Québec City is home to one of the two official residences of Canada’s Governor General, which visitors can tour for free throughout the year.

WHY TWO RESIDENCES

Why does the Governor General have two official residences? The answer lies in Canada’s complex history. 

Colonial governors had lived in Québec City since New France was founded in the early 1600s. In 1872, five years after Ottawa became Canada’s capital, Governor General Lord Dufferin revived that tradition by establishing quarters in Québec City.

MILITARY GRANDEUR IN QUÉBEC 

The building at the Citadelle that is now the Governor General’s second official residence was built by the British Army in 1831 as an officers’ barracks. Officially known simply as “Building 28,” it is part of the Citadelle of Québec’s fortress, a national historic site of Canada, located atop Cape Diamond in Old Québec. 

After a fire destroyed part of the Governor General’s residence in 1976, a new wing was constructed with a contemporary décor featuring walnut, granite and aluminum accents. That wing now houses a sunroom, space for official events and a grand foyer with twin spiral staircases. Like Rideau Hall in Ottawa, the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle is furnished with fine antiques and with works by noted Canadian artists. 

For more information, see gg.ca/visit-us/.