Citadelle of Quebec City

Also called the Gibraltar of the Americas, the Citadelle is part of the Fortifications of Quebec and occupying the highest point of Cap Diamant, 100m above the St Lawrence River.
The Citadelle is the home station of the Royal 22e Régiment "Van-Doos", the prestigious French-speaking regiment of Canadian Forces. In addition to its use as a military installation, it is also an official residence of the Governor General of Canada.



The complex of 25 buildings covers 37 acres and is the largest North American fort still occupied by troops.
The existing star-shaped fortifications, star-shaped layout is characteristic of Vauban fortifications, were built by the British between 1820 and 1851 under the direction of Royal Engineer lieutenant colonel Elias Walker Durnford in anticipation of renewed American attacks after the War of 1812.

The first protective wall (enceinte) was built in the 17th century under Louis de Buade, sieur de Frontenac. Two buildings dating back to the French period: the 1750 powder magazine, now a museum of military artefacts, and the Cap Diamant Redoubt, built in 1693 and thus one of the oldest parts of the Citadelle.

The Quebec Conferences of 1943 and 1944, in which Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and William Lyon Mackenzie King discussed strategy for World War II, were held at the Citadelle of Quebec.

Established in 1950, the Royal 22e Régiment Museum has a military collection that spans more than 300 years of history, from the days of New France to the present. Medals, uniforms, drawings, weapons, as well as manuscripts testify to the range of military life at a site that is unique.

Guided tours
La Citadelle is an active military garrison and cannot be visited individually.  Guided tours of 60 minutes are therefore offered in French or English.

From June 24 till the 1st Monday in September come and see the Changing of the Guard ceremony that is held every morning at 10h00 . You will see Batisse, the regimental goat as well as hear the Royal 22e Régiment musical band. Cancelled in case of rain.

Furthermore, starting on July 6 till the 1st Sunday in September, attend the ceremony of the Retreat, Friday nights at 7pm at the Citadelle, Saturday and Sunday nights at 7pm at the Esplanade Park.

Free Guided tours of the Gouvernor General's residence are also available.

Opening hours

April: 10 am to 4 pm, daily
May and June: 9 am to 5 pm, daily
July to the first week-end of September: 9 am to 6 pm, daily
September: 9 am to 4 pm, daily
October: 10 am to 3 pm, daily
November to April: Bilingual tour at 1:30 pm, daily

Admission
Adult: $10.00 / Student adult: $9.00 / Senior ( 65 and up): $9.00 / 17 years old and under:$5.50 / Family rate: $22.00 / Children of 7 years old and under with parents: free / Canadian militaries and veterans : free. All taxes included

Phone: (418) 694-2815