Fort Chambly National Historic Site
What's New
Many visitors arrived in disguise for the occasion© Parcs Canada
CHAMBLY (Quebec), October 31, 2011 –
The first edition of Halloween at Fort Chambly was a resounding success,
with the participation of more than 1300 people. Many visitors arrived in disguise for the occasion, ready to discover the fort at nightfall.
Upon arrival, they became captives of a fort illuminated for the evening, from which thick smoke escaped.
This thrilling event will surely return next year, with an improved formula and even more surprises!
Fort Chambly will Become a Theatre with Lively Décor© Parks Canada
Halloween at Fort Chambly
CHAMBLY, Quebec, October 13, 2011 – For the very first time, on the eve of All Saints’ Day along with
OYEZ OYEZ Production, Fort Chambly will become a theatre with lively décor during an activity especially designed to celebrate Halloween.
Saturday, October 29, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Visit the fort and meet wandering musicians, a devil, a witch with healing powers, a wandering drum, a werewolf, a seigneur, a peasant...
On October 29, children and adults alike are invited to visit this French fort, which will be decorated for the occasion and alive with storytellers and ghostly characters from the era of New France.
Visitors will be able to stroll from the interior court to the exhibition rooms to hear, meet, taste, and shudder! Candies and magic potion will offered.
The fort has withstood the turmoil of history for 300 years. Will it survive the witches, vampires, bats, and other spirits that will haunt the fort’s walls on this October night?
Also that day
In exchange for a one-dollar coin (loonie), visitors will receive a 2011 commemorative circulation coin honouring Park Canada’s 100th anniversary. A great addition to your collection!
Information: 450 658-1585
Fort and Beer
CHAMBLY, Quebec, August 29, 2011 – On September 2, 3 and 5, 2011, the Fort Chambly National Historic Site will present Fort and Beer.
From noon to 5 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to discover the history of beer and alcoholic beverages in New France and Lower Canada.
This activity will take place as part of the 300th anniversary celebrations of the stone fort.
On this occasion, visitors will discover the significance of the production and consumption of alcohol by nobility,
inhabitants, and the military from the 17th to the 19th century, thanks to our heritage interpreters.
Beer and alcohol made its appearance in the French colony with the arrival of the first explorers, soldiers, priests,
and inhabitants, and has remained an important element in the lifestyle of the entire population.
Fort and Beer concludes the summer activity program at the Fort Chambly National Historic Site.
A Valued Reminder of the French Presence in North America
A valued reminder of the French presence in North America© Parks Canada
August 20 and 21 – The Feast of St. Louis is the perfect occasion to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the construction of the stone fort at Chambly in style.
Chambly (Quebec), August 10, 2011 -
Along the Richelieu River, at the top of the Chambly Rapids, is a large stone fort. This is Fort Chambly, a structure that has resisted the upheavals of history and remains a valued reminder of the French presence in North America.
Built from 1709 to 1711, this imposing stone fortification protected New France from a potential British invasion. This site also played a defensive role during the key military conflicts of the colonial period.
French soldiers© Parks Canada
Restored by Parks Canada in the early 1980s, Fort Chambly today is home to exhibitions on key moments in the history of New France, and 2011 marks its 300th anniversary. A tangible sign of our history, Fort Chambly is today part of the beautiful landscape and rich heritage of the town of Chambly and its region. A gathering place for all generations, Fort Chambly is also a source of inspiration.
On August 20 and 21, 300 years later, Parks Canada will present a re-enactment of an 18th century French military camp featuring about 50 of the King of France’s colonial troops. Meet several artisans, including a pit sawyer, hewer, shingler and a blacksmith, all tradespeople who contributed to building the stone fort in 1711.
A special program designed to ensure an unforgettable family outing.
Xplorers Program© Parks Canada
Xplorers Program
As part of Parks Canada’s 100th anniversary, the Xplorers Program is dedicated to children visiting with their families.
It offers entertaining activities suited for their age, and allows them to discover the natural and historic treasures of Canada.
The children visiting Fort Chambly will have the opportunity to discover the fort’s exhibitions using an activity book designed especially for them.
Musket firing by the
Compagnie franche de la Marine
© Parks Canada
Every day, you can see the fort’s exhibitions and discover its unique architecture, the lives of its soldiers and archeological vestiges from its period.
This summer, Fort Chambly puts on its Sunday best! Every Sunday, from July 3 to September 4, explore New France from every angle. Presentations of trades from long ago, period dress, military exercises and many other exciting activities are on the program.
See the Activities section for further information.