Parc de l'Artillerie

Rich with military history, the Site Patrimonial du Parc de l'Artillerie (Artillery Park Heritage Site) is located in the heart of Old Quebec City- the only remaining fortified city in North America. Artillery Park is surrounded by the fortifications built to protect Quebec from sieges throughout the 17 th and 18 th centuries. The restored historic buildings give visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the soldiers and the exhibits illustrate why the site played such an important part in the defence of Quebec, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Strategic Location

The Artillery Park Heritage Site houses the remaining structures that once comprised a complex of some 20 military and industrial buildings. The location of the park was a crucial part of the city's defence. It overlooks two areas from which armies could attack by land or river- the plateau to the west and the St. Charles River which empties into the north bank of the St. Lawrence. The site housed the first weapons arsenal in Canada's history, and cannons line the fortified walls which overlook the waters.

Historic Buildings

T he 1901 Arsenal Foundry is home to the park’s interpretation centre. A highlight of the centre is the remarkable scale model of Quebec which depicts the urban and military layout of the city circa 1808. Artillery Park housed the country’s first arsenal of weapons and ammunitions, and it contained an ammunition factory that was functional until 1964.

Erected in 1712, the four-storey Dauphine Redoubt served as the barracks for the French and British soldiers. It showcases a 19 thcentury kitchen, the officer’s mess and quarters, and fascinating vaults. The Redoubt (which is a fortified structure where soldiers retreat while under siege) was built to withstand enemy bombardments.

After the end of French rule, the barracks housed British soldiers, and visitors will experience a glimpse of how the officers and their families lived in the 1818 British Officers' Quarters. The fully-restored residence showcases antique furnishings and is surrounded by sprawling gardens.

Activities

There are several entertaining activities to help visitors experience what military life in Quebec was like in the early 19 th century. In July and August there are musket-shooting demonstrations twice a day, and costumed characters such as a cook in the officers' kitchen and a solider living in the Dauphine Redoubt re-enact life on the site. Tea ceremonies are held year-round in the British Officers' Mess, where participants get a taste of 19 th century high society etiquette and learn the art of serving English tea in this interactive theatrical show.

Visiting the Parc de l'Artillerie

The Artillery Park is located at 2 rue d’Auteuil close to the St-Jean Gate in Quebec City’s Upper Town.

Hours of operation for the Artillery Park Heritage Site (Arsenal Foundry and Dauphine Redoubt) are daily from 10a.m. to 5p.m. from early May to late June, daily from 10a.m. to 6p.m. from late June to Labour Day, and daily from 10a.m. to 5p.m from Labour Day to Thanksgiving.

The Officers' Quarters can be accessed in July and August from 10a.m. to 6p.m.

From Thanksgiving to early May, access to the site is available by reservation only.

Admission fees are $3.90 for adults, $3.40 for seniors, $1.90 for youth 6-16 years, and $9.80 for families and groups up to seven people. The site is free for children under 6. Additional fees apply for the tea ceremony, audio tours and other special activities.

School group rates are available, as well as educational activities. For more information call (418) 648-4205 or toll free at 1-888-773-8888, or visit Parc de l'Artillerie official website.