10 Specialty Museums in Quebec That You Shouldn't Miss

Museum whose mission is to preserve our heritage, act as a witness to the past, protect a legacy for future generations and raise awareness of a special world and its beauties and challenges.

Pointe-a-Calliere, the birthplace of Montreal and a National Historic Site, offers visitors the opportunity to explore history through an original underground circuit leading through archaeological excavations. At the start of their visit, an immersive multimedia show presents a high-speed view of the city's history, the remains come to life and the count down begins! The museum also offers year-round temporary local and international exhibitions. For Montreal's 375th anniversary in May 2017, Pointe-a-Calliere inaugurated a new pavilion highlighting Fort Ville-Marie.

Experience Canada’s history in exciting new ways. The Canadian Museum of History is a destination of choice in the National Capital Region. An architectural jewel designed by Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal, the Museum is less than five minutes from downtown Ottawa and Parliament Hill. Explore Canada’s rich history and the outstanding achievements of First Peoples. Marvel at the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles. The Canadian History Hall, our signature exhibition, will let you discover the events, personalities and historical currents that have shaped Canada — from time immemorial to the present day.

The museum introduces, in a very interactive fashion, a unique collection which brings one to the heart of the Huron-Wendat culture, explores themes from the historical territories and recalls native memories and knowledge. The museum offers more than a simple visit; it introduces a bona fide cultural voyage. Apart from all the collections, one can find, in close proximity to a restores brook, outdoor theme gardens where one may discover the beauty and power of the medicinal plants.

A tourist attraction unique in Canada: a tour of the Onondaga submarine! Board the submarine and find out about the daily lives of the 60 men who lived for months at a time in this 90-m (300-ft.) submarine. Examine the complex mechanics of the submarine and the technology used for underwater detection. The 45-minute audio-guide commentary simulates going out to sea off Rimouski and will plunge you into this fascinating and little-known world. In addition, you can spend a night aboard the Onondaga. You will be welcomed by the coxswain and will play the role of an apprentice submariner for the duration of a fun-filled night!The Empress of Ireland Museum presents the history of the Empress of Ireland passenger ship, from its construction in 1906 to its tragic sinking on May 29, 1914, which killed 1012 people. Visit the historic site and learn all there is to know about this magnificent ship. Discover a large collection of objects from the wreck, period photos, interactive terminals and eyewitness accounts. The Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse played a central role in the history of navigation on the St. Lawrence River. Built in 1909, this lighthouse is one of the tallest in Canada and one of the few to still have its prism. A guided tour will take you to the top, where you can admire the fabulous view.The lighthouse keeper’s house is home to several exhibits that explain the role of Pointe-au-Père in Canadian maritime history. On the second floor, learn about the many divers who have explored the wreck since 1914.The foghorn shed presents the evolution of aural aids to navigation, which replaced the light from the lighthouse when weather conditions made it impossible for mariners to see.