Quebec is the first territory discovered in North America. Over time, its heritage has grown and many monuments and sites have become historic sites in Quebec.
Among the historic sites in Quebec, exhibitions, discoveries of artefacts or guided tours are offered by most of the historic sites presented here. This allows you to learn more about different eras and the peoples who shaped the territory: the First Nations, the French, then the British.
Chauvin Trading Post — Tadoussac
At the time of New France, the main economic activity was the fur trade. The Chauvin trading post was the very first in history. In the heart of the Tadoussac region, it was built in 1600. It is a place where meetings between First Nations and Europeans took place.
Do you know that Tadoussac has one of the most beautiful beaches in the province? It is part of our selection of the most beautiful beaches in Quebec .
Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site — Quebec
The Forts-et-Châteaux-Saint-Louis National Historic Site is full of archaeological elements dating from the 17th to the 19th century. Artifacts from the time of Samuel de Champlain—founder of Quebec City—and the Huron-Wendat Native Nation remain accessible on the site. Living this experience in a crypt gives the impression of being there!
Nostalgic? Here are photos of Quebec as you’ve never seen it before (including the photo of the Dufferin slide, near Forts-et-Châteaux-Saint-Louis).
Hotel-Dieu of Quebec — Quebec
The Hôtel-Dieu de Québec is the first hospital founded in North America, in 1639. Founded by three Augustinian nuns, whose mission was to care for people. The Augustinian nuns participated in the foundation of 12 hospitals in all. For decades, the Hôtel-Dieu was the only establishment in Quebec that cared for patients.
The hospital is still in operation today. Although its vocation is not used for tourism, it is possible to observe from the outside the beautiful infrastructure which dates from the 17th century.
Unlike the Hôtel-Dieu, several establishments have not survived over the years.
Traditional Huron Onhoüa Chetek8e site — Wendake
The traditional Huron Onhoüa Chetek8e site , in the Quebec region, is one of the oldest Huron sites in the province. Visiting this place plunges us into the reality of the natives of the time. Guided tours of their former camps as well as craft workshops are offered to learn more about their culture.
Le Ber-Le Moyne House — Montreal
Founded around 1670, Le Ber-Le Moyne was the first complete establishment in Montreal. At the time, it was mainly used for the fur trade and storage. Over the following decades, the establishment became a family farmhouse.
The house is now at the heart of the Lachine Museum.
Montreal and the rest of the province have many beautiful destinations, including these most beautiful places to have a picnic .
Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site — Coteau-du-Lac
Located in the municipality of Vaudreuil-Soulanges, in Montérégie, this national historic site of Coteau-du-Lac has more than 7000 years of history. It has one of the oldest lock canals in North America. These canals were used to transport goods, which passed through the St. Lawrence River. This site was also a camp very frequented by the First Nations.
Old Seminary of Saint-Sulpice — Montreal
Founded in 1684, the Old Seminary of Saint-Sulpice is the oldest in the country. It is a large building that dates from the time of the French regime. It was mainly occupied by the Gentlemen of Saint-Sulpice — missionaries and educators of the time. They then became, during the 17th century, the lords of the island of Montreal.
For now, it is forbidden to enter the building. However, you can admire its architectural beauty from the outside during your next visit to Old Montreal.
La Grave — Havre-Aubert
La Grave is a unique historic site in the Magdalen Islands. Here you will explore the history of the region, where fishing was the main source of income for the inhabitants. You will also discover that the First Nations occupied the territory before the Acadian families came to settle in the 18th century. If you are traveling to the islands this summer, this site is definitely worth a visit.
Maison Lamontagne — Rimouski
Discover here the oldest house in Eastern Quebec. Built in 1744, the Lamontagne house stands out for its method of construction: half-timbered stonework, an architecture that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Sault-au-Récollet Church — Montreal
You are certainly familiar with the Notre-Dame Basilica, in the Old Port of Montreal. But the church of Sault-au-Récollet ? It is one of the oldest churches in Quebec. Located in the borough of Ahuntsic-Cartierville, this magnificent building remains one of the last churches in Quebec to have been built during the French regime, around 1751.
Plains of Abraham — Quebec
The Plains of Abraham is known to represent the place where the French and the British fought for the territory of Quebec (which was called New France, at the time), in 1759. The British won the battle, thus causing the end of the French regime.
Located in the heart of Old Quebec, it is an essential place in the city. Tens of thousands of people walk there every year. Several events and shows take place there, such as the popular Festival d’été de Québec.
The Festival d’été de Québec is one of the most popular in the city, but do not hesitate to discover these festivals and events not to be missed this summer in Quebec .
National Historic Site of the Battle of the Restigouche — Pointe-à-la-Croix
This National Historic Site of the Battle of the Restigouche is located in the Gaspésie region. It is known to be the last battlefield between the French and the British, in 1760. The British had won another victory — after that of the Plains of Abraham — which confirmed the beginning of the English regime.
Lachine Fur Trade National Historic Site of Canada — Montreal
This former fur trade — in the heart of the borough of Lachine — promises you an experience worthy of the 19th century. We enter an old stone warehouse to discover an exhibition on French-Canadian history of the 19th century. This is the perfect activity for young children, who will discover the history of their country while having fun.
If you are in the Lachine area, you can take the opportunity to take a bike ride on the Piste des Berges. After all, this trail is one of 15 of the most beautiful bike paths in Quebec .
Citadel of Quebec — Quebec
The Citadel of Quebec , near the Plains of Abraham, is a protected historic site. It is the largest British fortress in North America. It was built during the British regime, between the 1820s and 1850s.
Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site — Saint-Antoine-de-l’Isle-aux-Grues
Located in the Chaudière-Appalaches region, Grosse-Île-et-le-Mémorial-des-Irlandais was the quarantine zone for the Port of Quebec for more than 100 years, from 1834 to 1937. As its name suggests , the quarantine station had mostly taken in tens of thousands of Irish people, most of whom were sick with scurvy during their journey by boat.
You can visit the island by carrying out an interpretive route, which allows you to learn more about this historical moment of the province. As well as the Celtic cross, which pays tribute to deceased Irish people, you can discover the hospitals where sick Irish people were treated.
Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site — Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
The Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site is known to be the busiest lock in the country. The canal was founded in 1843, in order to facilitate the transport of goods.
Located in the Montreal region, it is the ideal place for a family or romantic outing and why not a picnic.
Natashquan Pebbles — Natashquan
If you travel to the North Shore, you will reach the pretty little village of Natashquan. Only one historic site is located there: the Galets de Natashquan . The site is easy to find: you just have to look for the 12 small isolated houses on the edge of the river. Pebbles have been around for over 150 years.
See these 40 best road trips in Quebec and Canada and discover the whale route, which goes all the way to the village of Natashquan!
Pointe-à-la-Renommée Historic Site — Gaspé
Curious to know where the first maritime radio station was located in North America? Located in the Gaspésie region, the radio station was inaugurated in 1904 by the Marconi company. The Pointe-à-la-Renommée site is also known for its magnificent large lighthouse.
Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site — Rimouski
On May 29, 1914, the Empress of Ireland sank in the St. Lawrence River. This accident caused more than 1,000 victims. This is the greatest maritime tragedy in Canada.
Today, the maritime historic site of Pointe-au-Père features two different museums: Empress of Ireland and the Onondaga, two boats from the Rimouski region. More than 200 objects remain accessible, including testimonies from survivors of the sinking.
Chateau Dufresne — Montreal
Less known than the famous Château Frontenac, in Quebec, Château Dufresne is a unique place to discover. Located in the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district, this residence from the 1920s recalls the days of the bourgeoisie.
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