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Governor General Arbour’s first stay in the City of Québec

August 4 to 8, 2026

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, stayed at her residence at the Citadelle of Québec for the first time from August 4 to 10, 2026. 

August 4, 2026

On the opening night of the 30th edition of the Grands Feux Loto-Québec, Governor General Arbour met with members of the local community and shared in their excitement for the festivities.

Governor General Arbour and a small group of people walks under a colourful arch bearing the words “Grands Feux Loto-Québec.”
Governor General Arbour shaking hands with staff who are seated at a table. The staff are wearing yellow safety vests.
Governor General Arbour and a group of people dancing in a public square. Quebec City’s Basse-Ville can be seen in the background.
Fireworks with shades of blue and yellow.

August 5, 2026

Today, Governor General Arbour took part in activities with newcomers that are welcomed and supported by the Carrefour d’action interculturelle de Québec.

Governor General Arbour sitting at a table surrounded by people sitting in chairs and on couches.
Governor General Arbour sitting at a table speaking to a person.
Governor General Arbour with a group of people looking at a garden.

She also met with youth and youth workers at the Maison des jeunes du quartier Saint-Jean-Baptiste.

These exchanges provided an opportunity to discover inspiring personal journeys and to recognize the essential role of organizations that help build welcoming and engaged communities.

Governor General Arbour sitting at a table speaking with young people.
Governor General Arbour sitting at a large table, speaking with young people.
Governor General Arbour playing table tennis with a young person while others look on.

August 6, 2026

As Commander-in-Chief of Canada, Governor General Arbour met with members of the Canadian Armed Forces at Valcartier Military Base.

She spoke with service members of various ranks whose dedication and expertise benefit all Canadians, both at home and abroad.

Governor General Arbour standing in the background. Before her, members of the Canadian Armed Forces are seated at a long table.
Governor General Arbour being shown the inside of a Canadian Forces vehicle.
Governor General Arbour eating a meal with members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Governor General Arbour continued her day at the Grand Marché de Québec by meeting passionate young entrepreneurs who are already bringing their ideas to life through their participation to La grande journée des petits entrepreneurs.  

She also joined young people participating in La Tablée des Chefs’ Culinary Camps to develop their cooking skills.

Governor General Arbour walking next to two people.
Governor General Arbour talking to a young person by an indoor lemonade display.
Governor General Arbour posing for a photo with three people.
Governor General Arbour talking to two people. They are standing at a kitchen counter with large wooden cutting blocks in front of them.
Governor General Arbour standing around a table with several young people. There are several baking trays on the table.
Governor General Arbour using a piping bag to decorate cupcakes.

August 7, 2026

Earlier today, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief Arbour received full military honours from the Royal 22nd Regiment on the parade square of the Citadelle of Québec. She inspected a guard of honour composed of 100 members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the cherished mascot of the regiment, Bouc Batisse.

View of a Military parade along with a guard of honour of 100 military members.
Governor General Arbour inspecting a guard of honour of 100 military members.
Governor General Arbour walking between two rows of people in red military uniform.
Governor General Arbour walking with military members. The official mascot of The Citadelle of Québec and the Royal 22e Régiment, a majestic goat named Batisse, is to her left..

Accompanied by Louis Charest, executive chef of the official residences, Governor General Arbour met with farmers, artisans, and producers from Île d’Orléans.

This visit provided an opportunity to see the region’s rich agricultural and artisanal heritage, as well as the places that are the pride of the region.

Governor General Arbour standing next to a person in a red shirt. They are in a greenhouse looking at berries on a bush..
Governor General Arbour speaking to a person in a red shirt while two others stand with them. A sign on the wall says "Certifié Ile d'Orléans"
Governor General Arbour and a person wearing a red shirt looking back at a person who is moving a skid of strawberries.
Governor General Arbour speaking to two people who are dressed in old-timey clothing.
Governor General Arbour and executive chef Charest talking to a person in a store.
Governor General Arbour getting a tour of a facility.
Governor General Arbour holding up a plate of food in a takeout container.

August 8, 2026

Governor General Arbour concluded her first visit to the Citadelle of Québec with a stroll through Old Québec during the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France. She met with artisans, history enthusiasts and heritage interpreters dressed in period costume, with whom she exchanged greetings.

At Place des Ancêtres, one of the event’s main venues, she also spent time with members of First Nations communities.

Governor General standing with three people dressed in costume during the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France.
Governor General Arbour speaking with an artisan at the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France.
Governor General Arbour speaking with two people dressed in costume during the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France. One of them is holding up a map.
Governor General Arbour walking two people dressed in costume during the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France.
Governor General Arbour speaking to a person who has long braids. Animal furs are on display.