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In 1820, under the British Lieutenant-Colonel Elias Walker Durnford, building of the outer walls of the polygon structure began. No one could access the Great Lakes or the Atlantic Ocean without coming under the watchful eye of La Citadelle’s forces.

Named in honor of Castle Dalhousie in Scotland, this formal entrance provides general access to La Citadelle and is the point at which processions and parades enter the grounds.

One of the most entertaining military exercises involves precision marching with a musical escort. It is headed by Batisse the goat, the regiment’s mascot.

The fortress contains the most important elements for a military installation: height over the enemy; 360-degree visibility; difficult access; and durability. Having all of this to its advantage, La Citadelle has never once been attacked by an enemy.

A large part of the site is given over to housing the troops. Tanks used in past battles by the regiment are also on display.

Since army life requires servicemen to work far from home for long periods, every effort was made to include elements of everyday life at the fortification, including a chapel.

Tucked away into sections of the fieldstone walls, cannons protect their flanks without the need for backup support.

Since Samuel de Champlain’s tenure in the 1600s the Governor-General has resided here during the summer.

The dramatic firing of the cannon takes place at the Citadelle every day at noon and at 9:30pm during the summer. It’s a fine illustration of the military might the fort once displayed.

The collections unveiled in the two museums located here include everyday items used by soldiers over the centuries, a collection of rare military documents, ceremonial uniforms, antique armaments, precious art and other eclectic items.