Dauphine Redoubt
Explore Quebec's military past at the Dauphine Redoubt, a historic fortress showcasing its French, British, and Canadian heritage through engaging exh...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Dauphine Redoubt
Best Time
Gain deeper historical insights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Quebec's military past at the Dauphine Redoubt, a historic fortress showcasing its French, British, and Canadian heritage through engaging exhibits and interpreters.
"Bilingual staff are wonderful, informed and interested. Children love the appeal of old vaulted basements."
🎯 Engage with Staff
Bilingual staff are knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions to enrich your understanding of Quebec's history!
👨👩👧 Family Fun
Kids love the old vaulted basements and interactive demonstrations. A great spot for family history exploration!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Redoubt's Evolution
Main Redoubt Structure
Witness the transformation from an 18th-century French defense to a British officer's mess and a Canadian munitions factory.

Costumed Interpreters
Throughout the Redoubt
Engage with 'soldiers' like Sebastian, who bring early French settlement and military life to vivid reality.

Rifle Demonstrations
Parade Ground
Experience the thrill of historical rifle demonstrations, adding an exciting auditory and visual element to your visit.

Vaulted Basements
Underground Chambers
Children especially love exploring the atmospheric, ancient vaulted basements, sparking imagination and wonder.
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Planning Your Visit
Uncover Quebec's Military Past
Plan Your Visit
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Insider Tips
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Our long weekend in Québec City - A Trip Report
🎯 Engage with Staff
Bilingual staff are knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions to enrich your understanding of Quebec's history!
👨👩👧 Family Fun
Kids love the old vaulted basements and interactive demonstrations. A great spot for family history exploration!
Visiting for a weekend, suggestions?
Guide to Quebec City
📜 Guided Tour Recommended
Opt for a guided tour to get the most out of the rich historical information presented.
🅿️ Convenient Parking
Public parking is available nearby with English language options, making access easy.
Trip to the city
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from all over the internet
🎯 Engage with Staff
Bilingual staff are knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions to enrich your understanding of Quebec's history!
👨👩👧 Family Fun
Kids love the old vaulted basements and interactive demonstrations. A great spot for family history exploration!
📜 Guided Tour Recommended
Opt for a guided tour to get the most out of the rich historical information presented.
🅿️ Convenient Parking
Public parking is available nearby with English language options, making access easy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Dauphine Redoubt for its rich historical exhibits and engaging costumed interpreters who bring Quebec's military past to life. The site's evolution from French to British to Canadian rule is well-documented, with rifle demonstrations and atmospheric vaulted basements being particular highlights. The bilingual staff are noted for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making it a family-friendly and educational experience.
"Recently restored, the long history of the Dauphine Redoubt from French to English and finally Canadian is all on show in this cultural museum. The exhibits cover the early 18th c. French redoubt to a British Officer's mess and finally a munitions factory. New barracks and a parade ground were added north of the redoubt and, later, a hefty wall. They all survive, making the Dauphine Redoubt a must-see. Bilingual staff are wonderful, informed and interested. Children love the appeal of old vaulted basements."
Alan Walmsley
"Excellent tour, thank you Parks Canada"
Marc Lavigne
"Rich information of Quebec history! Sebastian, a “soldier” we met in the house was excellent! He briefed us the history of early French settlement, as well as soldiers’ life. The rifle demonstration was great! Keep up the great work!"
Wai Hung Tang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dauphine Redoubt is located within the historic Plains of Abraham park in Quebec City. It's easily accessible by foot if you're exploring Old Quebec, or by car. Public parking is available nearby, often with English language options, making it convenient for visitors.
Yes, there is public parking available on the street near the Dauphine Redoubt. Some options offer English language support, which is helpful for international visitors.
Absolutely! The Dauphine Redoubt is situated on the Plains of Abraham, a short and scenic walk from the walls of Old Quebec. It's a pleasant stroll through a historic area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
While not always strictly necessary, purchasing tickets in advance can save time, especially during peak season. Check the Parks Canada website for ticketing options and potential online booking discounts.
Yes, there is an admission fee to enter the Dauphine Redoubt and its museum exhibits. The cost is generally reasonable, and it supports the preservation of this important historical site.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, or families. It's advisable to inquire about potential discounts when purchasing tickets or check the Parks Canada website for specific offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At the Dauphine Redoubt, you can explore exhibits detailing its history from French to Canadian rule, witness rifle demonstrations, and interact with costumed interpreters who bring the past to life. The vaulted basements are a particular hit with children.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended! Knowledgeable guides, often dressed as historical figures, provide in-depth historical context and stories that significantly enhance the visitor experience.
Absolutely! Children often enjoy the interactive elements, the rifle demonstrations, and especially the atmospheric vaulted basements. The costumed interpreters also make history engaging for younger visitors.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography is allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts. It's best to check for posted signs or ask staff.
The Dauphine Redoubt is significant as it represents Quebec's military history across three eras: French colonial defense, British occupation, and Canadian military use. It's a tangible link to the city's strategic importance.
🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining
Typically, there are no extensive dining facilities directly within the Dauphine Redoubt itself. However, you can find numerous cafes and restaurants in the nearby Old Quebec area and along the Plains of Abraham for a meal or snack.
Picnicking is usually permitted on the Plains of Abraham, but bringing food inside the museum exhibits of the Dauphine Redoubt might be restricted. It's best to consume food outside the historical structures.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the redoubt with its historic architecture, the parade ground, and any areas with costumed interpreters offer great photo opportunities. The vaulted basements can also provide dramatic shots.
Drone usage is generally prohibited within national historic sites and parks like the Dauphine Redoubt to protect the heritage structures and ensure visitor safety. Always check local regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider timing your visit to coincide with interpreter demonstrations for maximum engagement. The nearby Plains of Abraham also offer ample space for children to run around and enjoy the outdoors after exploring the redoubt. It’s a great way to combine historical learning with outdoor fun in Quebec City.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Take advantage of the guided tours led by knowledgeable Parks Canada staff. These tours delve deeper into the strategic importance of the redoubt and the daily lives of those who served there. The bilingual staff are also excellent resources for detailed historical inquiries, making it an enriching experience for serious history buffs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Quebec's Military History
Following the British conquest, the redoubt was repurposed and expanded. It transitioned into a British Officer's Mess, a symbol of the new administration and a hub for military social life. Later, during periods of heightened tension, it was adapted as a munitions factory, highlighting its continued military relevance. This layered history is meticulously preserved and presented, allowing visitors to trace the evolution of military presence and governance in Quebec City through tangible artifacts and informative displays.
Today, managed by Parks Canada, the Dauphine Redoubt functions as a cultural museum. It offers an immersive experience with costumed interpreters who embody historical figures, bringing the past to life through demonstrations and storytelling. The rifle demonstrations on the parade ground are a particular highlight, offering a visceral connection to the martial past. The site also includes new barracks and a parade ground, alongside a substantial wall, all contributing to its comprehensive historical narrative.
Experiencing the Dauphine Redoubt with Interpreters
These interpreters are crucial in transforming a static museum into a dynamic historical site. Their reenactments and demonstrations, such as the rifle demonstrations, add an exciting sensory dimension to the visit. For families, these costumed characters are particularly captivating, sparking children's imaginations and making historical learning fun. The bilingual nature of the staff also ensures that a wide range of visitors can fully appreciate the stories and information being shared.
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