La Citadelle de Québec, Quebec City: Hours, Address, La Citadelle de Québec Reviews: 4.5/5
La Citadelle de Québec
La Citadelle de Québec
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
National Historic Site and active military base, the Citadelle welcomes you with its guided tours and access to the Musée Royal 22e Régiment. Located on the highest natural point in Quebec City, the Citadelle allows you to enjoy spectacular views on the town and the Saint Lawrence River. Discover the fortress of Old Quebec, home of the Royal 22e Régiment, the only French-speaking regiment with in the Canadian Armed Forces. Tickets include an hour-long guided tour of the Citadelle, mostly outside, and the access to the Musée Royal 22e Régiment. In order to protect the health and safety of our visitors and employees, we have adopted the guidelines by the Québec Ministry of Public Health, including social distancing standards and applicable health measures.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown Quebec City
Best nearby
Restaurants
795 within 5 kms
Le Continental
1,596
0.4 km$$$$ • French • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Chocolato rue Saint-Jean
225
0.4 km$ • Dessert • Cafe • Fast food
Restaurant Le Saint-Amour
1,563
0.2 km$$$$ • French • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Beclub Bistro Bar
411
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Bello Ristorante
1,407
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Polina Pizzeria
348
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
La Buche
1,784
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • French • Bar • Pub
Conti
817
0.4 km$$$$ • Italian • French • International
Aux Anciens Canadiens
3,489
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Chez Boulay-bistro boreal
2,620
0.5 km$$$$ • French • Diner • Canadian
Attractions
185 within 5 kms
St. Louis Gate (Porte St. Louis)
270
31 mHistoric Sites
Monument Samuel De Champlain
24
31 mMonuments & Statues
Fontaine de Tourny
353
0.1 kmFountains
Parliament Building (Hotel du Parlement)
1,141
0.2 kmGovernment Buildings
The Quebec Winter Carnival
146
83 mCultural Events
Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale
17
0.1 kmParks • Government Buildings
Parc de l'Esplanade
30
0.2 kmParks
Chalmers-Wesley United Church
15
0.2 kmChurches & Cathedrals
Plains of Abraham
2,410
0.3 kmHistoric Sites • Parks
Upper Town (Haute-Ville)
1,031
0.4 kmNeighbourhoods
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Popular mentions
4.5
3,793 reviews
Excellent
2,013
Very good
1,328
Average
372
Poor
58
Terrible
22
yorkie1552
Woodbridge, Canada384 contributions
Interesting part of Canadian history
Jul. 2021 • Family
We rushed to get to Le Citadelle for 9:45am to see the changing of the guard "parade." When we arrived the clerk informed us that due to covid the changing of the guard was canceled last summer 2020 and this summer as well. We were disappointed but paid for the self guided tour. BUT there is a changing of the sentries at 11am everyday which is absolutely free prior to entering to buy tickets for the tour. After buying the tickets you can stroll through and read about the 22 regiment made up of mainly French Canadian soldiers in the indoor air conditioned museum. It was a hot day so we did the museum stroll at the end. When you tour outside there are guides who are staffed at various historical stations in the outdoor citadel tour. They spoke French and English. Each part of the self-guided citadel tour was fantastic and informative. We went to the Old Quebec City for lunch just a few minutes walk away.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary A
Memphis, TN15 contributions
Walking tour is a must.
Jan. 2020
We so enjoyed the tour and the feeling of our ancestors being there. Enjoyed learning the history of this working fort.
Written December 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Freddy_on_trips
Montreal, Canada2,485 contributions
Fun visit - 27 Aug 2020
Aug. 2020
La Citadelle de Quebec is a historical museum dedicated to the 22nd Regiment that fought in many wars. The entrance fee is 18$ for an adult and you are provided a map with all the spots to visit (you can also download an audio guide in french or english to enjoy further your visit). The Covid measures are respected on site with hand sanitizer available in the main building which includes a small closed museum with military items from several dates. The only issue with closed places is that having a mask on can become tricky and make you uncomfortable. When you get outside each spot on map (see pic) has a guide that will provide an explanation on a portion of the site and respond to questions that guests might have. The guides are enthusiastic and nice. Not all building are open due to Covid-19 but you can visit the prison. You also get to see some great views of the Saint Lawrence River.
