The Walker Fleet Tragedy of 1711: A Deadly Mistake in Quebec’s Waters

Long before Québec City became the charming city we know today, its waters were dangerous and unpredictable. One of the most famous disasters was the Walker Fleet Tragedy of 1711, a naval accident that shows how difficult it was to navigate the St. Lawrence River.

A Risky Mission

In 1711, the British wanted to capture Québec. They sent a large fleet—called the Walker Fleet—with more than 50 ships and over 7,000 soldiers, led by Admiral Sir Hovenden Walker. Their plan seemed simple: sail up the St. Lawrence River and take the city.

But the river was not easy to sail. It had strong currents, hidden rocks, narrow passages, and thick fog. The fleet’s maps were not accurate, and the sailors were unprepared for the river’s dangers.

Disaster Strikes

On the night of August 22, the fleet tried to pass near Île-aux-Oeufs and Pointe-aux-Anglais. Mistakes in navigation, combined with the fog and fast currents, caused disaster. Several ships ran aground, and others were smashed on rocks. By morning, eight ships were lost and over 900 men had drowned. It was one of the worst naval accidents in British history.

The survivors returned to Boston, defeated and shocked. Québec stayed under French control, with the river itself protecting the city more than any army could.

A Celebration of Divine Protection

In gratitude for the city’s safety, the people of Québec renamed the church in Place Royale Notre-Dame-des-Victoires (“Our Lady of Victories”). They celebrated what they saw as divine intervention that had saved Québec from attack. The church became a symbol of protection and resilience, marking a moment of relief and triumph for the city’s residents.

The River’s Lasting Warning

The Walker Fleet Tragedy left a strong mark on history. It showed that the St. Lawrence River was extremely dangerous, even for the largest fleet. Today, some remains of the ships can still be found by divers, reminding us of the disaster and the power of nature.

Hidden Stories of Québec City

Walking through Old Québec today, it is easy to forget the city’s difficult past. Every street, cliff, and stretch of the St. Lawrence tells stories like the Walker Fleet Tragedy of 1711, showing how nature and human mistakes can change history.

If you want to explore these stories in person, Urban Horizons Tours takes visitors through Québec’s hidden history, showing the streets and places where events like this tragedy happened.

Painting depicting the Walker’s shipwreck off the coast of Île-aux-Oeufs