Québec City International Festival of Military Bands - Quebec City and Area

Québec City’s Military Heritage

The historical district of Old Québec and its citadel, the Upper Town and its protective fortifications, and the Lower Town and its port and historical neighborhoods offer an unparalleled example—by far the best in North America—of a fortified colonial city.


Québec City’s historical district was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1985 largely due to its military heritage.

Recommended Activities and Attractions

Fortifications of Québec (National Historic Site of Canada)

The fortifications sit atop a natural defensive site, encircling Old Québec over nearly 4.6 km. A walk along the walls is a great way to learn more about the city’s defense system. The guided visit is packed full of history facts and unparalleled views.

The Citadel/Royal 22e Régiment Museum

Built atop a promontory, the Citadel has borne witness to major historic events and has something special for everyone, including spectacular architecture, sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River, and a fascinating museum.

Musée du Fort

Here, a sound and light show brings Québec’s military history to life using an impressive model of the city as it was in 1750. Permanent exhibitions featuring artifacts complete the show.

Musée naval de Québec

The only museum devoted to the naval history of the St. Lawrence, Musée naval de Québec features the permanent exhibition Meanders, which retraces the history of both the river and the Naval Reserve of Canada.

Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park)

The multimedia Odyssey: A Journey Through History on the Plains of Abraham exhibition recreates the Plains’ most famous battles and the creation of the first national historic park in Canada. Visit the park to discover monuments, the Martello towers, field guns, interpretation panels, and commemorative plaques.

Residence of the Governor General at the Citadel

The state rooms where the governor general fulfills his or her responsibilities as head of state and commander in chief of Canada are open to visitors. Historic events that took place onsite, such as the Québec Conferences of 1943 and 1944, are presented at the residence.

Artillery Park Heritage Site

A site of utmost importance in Québec City’s history, this park is made up of three buildings, all of which are the only ones of their kind in Québec: the Dauphine Redoubt (1712), the Officers’ Quarters (1818), and the Arsenal Foundry (1901).

Festivals and Events

World-class cultural events put the city’s military heritage on center stage.

Québec City International Festival of Military Bands


Rendez-vous naval de Québec

Point d'intéret principal