Overall - Interesting and fun visit - Recommended
Overall - Interesting and fun visit - Recommended
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
T G
15 contributions
Fantastic stop for some real history
Dec. 2019
AWESOME historical attraction - worth the time to learn more about world history - Canada, Britain, and America Loved it
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
toddlerpants
Droitwich, UK982 contributions
Visit if you love the history
Aug. 2019
I'm not a massive war history buff but we did have a guide who made this quite interesting.
The view across the St Lawrence River is gorgeous and you can see why they chose this spot to defend the city. Looking down the hill you can see the canons which are bizarrely pointing at the city not away from it to defend it. A short walk away is one of the arches across the road, Great photo op. Walk the other way and you reach the Plains of Abraham (a battle site).
The French and then the English occupied the citadelle before it was handed over to the Canadians who are still in residence.
The view across the St Lawrence River is gorgeous and you can see why they chose this spot to defend the city. Looking down the hill you can see the canons which are bizarrely pointing at the city not away from it to defend it. A short walk away is one of the arches across the road, Great photo op. Walk the other way and you reach the Plains of Abraham (a battle site).
The French and then the English occupied the citadelle before it was handed over to the Canadians who are still in residence.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
twomartinilunch
Middlebury, VT560 contributions
Great history.
Feb. 2020
The day we visited it was toooo windy, hence colder than it really was so we avoided taking the walking tour, instead focused on the Le Musee Roya 22 Regiment. I am not particular drawn to military history but this was very interesting and very well done. I would enjoy visiting in nicer weather - it felt very desolate, cold and snow-covered. Still worth the effort to hike up the hill from the hotel.
Written April 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LunaLove
London, Canada962 contributions
Beautiful
Aug. 2019 • Solo
So pretty. History with incredible views. A wonderful place to walk around. Hot in summer, to say the least.
Written April 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JAY M
Montreal, Canada1,881 contributions
Definitely Don't Miss
Aug. 2019
This is one place you should definitely not miss if you're visiting Quebec. Try and reach around 10 to see the change of guard ceremony since it's very traditional and one of it's kind of experience. The Royal 22eme Regiment Museum is also worth a visit with its amazing display of collection of the regiment's and the Canadian history, especially through the two world wars and the Korean war.
We reached just around 10 but I'd recommend reaching around 9:35-9:40 because it gets crowded by 10 and you may not get the best view (and also factoring in about five minutes from the entrance since you have to buy tickets). The ceremony had already started. They have narrators in both, French and English. It's a great watch. They have a walking guided tour of the fort. You cannot walk around the fort without an escort since the fort is still an active military base. The only option, if you don't want to take the tour is to either go to the museum or leave.
Just one thing about Uber - Ubers can actually go all the way to the fort's (museum's) entrance but we had an experience where an Uber driver canceled after reaching till Cote de la Citadelle saying he can't come in.
We reached just around 10 but I'd recommend reaching around 9:35-9:40 because it gets crowded by 10 and you may not get the best view (and also factoring in about five minutes from the entrance since you have to buy tickets). The ceremony had already started. They have narrators in both, French and English. It's a great watch. They have a walking guided tour of the fort. You cannot walk around the fort without an escort since the fort is still an active military base. The only option, if you don't want to take the tour is to either go to the museum or leave.
Just one thing about Uber - Ubers can actually go all the way to the fort's (museum's) entrance but we had an experience where an Uber driver canceled after reaching till Cote de la Citadelle saying he can't come in.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sherri L
6 contributions
Amazing views, beautiful buildings, and the best tour guide ever!
