Artillery Park Heritage Site

Activities

COLOURFUL CHARACTERS

Officers' mess kitchen ©Parks Canada/Eugen Kedl

This summer from July 2^th to August 26 2007, characters in period costume will help you relive the rich military and industrial past of this site. Meet the maid and her master in the Officers' Quarters, the cook in the officers' mess kitchen, and a soldier from the Compagnies franches de la Marine living in the Dauphine Redoubt.

DEMONSTRATIONS OF FLINTLOCK MUSKET SHOOTING (BLACK POWDER)

Black-powder drill by a soldier from the Compagnies franches de la Marine ©Parks Canada/Eugen Kedl

See a shooting practice! Discover the loading manoeuvre of the Tulle musket by a soldier of the Troupes de la Marine and smell the odour of the black powder! Daily in July and August, twice a day.

DIVINE PORT!

Officers' Mess by candlelight. © Parks Canada / S.Derome

19th-century Québec was strategically well-placed for the British to defend their colonies against the Americans. The heavy military presence within the walls turned the city into a real garrison town. In Dauphine Redoubt, balls, ceremonial dinners and other occasions lent an air of high society to the Officers' Mess. Port, favoured for over 300 years by the English nobility, figured in all of these celebrations, and -aged in bottles or barrels- has once again become popular.

In the presence of a wine steward, come and sample from the large family of port wines, accompanied by delicious local delicacies. Allow yourself to succumb to the charm of the Officers' Mess and its characters from another era.

For group; reservation required (25-person maximum)

Activity length: 2.5 hours
Price: by number of ports chosen; packages from 6 to 11 types of port

Printable Version, (PDF, 185kb)

NEW!! Now offered in a shorter version for groups up to 50 persons.

THE TEA CEREMONY

Interpreters in period costume tea service. © Parks Canada

While enjoying the luxurious setting of the British Officers' Mess, sip a cup of Earl Grey tea, assume a character role, and participate in an interactive theatrical presentation! Participants are instructed in the art of serving English tea while learning about 19th century etiquette, life as an officer and the historical context of Quebec high society, circa 1830.

Student groups (13 to 17 years old) and adults

Capacity: 50 people maximum
Length: 1 hour
Price per group: Varies depending on the group size and the time of visit.

Printable Version, (PDF, 175kb)

TRAGEDY AT THE OFFICER’S BALL

Tragedy at the officer’s ball © Parks Canada, Beardsell

(Evening Activity)

The Dauphine Redoubt is one of the oldest military buildings in Quebec City. Situated at the Artillery Park, the building was originally used for defence purposes but was transformed into a barrack where thousands of soldiers lived over the years. The guests will be welcomed by special characters in period costumes. They will also have lanterns to help them shed light on the tragic events that occurred here in the past, stories that have remained behind closed doors …until now! The outcome will be unveiled in the luxurious British officers mess.

Student Group Tours ( 13 to 17 years old)

Capacity: 50 people maximum
Length:1h30
Group rates: $9.90 per student, taxes included

COSTUME WORKSHOP!

Costume Workshop at the Artillery Park © Parks Canada, Beardsell

(Evening Activity)

During the colonial era, Artillery Park is the main military sector in Québec City. The barracks of this historic site housed the military forces entrusted with defending the stronghold against invasion. With the help of two young volunteers from among the students, get acquainted with some French and English soldiers and learn more about the dress, weaponry and daily life of these soldiers from a bygone time.

Student Group Tours (13 to 17 years old)

Capacity: 80 people maximum
Length: 1 hour
Group rates: $ 4.95 per student, taxes included

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