La Citadelle de Québec (Quebec Citadel)
The 1820 Citadel is one of Quebec City’s most distinctive features and a legacy of the British occupation. On the heights of Cap Diamant, the star-shaped fortress was built to withstand attacks on the city from across the Plains of Abraham to the southwest. Nicknamed the ‘Gibraltar of the Americas’, visitors can see inside as part of a one-hour guided tour. A visit to the Musée Royal 22e Régiment is included, showcasing the history of the Van Doos, Canada’s only Francophone armed forces unit. The Changing of the Guard takes place each summer morning at 1000 with the Regimental Band and Batisse, the Citadel mascot and regimental goat. The pomp continues on selected evenings, when the Van Doos perform ‘The Retreat’ as part of the flag-lowering ceremonies.