Dec. 2019
Toured La Citadelle on 12/23/19 on a guided English speaking tour. Our guide Etienne was awesome. He was hilarious, very knowledgeable and made learning the history of the fort, the area, and some of Canada's early history so enjoyable. It was part history lesson, part trivia quiz, part comedy show with a scenic tour of stunning views added. One of the Best tours I have ever done.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just Joe
West Islip, NY119 contributions
Just Joe
Jan. 2020 • Family
Was actually sleeting out went on a private tour just a wealth of history we were walking upon. Tour guide was excellent knew every detail answered some of our ridiculous questions and had the answers
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
goingsomewhere123
Fort Worth, TX9 contributions
Has anyone done the VIP tour? How is it different than the standard tour?
Fuzziegang
Sydney, Australia26 contributions
Sorry, did the standard tour, didn't realise there was a VIP tour. I would have done it given the chance!
Lorena Moreno
Vila Velha, ES2 contributions
Do we have to buy it online? Or can buy there? (precisamos comprar online? ou pode comprar lá?)
T D
Philadelphia, PA2,595 contributions
You can buy the ticket when you get there
Matthew P
Vancouver, Canada100 contributions
Is this tour accessible for someone that has limited walking mobility but can walk for a bit ?
Jojo A
Taguig City, Philippines104 contributions
The distances from station to station of the tour are relatively short. However, there are areas where the slopes are quite steep - specially going to the highest point of the citadel (where the views are fantastic) - which may pose a challenge.
Lorena Moreno
Vila Velha, ES452 contributions
All the Citadelle are paid? Or there is some places for free?
Diana R
Birch Run, MI1,878 contributions
The Citadel is a working military base and you have to pay for the tour to see it. You can walk around outside but to get inside you need to purchase a ticket. We found it well worth it. Hope this helps.
cmac94
Wellesley, MA4 contributions
Are you able to just walk around the grounds on your own after paying the entrance fee or do you have to be a part of a guided tour? Our time is limited so wondering about how to schedule our visit. thanks!
Duane M
US117 contributions
As all have mentioned, you must be part of a tour. If you have an hour, it's worth it.
cmac94
Wellesley, MA4 contributions
How long is the changing of the guard ceremony? Can you just attend the ceremony or is the guided tour required after that? Is the entrance fee a flat fee regardless of what you do while inside?
Rj L
Moncton, Canada286 contributions
The duration is 30-35 minutes- the cost is about $ 35 per family
jcisinthehouse
Monterrey, Mexico4,432 contributions
Do you need a reservation to visit? Or can you just show up and join a tour?
Going next month and will visit on a weekday afternoon.
Citadelle de Quebec
Québec
Hello, you need a reservation if you are a group of 15 or more, or if you want do to a VIP tour. We recommend booking if you wish to do a Visit at Nightfall (available on Friday and Saturday from June 21 to October 26). Otherwise, you can buy your tickets on the day of your visit at the boutique of the Musée Royal 22e Régiment. From May to October, we offer guided tours from 9:00am to 5:00pm, usually at least every hour on the hour. From June24, you can also attend the Changing f the Guard, at 10:00am.
Frequently Asked Questions about La Citadelle de Québec
- La Citadelle de Québec is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- We recommend booking La Citadelle de Québec tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 La Citadelle de Québec tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience La Citadelle de Québec:
- Quebec City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (From C$57.68)
- Quebec City Bike Tour Along Saint Lawrence River (From C$72.10)
- Electric Bike Tour of Quebec City (From C$113.31)
- Private Walking Tour for American Visitors - 1776 Canada's Road to Independence (From C$231.78)
- Quebec City Shore Excursion: Grand Walking Tour of Quebec City (From C$31.92)
- Hotels near La Citadelle de Québec:
- (0.10 km) Manoir de L'Esplanade
- (0.20 km) Le Manoir d'Auteuil
- (0.20 km) Hotel Le Clos Saint-Louis
- (0.19 km) Maison Historique James Thompson
- (0.12 km) Auberge La Chouette
- Restaurants near La Citadelle de Québec:
- (0.10 km) Apsara
- (0.18 km) Bello Ristorante
- (0.19 km) Restaurant Le Saint-Amour
- (0.22 km) Le Feu Sacre
- (0.23 km) Le Parlementaire