THE FORTRESS
THE FORTRESS
The Citadelle of Quebec has overlooked Cape Diamond for nearly two centuries. Built by the British army to withstand an American attack that ultimately never came, this fortress, typical of 17th-century French fortifications, is known as the Gibraltar of the Americas.
A HISTORICAL GEM
An integral part of Old Quebec City's fortifications, it is located on Cap Diamant, the city's highest natural point.
A National Historic Site of Canada since 1980, the Citadelle is located within the Historic District of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985.
A Historic Gem
- The Citadelle of Quebec, built between 1820 and 1831, is a star-shaped stone fortress with five bastions. It includes various buildings ensuring its self-sufficiency in case of a siege, such as barracks, armories, and a hospital established in 1840. Two buildings, the Cape Diamond Redoubt (1693) and the Powder Magazine (1750), date back to the French Regime. The idea of building a fortress on Cape Diamond dates back to 1630 with Champlain, but it was only after the Conquest of 1759 and a repelled American attack in 1775 that the British erected a provisional citadel. The final structure, inspired by Vauban, ensures the city's defense.
AN AUTHENTIC PLACE
- The oldest preserved French military building (1693)
- Dalhousie Gate, the only authentic gate in Old Quebec not rebuilt for automobile traffic
- The East Casemate, home to the Royal 22e Régiment Museum
- The Residence of the Governor General of Canada (1872)
Throughout its history, the fortress has played a significant role for Quebec City and Canadian history, whether through its unique architecture, its military function, or the events held there, such as the Quebec Conferences, where military actions to end World War II were discussed. Even today, the Citadelle remains a key diplomatic venue, hosting numerous official events.
A LIVING FORTRESS
- Quebec City's Citadelle still houses an active garrison today, testifying to its strategic and historical role. The Royal 22e Régiment perpetuates its military traditions there and maintains a constant presence, offering visitors a unique glimpse into military life within a living fortress.
THE GARRISON
Quebec City's Citadelle has been the home base of the Royal 22e Régiment since 1920. The Regiment's presence makes it an active military garrison today.
The Royal 22e Régiment at the Citadelle fulfills military, historical, and ceremonial roles, maintains the fortress, and hosts international meetings.
A Century-Old Military Presence
The Royal 22e Regiment has been stationed at the Citadelle of Quebec for over a century, an uninterrupted presence that makes it one of Canada's oldest active military garrisons. Since 1920, the Regiment has played a central role there, embodying the continuity of francophone military tradition in a highly symbolic location. This lasting establishment helps make the Citadelle much more than a heritage site: it remains a living, constantly active space where past and present meet. The site, steeped in history, continues to evolve with military missions, official commemorations, and major milestones in the Regiment's life.
An Active Garrison
Today, the Citadelle remains an operational military base. The Royal 22e Regiment conducts daily activities related to training, strategic planning, and operational readiness. Soldiers are trained, deployed, and sometimes honored during significant ceremonies. This active role at the heart of a unique historic site perfectly illustrates the balance between military function and living heritage. Military activity here is very real: guard changes, exercises, logistics, administration — all essential functions of a modern regiment are represented, allowing the Citadelle to remain fully rooted in the current realities of National Defence.
Between Duty and Transmission
Beyond its military functions, the Royal 22e Regiment also plays a leading role in promoting and transmitting Canadian military history. Visitors can discover exhibitions, attend demonstrations, or observe military traditions during special events. The Regiment thus helps keep collective memory alive by offering privileged access to a still-active site. This duality — between active military mission and heritage vocation — gives the Citadelle a rare uniqueness, where memory and action mutually reinforce each other.
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CEREMONIES
As the home base of the Royal 22nd Regiment, Quebec City's Citadelle is the setting for iconic military ceremonies related to the Regiment's life. These significant events include changes of battalion command and the enthronement of the descendants of Batisse the goat, the Regiment's official mascot. These solemn ceremonies take place on the parade ground, accompanied by the sound of its band.
TRADITIONS
To Remember
The Royal 22nd Regiment's Book of Remembrance contains the names of the men and women of the Regiment who died in service. Kept in the Memorial at the Citadelle, the tradition is to turn a page of the Book every day. The duty sergeant then reads aloud each name inscribed on that page.
TRADITIONS
Discover the Noon Gun
Every day at noon, a cannon is fired from the Citadelle, echoing throughout the fortress and parts of the city.
This tradition at the Citadelle dates back to the installation of the Royal Canadian Artillery garrison in 1871. At that time, two cannon shots were fired daily. The first, at noon, allowed city residents to synchronize their watches, begin their lunch break, or marked the Angelus, the midday prayer. The second cannon shot, fired at 9:30 PM, served as a curfew for artillerymen and soldiers who had gone into town. This tradition, continued by the Royal 22nd Regiment, ended in 1994.
The noon gun was reinstated in 2008 as part of Quebec City's 400th anniversary.
Visit the
Fortress
Discover the Citadelle of Quebec, an iconic fortress that is still active. Delve into its fascinating history, explore its ramparts, and witness captivating military demonstrations. An immersive visit to the heart of Canadian military heritage awaits you!