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Travel Back in Time at the 10 Best Museums in Quebec City [+ Local Tips!]
The rich culture and history of Quebec City bring forth world-class museums that house spectacular collections and outstanding exhibitions, giving us a glimpse of all the things that happened in the capital. Surely, these places are not to be missed (best places to visit in quebec city)!
Exploring the city sometimes feels like you’re walking in a giant museum with its European-inspired architecture, Art Deco trends, and historical parks. Every corner has a story, and we can learn more about it by visiting the museums.
Say goodbye to Wikipedia because we’re taking you on a trip to the best museums in Quebec City to learn all the important facts that are actually true! Time to see the collections up close and hear about the history from experts!
Museum of Civilization
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Address: 85 Rue Dalhousie
Contact: (418) 643–2158, 1 (866) 710-8031 (Toll-Free)
Operating Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Admission:
- 65 and Over: $65
- 35 – 64: $26
- 18 – 34: $21
- 18 – 34: $21
- 6 – 11: $5.50
- 5 and Under: Free
One of the must-visit spots in the city is the Museum of Civilization, a place where you’ll learn more about every facet of the human condition. It’s located in Old Quebec, facing St. Lawrence River, which you can reach by taking a bus, bike (bike paths quebec city), or on foot.
Explore thought-provoking permanent and temporary exhibitions that will show you how our body works, how society has advanced, and the history of Quebec and how it shaped its people. You’ll also get to enjoy incredible shows and presentations.
Kids can join workshops that are fun and educational at the same time! Then, had to the boutique to browse and shop for souvenirs, books, publications, and local products made by local and international craftspeople!
Pro Tips:
It’s best to commute or walk to the museum since it doesn’t have a parking area. There are two entrances: on Dalhousie Street and on Saint-Pierre Street.
If you buy your tickets on the website, you can save up to $3, which you cannot get when purchasing at the door.
The Plains of Abraham Museum
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Address: 835 Wilfrid-Laurier Ave
Contact: (418) 649-6157, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
Admission:
- 18 to 64: $13.25
- 65 and Older: $11
- 13 to 17: $11
- 5 to 12: $4.50
- 0 to 4: Free
Tickets are subject to change in the summer season
History buffs will surely have a grand time at the Plains of Abraham Museum, a place with a rich story. It’s actually the gateway to the park (quebec parks), but you can still enter through other areas.
This historical place is where the British and French armies battled, called the Battle of Quebec, a defining moment in the history of Canada and in the Seven Years’ War. At the museum, you’ll uncover all the important facts about the war and the Plains.
Delve into the permanent and temporary exhibits that’ll give you a glimpse of how the war shaped Canada. See beautiful historical artefacts that will bring you back in time, including archaeological collections.
Pro Tip:
While you’re here, take a leisurely stroll on the multi-functional trails to get your 10,000 steps in. There’s nothing better than exercising in this stunning urban park!
Citadelle of Quebec
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Address: 1 Côte de la Citadelle
Contact: (418) 694-2815, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Admission:
- Adult: $22
- Senior: $20
- Adult Student: $20
- 11 – 17: $8.00
- 10 Years and Under: Free
If you’re already in the Plains of Abraham, just take a 10-minute walk to the Citadelle of Quebec, also known as La Citadelle (both are in the same area, so you can visit two museums in one go!). The Citadelle is also North America’s largest British fortress!
It’s a National Historic Site located in Cape Diamond, the highest point in the city. Here, you’ll learn about Quebec’s rich history, including the Royal 22e Regiment, military traditions, artefacts, and architectural features.
Check out the musical performance by the Royal 22nd Regiment Band, join a guided tour, and visit permanent and special exhibitions. Take some time out to see the Honour and Memory Medals Gallery, which respectfully recognizes the soldiers during the war.
Pro Tip:
During summer, the Royal 22nd Regiment Band performs a musical number from Wednesday to Sunday. If you really want to see it, check the weather app and avoid visiting when it will rain because performances will be cancelled.
Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec
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Address: 179 Grande Allée O
Contact: (418) 643-2150, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Wednesday: 10 am – 9 pm
- Thursday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Admission:
- Ages 31 – 64: $24
- 65 and Over: $23
- Ages 18 – 30: $15
- Ages 13 – 17: $7
- 12 and Under: Free
The Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec welcomes all art enthusiasts to visit their exhibitions. At this art museum, you can admire so many incredible works of art, from paintings to sculptures.
The museum offers guided tours for selected exhibitions, available for visitors who want to gain in-depth knowledge of the artworks. Some exhibits have audio guides, which you can access for free on the website.
The museum has 4 pavilions, including the Charles Baillairgé Pavilion, which used to be the Quebec City Jail. You can still see the 19th-century jail conditions because some of the cells have been preserved.
Pro Tips:
This art museum is located minutes away from the Plains of Abraham. If you want to visit more museums in one day, you can start here, then walk to the Plains of Abraham Museum and cap it off with the Citadelle of Quebec.
To save a couple of loonies, purchase your ticket online. You can save up to $3 per ticket.
Le Monastère des Augustines
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Address: 77 Rue des Remparts
Contact: (418) 694-1639, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Admission:
- General: $17
- Students and Seniors: $14
- Ages 12 – 16: $10
- Ages 0 to 11: Free
Le Monastère des Augustines is tucked away inside Hotel-Dieu de Quebec, a National Historic Site of Canada. Located in Old Quebec, this museum focuses on culture, wellness, healing, and heritage.
