Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site

Fortifications and land at Quebec City

Parks Canada

Quick Facts

Location:

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Significance:

Only permanent fortress in Canada at the outset of the War of 1812

Designation:

National Historic Site of Canada

OPEN TO PUBLIC:

No

Because of the Cities location on the St. Lawrence seaway, for ocean bound vessels it was an important port of entry point. At the beginning of the War of 1812 the fortress located here was the only one in the nation however the fortress was not ideal for battles of longer duration. Governor George Prevost thought that Quebec was the key element to protecting the colonies of Canada, although communication from Upper to Lower Canada was painfully slow and not fruitful. On the 17th of August 1812 Prevost received the arrival of the First Battalion of the Royals from the West Indies and was then able to send to Sir Isaac Brock the 8th Kings regiment.