Artillery Park National Historic Site
Explore centuries of Quebec's military history at Artillery Park, from French fortifications to British barracks and lively reenactments.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Reenactments and tours are active.
Artillery Park National Historic Site
Best Time
Reenactments and tours are active.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of Quebec's military history at Artillery Park, from French fortifications to British barracks and lively reenactments.
"Informative and fascinating! Great job Parks Canada!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The historic streets are hilly and can be steep; good treads are essential for exploring.
🎟️ Small Admission Fee
There's a modest fee to enter, but it's well worth it for the extensive historical displays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Fortifications
Entire site
Explore French and British fortifications dating back to 1712, offering a glimpse into military history.
Foundry and Arsenal
Main building
Discover the history of ammunition production for French, British, and Canadian forces.
Barracks and Officer Quarters
Main building
See recreated French enlisted men's quarters and elegant British officers' accommodations.
Battle Reenactments
Outdoor areas
Enjoy lighthearted and entertaining reenactments of historical battles, often with a local flair.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Hills and History
Summer Seasonality & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Visiting Quebec City!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The historic streets are hilly and can be steep; good treads are essential for exploring.
🎟️ Small Admission Fee
There's a modest fee to enter, but it's well worth it for the extensive historical displays.
What should I know before visiting Quebec City?
Quebec City with small children
☀️ Summer Operations
The site is primarily open during summer for guided tours and special events. Check hours before visiting.
🍽️ Nearby Dining Options
Plenty of good restaurants and ice cream parlors are located nearby for a post-visit treat.
Visiting your city for the first time, requesting some travel advice!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The historic streets are hilly and can be steep; good treads are essential for exploring.
🎟️ Small Admission Fee
There's a modest fee to enter, but it's well worth it for the extensive historical displays.
☀️ Summer Operations
The site is primarily open during summer for guided tours and special events. Check hours before visiting.
🍽️ Nearby Dining Options
Plenty of good restaurants and ice cream parlors are located nearby for a post-visit treat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Artillery Park for its knowledgeable staff and fascinating historical exhibits, particularly the recreated barracks and officer quarters. The battle reenactments are a highlight for many, adding an entertaining dimension to the visit. While the site is beautiful and offers great city views, some note the need for comfortable shoes due to the hilly terrain.
"Every member of parks canada was deeply knowledgeable and helpful with are their displays...very informative and fascinating! Great job !"
Chris Collins
"The park contains a renovated complex of fortifications that the French originally began building in 1712. Construction was paused when a treaty was signed with the British the following year. Subsequently, the defenses were replaced by more formidable fortifications at the top of the cliffs and the buildings were converted to barracks 30 years later.
The current site includes the foundry and arsenal that produced artillery shells and other ammunition for the French, the British, and through World war fought by the Canadians. The current building provides a history of the site.
The first floor has a recreation of the crowded French enlisted men’s quarters in which they cooked and ate their meals in the same room as they slept.
The second floor, meanwhile, is reconstructed as the British officers’ quarters with a comfortable lounge with comfortable chairs and mahogany gaming tables, a large, formal dining room, and a hearth manned by a cook who officers hired to prepare their meals.
The third floor houses the officer’s sleeping quarters and the apartment of the superintendent of the foundry. It is furnished with early 20th-century furniture and furnishings."
Sanjay Gupta
"We walked here from Lofts Les-Billie, and the kids enjoyed it so much. There was a re-enactment of the war between the French and the British, I believe, the Brits were being “hammered” in the narratives. The crowd loved it, but hey, this is Quebec, they can say what they like, but the French took a whopping from the Brits. The process was light hearted and lots of laughs. There are very good restaurants around the place, with lots of ice cream parlours to me meet every sugar craving taste. I found the prices in the restaurants quiet reasonable, and services fantastic all in all. We ate in a different restaurant and tasted varying ice creams almost every other day on our five day stay."
Shlomo Levi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Artillery Park is located in Old Quebec. Many visitors walk to the site from accommodations in Old Quebec, but be prepared for hilly terrain. Public transportation options are also available within the city.
Parking can be challenging in Old Quebec. It's recommended to check for nearby public parking garages or consider using public transport or walking if staying close by.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the Old Port area, though it involves some uphill sections. The views along the way are rewarding.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small admission fee to explore the site and its exhibits.
Artillery Park National Historic Site is typically open during the summer months. It's best to check the official Parks Canada website for current operating hours and dates.
Yes, guided tours are often available during the summer season, providing in-depth historical context and insights from knowledgeable guides.
While the historic nature of the site presents some challenges, efforts are made to ensure accessibility. It's advisable to contact the site directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore historic fortifications, a foundry and arsenal, and recreated barracks and officer quarters. Battle reenactments are also a highlight during summer.
A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your interest in history and whether you take a guided tour or attend a reenactment.
Children often enjoy the battle reenactments and the visual exhibits of historical living quarters. The interactive nature of some displays can also be engaging.
Artillery Park played a crucial role in the defense of Quebec, serving as a key military installation for both French and British forces from the early 18th century through World War I.
Yes, photography is generally permitted within the site, allowing you to capture the historic architecture and scenic views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within Artillery Park itself, but numerous dining options are available in the surrounding Old Quebec area.
You'll find a wide variety of restaurants offering Quebecois cuisine, French dishes, and international options. Many ice cream parlors are also nearby.
Prices can vary, but many visitors find the restaurants in the area to be reasonably priced, especially considering the tourist location.
📸 📸 Photography
The ramparts offer excellent views of the city and the St. Lawrence River. The historic buildings themselves also make for picturesque shots.
The elevated positions within the park can offer beautiful views during sunset, providing a warm glow over the historic architecture and cityscape.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the fortifications and details of the buildings. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the site involves walking and some inclines, it's generally manageable for families. The small admission fee provides access to a lot of content, making it a cost-effective outing. Nearby restaurants and ice cream shops offer convenient options for refueling after exploring the historic grounds.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a picnic lunch or explore the many reasonably priced restaurants in the vicinity to keep costs down.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Quebec's Military Past
The site's current exhibits offer a fascinating look into the daily lives of soldiers and officers. You can step into a recreation of the cramped French enlisted men's quarters, where soldiers cooked and slept in the same space. In contrast, the second floor showcases the more comfortable and refined British officers' quarters, complete with a lounge, dining room, and a hired cook. The third floor delves into the officers' sleeping quarters and the superintendent's apartment, furnished with early 20th-century pieces. This layered history provides a tangible connection to the past, making it a compelling visit for history enthusiasts.
Beyond the indoor exhibits, Artillery Park is also known for its summer programming, which often includes engaging battle reenactments. These lively events bring history to life, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views of the city from various points within the park, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll and some photography.
Navigating Artillery Park: Practicalities and Perspectives
The site operates primarily during the summer months, offering guided tours and reenactments that are a major draw for visitors. While there is an admission fee, reviews suggest it's a small price to pay for the wealth of historical information and the engaging displays.
For those looking to extend their experience, Artillery Park is conveniently located near a variety of restaurants and ice cream parlors. This makes it easy to combine a historical visit with a culinary exploration of Quebec City, with many finding the nearby dining options to be reasonably priced and offering fantastic service.
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