Learn about the history of the Augustinian Sisters of Quebec and discover their way of life throughout the years. Check the exhibitions to see the meaningful archives of the monastery hospital.
You can join activities, like a walking tour that will take you to the other floors to see the renovated place, cultural elements, and unique collections. You can join a group tour of the hidden gardens and delve into the role of plants in apothecary.
Pro Tips:
The schedules of the guided tours change based on the availability of the tour guides. To ensure you can join, call the reception desk for the confirmed schedule.
The Le Monastère des Augustines is a restored former Augustinian cloister, one of the best hotels to stay in Quebec City (quebec city hotels) if you want the convenience of being in the old city.
Musée du Fort
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Address: 10 Rue Sainte-Anne
Contact: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Based on seasonal availability
Admission:
- Adult: $9
- Senior: $8
- Student: $7
- Children 10 and Under: Free
The Musée du Fort, located in front of Chateau Frontenac, is a unique museum in Quebec City. Here, you’ll watch a 45-minute light and sound show that depicts the historical battles in the city.
Visitors are welcome to watch the historical reenactment of the famous and defining battles in Quebec, which will give you a more in-depth knowledge of how the armies fought with one another. There are 6 sieges, including the Battle of Quebec.
If you’re a history geek and an avid collector, visit the shop for the most incredible items. There are certified collector’s soldier boxes available, as well as mini figurines and replicas of military collections.
Pro Tip:
Musée du Fort isn’t open year-round. Keep updated by following their socials to know when they will open for the next season.
Naval Museum of Quebec
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Address: 170 Rue Dalhousie
Contact: (418) 694-5387, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Based on seasonal availability
Admission: Free
Go to the Naval Museum of Quebec to learn about the history of the Canadian Naval Reserve and the naval history of the St. Lawrence River. It collects tangible and intangible evidence to preserve history and show the effects of war.
It’s one of the official museums of the Canadian Armed Forces, which has provided an eye-opening attraction. Check the permanent exhibitions, like the Heirs of War, where you can learn about the impacts of war on soldiers and their descendants.
For a one-of-a-kind experience, check out the virtual door. Here, you’ll virtually meet Lieutenant-Commander Stanislas Déry, who made a huge impact because of the courage and humanity he showed during World War II.
Pro Tip:
The museum only opens on a seasonal basis. But if you’re coming in as a group of 5 or more, you can book a reservation on weekdays to see the museum during its off season.
The Palace of L’Îlot
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Address: 8 Rue Vallière
Contact: (418) 692-1441
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Operating hours are subject to change. Check this out for the full schedule
Admission: Depending on the exhibition. Here’s the complete price list
Unleash the Ross Geller in you and visit one of the major archaeological sites in the capital, The Palace of L’Îlot. It has had over 65 field excavations starting in 1982 and has collected approximately 500,000 artefacts—what a treasure of a museum!
The museum also offers various exhibitions and activities, like a virtual excavation where you’ll discover artefacts from your phone! The exhibits will also give you a glimpse of the archaeological collections that were excavated ages ago!
One of the most unique experiences is called Geocaching with GPS, which will take you throughout Old Quebec to find real or virtual treasures that are connected to the history of the old city. Bring your family or friends, but you can also do it alone!
Pro Tip:
The Palace of L’Îlot is not your usual museum. Before visiting, check the activities and note what you want to do since these experiences will have separate tickets.
Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines
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Address: 12 Rue Donnacona
Contact: (418) 694-0694, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
May – October 30, 2024
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
October 30 – April 30, 2024
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Friday, 1 pm – 5 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Subject to change the following year
Admission:
- Adult: $16
- Senior: $13
- Student: $13
- Ages 6 – 17: $10
- 5 and Under: Free
Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines is hidden away inside the house of Madame de La Peltrie, a French noblewoman who founded the Order of Ursulines of Quebec. The building was constructed in 1836 and became an integral part of the Ursulines.
Nowadays, you can visit the museum, which takes up three floors of the building. Learn about the history and legacy of the Ursulines by checking out the exhibitions, including The Young Ladies Academy, which shows the history of the Ursuline boarding school.
The museum is also home to an impressive collection of around 30,000 pieces that the nuns created or obtained in 1639. This collection showcases the daily life of the Ursuline nuns, like embroidered projects, household items, and pedagogical objects.
Pro Tip:
After your visit to the museum, visit the Chapelle des Ursulines located right next door for a 2-in-1 experience. If the chapel is open, you can join guided tours and immersive activities.
Musée Huron-Wendat
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Address: 15 Pl. de la Rencontre, Wendake
Contact: (418) 847-2260, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
Admission: Depending on the experience. Here’s the complete ticket price list
One of the museums in Quebec that you cannot miss is the Musée Huron-Wendat, a place that promotes and preserves the history and heritage of the Huron-Wendat Nation. It’s only 20 minutes away from Old Quebec, accessible by bus and car.
It has one of the most spectacular collections from permanent and temporary exhibitions, showcasing the traditions and culture of both the Huron-Wendat Nation and other First Nations. It’s the place to discover new things and gain more knowledge.
There are several sites you can visit that are near the museum, like the Tsawenhohi House, owned by the Grand Chief of the Hurons of Lorette from 1811 to 1844, Nicolas Vincent Tsawenhohi.
Another is the Ekionkiestha’ National Longhouse, a wood and bark dwelling by the Iroquoian Peoples.
Pro Tip:
Make sure you go early, or at least before 4 pm since they stop selling tickets by that time. During the winter holidays, the museum is closed except for the gift shop.
