Travels - Last Day in Quebec City

Our busiest day in Quebec City was our last full day. Again, it was super hot and while we saw a lot and got over 22 000 steps, we went at a slow place,

Our first stop of the day was the Citadel. 

A very brief history. 

This point of the city was seen as having a strategic importance since the founding of the city in 1608. While there were defensive fortifications on this spot, the Citadel was built between 1820-1850, by the British to protect the city from an American attack. While the current fort has never been used as a defensive point, it is still an active military base and home of our only French speaking regiment, the 22nd, aka the Van Doos (22 in French is vingt-deux, which sounds a little like Van Doo to the English speaking world). 

While the Citadel itself was not part of a battle, the land just outside it, has important battle significance. This site was a pivotal battle point in the 7 year war between the British and the French. Named after the farmer whose land the battle took place on, the Plains of Abraham, the one hour battle lasted with a British victory, leading to the capture of Quebec City by the British. It is now a huge park, seen as important to Quebec City as Central Park is to New York. 

Looking towards the Plains of Abraham

We were lucky enough to arrive int he morning and get to enjoy a 30 minute show put on by the Royal 22nd Regiment's musicians. It has replaced the changing of the guard. 

The highlight for this for us was the mascot, a goat named Batisse. This is Batisse X. The offspring of the original Batisse given to the regiment in 1955 by Queen Elizabeth.

After the music, we joined a tour. We had a very unique guide who kept using her umbrella like a gun and saying if there had been an attack, this is what would have happened. In spite of this, it was nice to wander around.

The Citadel also has one of the 2 official residence for our Governor General when she is in Quebec. (Her other home is in Ottawa).  Being part of the commonwealth makes Canada's politics a little complicated. While we are a Constitutional Monarchy where we elect our Prime Minister, King Charles III is our head of state. His representative in Canada, who is appointed by the Prime Minister, is the Governor General. The GG generally holds this position for 3-7 years. In general the GG, manages parliament (prorogues, dissolves, summons), after an election, swears in the Prime Minister and ministers, gives royal ascent to bills to become law, fosters unity, hosts dignitaries, and is the commander in chief for the Armed Forces.  While it has never happened, a Governor General could dismiss the Prime Minister. 

Our current Governor General is Mary Simon. She is an Inuk leader for Nuavik Quebec and the first Indigenous person to hold this office. 

Looking from the Citadel into the old city.

Lady having a little fun! 

Come back next week and we will finish our visit to Quebec City.