tour is the only way to access the inside of the Citadel.
Access and rates
Entry to the Citadel is paid. Access to the outer moats and the walk along the adjacent ramparts is free and can be done independently of the guided tour. Families with children especially appreciate the combination of the changing of the guard and the guided tour, which lasts about two hours in total.
Before the visit
Coffee before the bastions
A visit to the Citadel ideally starts at the bottom of the cliff, in Petit-Champlain, before climbing up to the heights.
Carrera Café, ramparts, Citadel
The perfect route: coffee at Carrera in Petit-Champlain, ascent by funicular or the Casse-Cou stairs, walk on the Terrasse Dufferin, then access to the Citadel via the Governors' promenade. The gradual climb gives a physical perspective on what it means to defend such a position.
Set out to discover the Citadel
Start your morning at Carrera Café, at the foot of the cliffs, before heading up to the bastions overlooking the Saint Lawrence.
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