Fort Lennox

Fort Lennox is a British military fort built on an island in the Richelieu River near Quebec with stone buildings and defensive walls arranged in a star shape. A water-filled moat encircles the perimeter to protect the structures inside.

The British built the fort between 1819 and 1829 in response to military tensions with the United States and the need to secure the border region. Its construction marked an important phase in Canada's defense strategy at that time.

The fort displays military equipment and furnished rooms that show how British soldiers lived and worked during their time here. These spaces offer a glimpse into daily life at a 19th-century remote garrison.

A short ferry ride of about five minutes takes visitors from the welcome center to the island where the fort stands. Guided tours are offered during operating hours and help visitors understand the layout and historical details of the site.

During World War II, the fort served as temporary refuge for European Jewish refugees fleeing persecution and seeking safety in North America. This lesser-known chapter of its past shows how military sites were sometimes repurposed for humanitarian purposes.

Location: Saint-Paul-de-l'Île-aux-Noix

Inception: 1819

GPS coordinates: 45.12070,-73.26820

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:03