Musée maritime du Québec – Capitaine J.E. Bernier

Just a few cable lengths from Quebec City, the lovely village of l’Islet-sur-Mer is known as “Mariner Country.” Nearly 200 sailors, captains, pilots, shipbuilders and ship’s carpenters hail from here. The maritime museum houses over 12,000 items and documents paying tribute to people who spent their lives along and on the River. They include the legendary Captain J.-E. Bernier (1852-1934), a tireless navigator who plied the waters of the Tropics, the St. Lawrence and the Arctic.

Step aboard impressive ships, explore six exhibitions, and enjoy breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence.

A must-see in the Chaudière-Appalaches region, located in the heart of the picturesque village of L’Islet, the Musée maritime du Québec offers a memorable journey through its two museum-ships and six exhibitions, including the boat-building shop and the brand-new riverfront park. Through the Sea Roots exhibition, discover exceptional maritime artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries. Let yourself be carried away by tales of adventure and shipwrecks, privileged witnesses to the unbreakable bond between Quebecers and the great river. The famous Captain Joseph-Elzéar Bernier, commanding ships by age 17, sailed the seas during the era of the great sailing vessels. A virtual gateway allows you to meet this exceptional man who helped define Canada’s Arctic border. The new permanent exhibition HIVERNAGE / UKIITILLUGU recounts Captain Bernier’s seven Arctic expeditions (1904-1917), missions essential to the country’s sovereignty. It highlights encounters with the Inuit, whose ancestral knowledge was vital for these sailors from the South. Families can dive into "La Quête des trois lieux" with the Passeport Aventure On a guided tour, admire the treasures of the model room, featuring over 200 scale models that have marked the maritime history of Quebec and Canada. Experience the unique opportunity to board two impressive vessels: the NCSM Bras d’Or 400 military prototype and the icebreaker NGCC Ernest Lapointe, a former flagship of the Canadian Coast Guard. Rowboat, bark, or canoe? A stop at the boat-building shop will teach you to tell them apart while exploring the secrets of traditional Quebec shipbuilding. Explore the new riverfront park and its open-air interpretation trails. This accessible site offers 12 zones with spectacular views of the St. Lawrence, including 9 stations presenting 27 imposing artifacts and artworks. Thanks to MySmartJourney technology, take part in the digital adventure of "L’Équipée." This self-guided interactive tour features 34 stations rich in discoveries to explore freely. Visit "La pointe du mât Port de Québec" to decode the mystery word of the week, proudly hoisted on the Duhamel mast. Enjoy a break at the museum café or the picnic area to contemplate the panorama of the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago. The Musée maritime du Québec is open to the public from March to December. Check the seasonal schedule! By becoming a member, you can return to the museum whenever you like!