Ceremony Salute to Champlain on the Dufferin Terrasse in the City of Québec

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, delivered a speech at the Salute to Champlain ceremony, during which hundreds of bells rang out in unison across the country to commemorate the official arrival of the great explorer 400 years ago. This formal ceremony was followed by a military parade.

The 400th anniversary of the founding of the City of Québec was topped off with a beautiful firework display.

The 400th anniversary of the founding of the City of Québec was topped off with a beautiful firework display.

The 400th anniversary of the founding of the City of Québec was topped off with a beautiful firework display.

This formal ceremony was followed by a military parade.

The Prime Minister of Canada the Right Honourable Stephen Harper delivered a speech

The Premier of Quebec Mr. Jean Charest was also on hand to address the distinguished guests and the public.

The Prime Minister of the French Republic His Excellency François Fillon also delivered a speech.

The Mayor of the City of Québec, Mr. Régis Labeaume, said a few words to the hundreds of dignitaries and members of the public gathered for this event.

Many dignitaries from around the world attend this grand event at near the Samuel de Champlain Monument in the City of Québec.

Despite the rain, His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond and the Governor General enjoyed the ceremony in the company of the Prime Minister of Canada, the Honourable Stephen Haper and his wife Laureen Harper.

The 400th anniversary of the founding of the City of Québec was topped off with a beautiful firework display.