Board Historical Ships and Relive Quebec's Maritime History

Chaudière-Appalaches. This activity was part of our 2-Day Road Trip in Chaudière-Appalaches designed for families and individuals interested in unique travel experiences.

The Musée Maritime du Québec (MMQ) allows visitors to relive the daily lives of sailors and explore events and places that have marked the maritime history of Quebec.

At the museum, visitors can board historical ships, learn about the brave men who dedicated their lives to protecting the lives of fellow sailors and the unique lifestyles they lead aboard lightships, explore the St. Lawrence River's strong connections with the lives of seafarers and river shore inhabitants, and view the museum's collection of 200+ scale models of the ships that have marked Quebec's history.

Visiting Musée Maritime du Québec is on our travel bucket list and we were able to relive Quebec's Maritime history as part of our trip to the region of Chaudière-Appalaches.

Musée Maritime du Québec is a must-see for history-enthusiasts. Boat and ship-enthusiasts interested in miniature models will also appreciate the museum's treasure of 200 ship models.

The Musée Maritime du Québec was the 2nd stop during our trip to the region of Chaudière-Appalaches, and the first time our kids were given the opportunity to explore historical ships. As I expected, the kids had fun exploring the Hydrofoil HMCS Bras d’Or 400. Unlike Randy and I, however, the kids were less interested in the details and history shared by our helpful tour guide. It didn't stop Randy and me from asking our tour guide questions nonetheless. There was enough on the ship to keep the kids captivated and preoccupied while we learned more about the experimental ship.

Surprisingly, our two younger ones expressed fears when it came to climbing up and down the ladders of the Hydrofoil. Our two younger kids who usually have no fear when it comes to climbing up structures on playgrounds were suddenly fearful of the ladders. There was a fair bit of crying and whining involved but the exposure to the many ladders and stairs of the Hydrofoil ultimately prepared them for our trip to the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site. All in all, by our 2nd ascent to another section of the ship, the kids had conquered their fears.

Needless to say, by the time we were exploring the icebreaker Ernest Lapointe, the kids felt right at home touring the various levels of the ship (ladders and all). Though they grew impatient during some sections of our tour in the Hydrofoil and balked at having to take yet another tour of another ship, they, in the end, did not want to stop exploring. They insisted on visiting the lower decks of the Icebreaker even after our visit with our tour guide was over. Visiting the Musée Maritime du Québec was one of our kids' favoured stops during our five day road trip.

When exploring the various ships, keep in mind there is some climbing involved. Particularly, in order to access various sections of the ship, you will have to climb up and down ladders and stairs. It would thus be in your best interest to pack lightly. In other words, don't take any large bags or backpacks inside the ships with you. If you have younger kids like us and usually have to bring a large backpack along with extra clothes, snacks, etc., leave them in the car if you want to comfortably explore the ships during your visit.

The model reserve housing the 200 model ships is not an exhibition but a facility designed to protect, handle and preserve the models. This means no flash photography is allowed and visitors are not allowed under any circumstances to handle the models. If you have young kids, be prepared to keep them in check. Our kids were busily taking videos and photos (flashes turned off) which helped our youngest one in particular keep his normally curious and busy hands occupied.

Open all year.
June 24 to Sept 3, 2018, Open Daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sept 3 to Oct 8, 2018, Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oct 8 to mid-December, Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Museum ships open May 5, 2018 and close on November 10, 2018.

55, road des Pionniers Est, L'Islet, Québec, G0R 2B0 (approximately 3h23 from Montreal)

Adults $14
Students (ages 18-30, with valid ID): $12
Seniors: $12
Families: $36
Children (ages 6-17): $8
Children under 5, accompanied by an adult: free

Musée Maritime du Québec

Disclosure: All or a portion of this event was sponsored or provided at a reduced cost in exchange for coverage on our site. All opinions expressed on our site are our own - no pretenses here!

Photo: Musée Maritime du Québec