Quebec City Martello Towers

Quebec City Martello Towers are three circular stone structures with thick walls and elevated gun platforms positioned to overlook the St. Lawrence River. The buildings display classic British defensive design with narrow firing openings and reinforced outer faces.

These defensive structures were built between 1808 and 1812 in response to tensions with the United States and served to protect the colony from possible attacks. They remain from a period when Britain actively reinforced its hold on North America.

The towers reflect British military thinking from the early 1800s and show how defense was understood in that era. Visitors can observe the solid structures that shaped how people protected this colonial settlement.

Towers 1 and 2 are open to visitors and contain exhibits about military engineering and defense strategies from the early 1800s. Expect stairs to reach the elevated platforms, and entrances are clearly marked from outside the structures.

The entrances are deliberately positioned high on the walls and accessible only from inside, making it impossible for enemy soldiers to simply walk in. This simple feature shows how practical and carefully thought through the defense logic of that era was.

Location: La Cité-Limoilou

Part of: Fortifications of Québec

GPS coordinates: 46.80371,-71.21949

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06