The Quebec Citadel – Visit For The Changing Of The Guard
Note from TorontoCarol – Although this blog usually focuses on Ontario, today Melanie is taking us to Quebec and some of our Canadian history. Driving distance from Southern Ontario, Quebec City is a part of our heritage that everyone should enjoy.
The Quebec Citadel is a military fort that was built from the years 1820-31 in Quebec City. It was originally designed to protect the city when Quebec was one of the main ports through which an attack could be launched. It was placed strategically on top of a 100 m escarpment named Cap-Diament and was meant to protect the city from the St. Lawrence river below and from the Plains of Abraham to the west. It could also serve as a last refuge for the army if the city was captured by the enemy.
Although the Citadel was planned for an arms, munitions, and supplies depot as well as a barracks, only a part of the 1000 man garrison was staying there while they built the formidable fortification.
The British military departed from Quebec in 1871. The Citadel’s history includes being headquaters for one of the artillery schools of the Canadian Army, and then headquaters of the Royal 22nd Regiment in WW1. The first governor to make the Citadel a vice-regal residence and persuaded local politicians to save the old French walls from being destroyed, was Lord Dufferin.
If you live near Quebec city or plan to visit, you can see the changing of the guards daily from June 24th to the first Monday in September. This traditional military ceremony is a favorite for many visitors. In the winter months, you can take a one hour guided tour of the Citradel,
every day except for Christmas. Tours are also offered in French and English, with written documentation provided for German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese. You can take your whole family to experience this history of Canada for only $22, or if you have a group
of more you will receive a special rate.
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