Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site
Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site
4.5
About
The only walled city in Canada, Quebec City still is home to a variety of old forts and military structures.
Meet with history in the only fortified city of North America! The suggested route, showcasing photos, texts, and videos, offers detailed information concerning the many sites and vestiges that you will encounter in the context of this must-see tour of the history of Quebec.
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Following suggested trail: 1,8 km
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
1,179 reviews
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WWtraveller69
4 contributions
Sept 2022
Tours are offered in English and French and leave on the hour. Since this is an active military base you cannot explore on your own.
The views are fantastic and it is a very interesting tour. The museum focuses on the history of the Canadian military and not the fort. There is only once entrance in and out as it is a fort so there is a lot of walking and change in elevation. You will easily get your 10,000 steps in.
The views are fantastic and it is a very interesting tour. The museum focuses on the history of the Canadian military and not the fort. There is only once entrance in and out as it is a fort so there is a lot of walking and change in elevation. You will easily get your 10,000 steps in.
Written 11 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Archie
Glenmoore, PA7,744 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The fortification runs around the old city. There are multiple entry points. We chose to go up through Terrase Dufferin. The views are incredible. You can walk a distance seeing different angles of the city, the chateau, the citadel and the river. There are towers at different parts of the fortification. Its such an interesting experience.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WarriorGodess
Fall River, MA20 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Worth every penny for the tour. If you come in December like we did bundle up in an extra layer. The walking tour is about 1.5 hours and mostly outside. Stunning views and great history here.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JimmyJackk
San Marcos, CA5,735 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
These fortifications are still a big part of the Old Quebec. There are areas you can walk on top and look down streets of old Quebec. Hard to miss.
Written 15 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia50,924 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Quebec is the only walled city in Canada. There are extensive fortifications around the city and it is quite an experience walking around them. There is much evidence of Canada's history and culture all around.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sachin K
New York City, NY6,557 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
One can view these fortifications at it’s best when one enters the upper old town by walking. One can get a better perception of history by walking over it’s walls. The views from the top are flabbergasting. It is the only walled city in Canada/US. Certainly would very highly recommend visiting the same when in Quebec City.
Written 21 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andi s
Dunedin, FL1,721 contributions
Sept 2012 • Couples
Wherever you go in Old Quebec there are remnants of the fortifications peeking out everywhere culminating with the Citadelle. We took a horse carriage ride which focused on the city wall and left at the base of the Citadelle and got a great guided tour.
Our tour left about an hour before sunset and went past the statue of Champlain where our guide explained his part in the history of the city as well as the city's pivotal position in the new world thus leading to it's fortifications. We then headed through the old city wall gates where we were told each gate's name and significance. From there we passed the Planes of Abraham where we learned more about the battle that took place and were able to see the Martello which was another fortification in the area.
The city has done a fabulous job preserving the old city wall and existing fortifications and a day could be spent just walking the city perimeter and viewing the structures just inside and outside the walls. A guide is a great way to do this although I later saw an app for the iphone that gies a step by step tour with pictures and music to boot.....go figure lol.
Our tour left about an hour before sunset and went past the statue of Champlain where our guide explained his part in the history of the city as well as the city's pivotal position in the new world thus leading to it's fortifications. We then headed through the old city wall gates where we were told each gate's name and significance. From there we passed the Planes of Abraham where we learned more about the battle that took place and were able to see the Martello which was another fortification in the area.
The city has done a fabulous job preserving the old city wall and existing fortifications and a day could be spent just walking the city perimeter and viewing the structures just inside and outside the walls. A guide is a great way to do this although I later saw an app for the iphone that gies a step by step tour with pictures and music to boot.....go figure lol.
Written 16 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bamboola
Iowa City, IA438 contributions
Jun 2017
Near the main square outside Chateau Frontenac is the Parks Canada kiosk. The Park Service hires college students to conduct several tours and the fortifications is one of them. The 90-minute tour includes sites that are off limits to tourists who don't take the tour. For less than $5 Canadian, this guided tour is a steal.
We were the only couple to sign up for the tour and we especially enjoyed chatting with our two tour guides.
We were the only couple to sign up for the tour and we especially enjoyed chatting with our two tour guides.
