Along the St. Lawrence River

Come visit this naval heritage gem to discover one of Quebec's most important shipyards and the history of the Davie family who brought it to life. The site includes five historic buildings, some of which house exhibitions, as well as the remnants of Canada's very first slipway. Visit the grounds at your own pace or with a guide!

Just a stone's throw from Quebec City, L'Islet-sur-Mer invites you to discover its rich maritime history. At the Musée Maritime du Québec, relive the epic tales of the sailors, captains, and carpenters who shaped the history of the river, including the legendary Captain J.-E. Bernier, an experienced navigator of the St. Lawrence and adventurer in tropical seas and the sparkling ice of the Arctic.

Remembering the Empress of Ireland ocean liner and its tragic sinking, captains' stories, an authentic submarine, and a historic lighthouse with a unique view of the St. Lawrence River... These traces of the past make the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic site a must-see for anyone who wants to revisit the lives of the men and women who were linked to the river by choice or by fate.

Exploramer offers a close up, sensory encounter with the biodiversity of the St. Lawrence River, thanks to its aquariums featuring blue lobsters, jellyfish, and spotted rays, as well as touch tanks where visitors can touch starfish, crabs, and sea cucumbers. At low tide, guided activities invite visitors to explore the coastline, while offshore excursions introduce them to fishing techniques and scientific data collection.

The Gaspé Peninsula has an abundance of diverse maritime traditions, cultures, and accents—all elements that illustrate a rich and unique history, highlighted by the museum. You will be invited on a grand journey through more than 380 million years, tracing the key moments that shaped the region. The Gaspésie also tells its story through its boats: the museum presents a selection of historic vessels, each with its own tale, illustrating the great moments of its history.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Miguasha National Park features remarkably well-preserved fossils dating back to the “Age of Fishes” 380 million years ago—a time when strange species began to leave the water and venture onto land. Learn more about the evolution of life on Earth and admire the fossils on display in the exhibition halls.  Outdoors, a guided tour of the fossil cliff or a stroll along the interpretive trail will broaden your horizon.

Continue your discovery of the Magdalen Islands by delving into the fascinating world of seals. The Seal Interpretation Centre invites you to learn more about these marine mammals and their unique connection to the people of the Magdalen Islands. A fun and educational visit that is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Set sail from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, a charming village nestled between the river and the mountains. Housed in a former shipyard dating back to 1946, the Charlevoix Maritime Museum offers vivid glimpses into the golden age of wooden schooners and coastal shipping on the St. Lawrence River—a journey that takes you from the heart of the forest, rich in shipbuilding timber, to the decks of historic ships. Plan for multiple stops to best discover the site: thematic exhibitions, workshop and store, marine forest hike, seafarers' park (a fun playground for young visitors!), not to mention the boats, which have been retired after many years of service.

On the lookout for whales? Head to the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre. Located at the confluence of the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Saguenay Fjord, this centre offers an ideal vantage point to admire these marine giants. Your visit will immerse you in their fascinating world and prepare you for an unforgettable encounter. You'll discover the largest collection of whale skeletons in Canada.