Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site

Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site Review

In the early 19th century this was a clear space surrounded by a picket fence and poplar trees. The French began building ramparts along the city's cliffs as early as 1690 to protect themselves from British invaders. However, the colonists had trouble convincing the French government to take the threat of invasion seriously, and when the British invaded in 1759 the walls were still incomplete. The British, despite attacks by the Americans during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, took a century to finish them. From June 1 to early October, the park can also be the starting point for walking the city's 5 km (3 miles) of walls. There are two guided tours (C$9.80 each); one starts at the interpretation center and the other begins at Terrasse Dufferin.

Poudrière de l'Esplanade. What's here now is the Poudrière de l'Esplanade, the powder magazine (used to store gunpowder) that the British constructed in 1820, and an interpretation center with a multimedia video and a model depicting the evolution of the wall surrounding Vieux-Québec. 100 rue St-Louis, Upper Town, G1R 3Z7. 418/648-7016. www.pc.gc.ca. C$3.90. May-early Oct., daily 10-6.