Written 13 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phat_dawg_21
Alpharetta, GA16,947 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
We visited this on the last day of our stay in Quebec City. For at least three reasons, we should have gone there first.
First, the museum is very good. You learn the history of the city as outlined by the rings of fortification which developed over the centuries. There are quite a few interactive exhibits which will interest children. Also some opportunities to play dress-up in period constumes.
Second, we learned about the guided tours offered by the park service and signed up for one in the afternoon. It was well worth the small cost. Our guide took us to many of the significant sites and gave us access to areas not open to the public.
We also took the free tour of the chateau fortification.
Third, we received a discount coupon for The Plaines of Abraham Museum. Unfortunately, it did us no good since we had visited it earlier.
First, the museum is very good. You learn the history of the city as outlined by the rings of fortification which developed over the centuries. There are quite a few interactive exhibits which will interest children. Also some opportunities to play dress-up in period constumes.
Second, we learned about the guided tours offered by the park service and signed up for one in the afternoon. It was well worth the small cost. Our guide took us to many of the significant sites and gave us access to areas not open to the public.
We also took the free tour of the chateau fortification.
Third, we received a discount coupon for The Plaines of Abraham Museum. Unfortunately, it did us no good since we had visited it earlier.
Written 11 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gail Z
Greer, SC949 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
One of the first things we did when we visited Quebec City was to take the guided walking tour led by a Canada Parks Guide. We bought Park passes that allowed us to take the free tour (You are given a sticker to place on your clothing that serves as a pass). While we waited for the next tour, we watched a short musket firing demonstration just outside the Artillery Park Reception's Center. It was fun to watch the looks on the children's faces as they covered their ears. After the demonstration, we walked back into the center where we met our guide. Our tour guide kept our attention throughout the tour. We learned so much about Quebec City's history and the battles that were fought. It was also interesting to learn about the cannons and strategies that were used to defend the city. The three of us felt that our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and entertaining. It was evident to us that she really enjoyed her job. Keep in mind that there is alot of walking and many areas are hilly. Also some paths are gravel and uneven in places.
Written 7 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are the walls and walkways open in late November? The fortifications website says they close on 3 November. Are the walls closed? Is access forbidden?
Written 25 September 2019
The walls and walkways are always open. There is an open entrance into the old Quebec historic area.
Written 28 September 2019
We will have limited time in Quebec City on this trip so we are limited to things close to the lower city. How far away from the main “touristy” area (I know...I try to avoid these areas but this is where the bus drops us off for only 3 hours of free time) from the Fortifications?
Written 14 July 2018
The walls are 3 block walk down Rue St Louis from the Funicular. St Louis gate has a stairway up to the top of the wall, and you can walk the wall over to Rue St Jean gate, and walk the 5 or 6 blocks down Rue St Jean back to the Funicular. This walk will show you the best of the Upper City. There are plenty of Cafe's and boutiques along this route. You can buy cold beverages at many of the small ice cream shops along the way. This walk will take 3-4 hours unless you stop to dine.
Written 14 July 2018
We will have limited time in Quebec City on this trip so we are limited to things close to the lower city. How far away from the main “touristy” area (I know...I try to avoid these areas but this is where the bus drops us off for only 3 hours of free time) from the Fortifications?
Written 14 July 2018
There is a funicular that runs from the lower town to the upper town that drops you right at the foot of the Chateau Frontenac. From there it’s maybe a 15 minute walk to the fortifications. It’s an easy walk.
Written 14 July 2018
Why does trip advisor map the wrong area!!
they pinpoint the Artillery Park
which is not the Citadel!
Written 17 July 2017
The fortifications national historic site is something different than the Citadel. The Citadel continues to be an active military base which you can also take a guided tour that you pay for.
The Fortifications Historic Site has a museum run by Parks Canada and is located at Artillery Park and is FREE.
Written 13 July 2018
It is mostly expensive to park in the city i dont know if you hotel allow you to park but the best is to take a bus And in Quebec city it is very easy to walk around the city and even to go from UpQuebec to Low Quebec you can visit most place in a few days
if you can go further take the bus way cheaper then parking .
Have a nice staying
Written 4 July 2016
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