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The Citadelle
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Historical Landmark
History Museum
The Citadelle Description
Your kid will have to be a die-hard military enthusiast to fall in love with this 19th-century fort in the winter, but in the summer it's a guaranteed hit. Soldiers appear grounds in the center of this fortress daily to show off their marching and gun-handling skills for the public in the ceremonial Changing of the Guard. Dressed in bright red uniforms they are accompanied by the Regimental Band and Batisse, the regimental goat. Little ones can't help but march along.
Kid Tips
Babies: Unless you have specific interests you're better off skipping this one altogether. Paved pathways on its outskirts or a trip to the Observatory will give you a good look at the unique star shaped building without the dry narration of a guided tour.
Toddlers & Pre-K: They aren't going to listen anyway so take them out to the grassy parkland outside the Citadel gates instead. Keep close though. There are what seem like 30-foot trenches surrounding the fortress and not a safety gate in site.
School-Age Kids: Some kids will like the one-hour guided tour that includes a good bit of history and details on the forts constuction and ends in the museum; others will beg for mercy. Gauge your child's enthusiasm and be ready to ditch it if it's dragging energy levels down.
Planning Notes
- Come in the summer. That's when the pageantry is at its best with members of the 22nd Regiment out on display.
- Don't be late.These are soldiers. Things start exactly when they're supposed to so get there early and grab a spot to watch the Changing of the Guard. Kids can enjoy the parkland while you wait.
- Want more? Take the tour. The Fortress is still active and can't be toured indiviually. The tour includes the Royal 22e Régiment Museum and a former military prison.
Just the Facts
Hours: April: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily. May and June: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. July to the first weekend of September: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. September: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily. October: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily. November to April: Bilingual tour at 1:30 p.m., daily. Changing of the Guard takes place daily from June 24 to the first Monday of September at 10 a.m.
Fees: $10-$20.
Recommended Time: 1 - 2 hours
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