Sometimes referred to as the Gibraltar of the Americas, La Citadelle (lacitadelle.qc.ca; tour adult/senior/youth/child $22/20/8/free) is the biggest British fortress in North America. After a failed American attack in 1775, the British erected a temporary citadel on the top of Cap Diamant. Inspired by the Fortifications of Vauban in France, La Citadelle's permanent star-shaped stone structure with five bastions was built from 1820 to 1831. Two remnants of the French regime were included, the Cap Diamant Redoubt and the powder magazine; in 1840, armories, a barracks and a hospital were added. The greatly feared American invasion never happened and the British remained until 1871, when they handed La Citadelle over to the Canadian government.
A guided visit is the only way to visit this active military base, home to Canada's only French-speaking infantry regiment, the Royal 22e, since 1920. The highlight at La Citadelle is its museum, recognized as a Canadian Forces Museum since 1974. The collection is extensive: 15,000 artifacts, 340,000 photographs and over 5000 military documents and books. The best time to go is in the morning from Wednesday to Sunday, when tours can be combined with the regiment's musical performance (formerly the changing of the guard).
