Celebrate the Founding of Quebec City

The theme of this year’s tattoo is Je Me Souviens—A salute to the Royal 22e Regiment and a celebration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City. The tattoo will celebrate the music and the achievement of Canada’s military tradition in a manner that is, at once, entertaining and educational while highlighting the contribution of la belle province. We will pay special tribute to the Royal 22e Régiment, recently returned from active service in Afghanistan. The Tattoo will remind Ontarians that service to this country extends beyond our provincial boundaries and of the longstanding and deep roots of French-Canadians in this country. Members of the Third Battalion of the famed Vandoos, recently returned from active service in Afghanistan, will be participating in the performance. Tattoo 2008 is taking place in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on June 14 at 7:30 p.m. and June 15 at 2:30 p.m., 2008.

In the Spring of 1608, French navigator Samuel de Champlain set sail from France in the ship Don de Dieu. On June 3, he arrived in Tadoussac, an inland trading post on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. After trade negotiations with the Montagnais, a nomadic people who inhabited the land, Champlain set sail up the St. Lawrence River, reaching l'Île d'Orléans on July 8. The St. Lawrence was only 1 kilometre wide at this location, with cliffs rising 100 metres above the river. A small battery of cannons, at this point, could effectively close off any access to the interior. This is where Champlain decided to create a new settlement. He named it Kebec (hereafter spelled Québec), the Algonkin name for where the river narrows.

Québec became the continental gateway for the nation that would become Canada. It is the only North American city to have preserved its ramparts and numerous bastions, gates and defensive works which still surround Old Québec and has, thus, been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We are honoured to salute the Vandoos with a spectacular 2008 line-up of performers that includes top bands and breathtaking acts from around the world and across Canada.

Ready to get your ticket?

Header photo: Canadian Royal 22nd Regiment guard at the gates to the Citadel in Old Québec City, Québec, Canada.