The Empress of Ireland Museum: Canada’s worst maritime disaster!
- Empress of Ireland exhibit: Experience the fascinating history of this ocean liner in reverse chronological order, from dives to the shipwreck to its tragic sinking on May 29, 1914, which killed 1012 people in 14 minutes, to its construction in 1906. Discover over 200 artefacts from the wreck, period photos and videos, accounts by passengers and their descendants as well as models of the ships. Experience the last voyage of this ship through an amazing multisensory show!
- Hangar 14: *New show in 2018!* Come and meet the inhabitants of the wreck and discover the dangers that await them in a fanciful and amusing new show. Tickets on sale on site or online.
The Onondaga submarine: A unique experience in Canada!
- Audio tour: Board the Onondaga and find out about the daily lives of the 70 men who lived for months at a time in this 90-metre (300-foot) submarine. Examine the inner workings of the control room, sonars and torpedo room. Two audio guides are available in French, English and Mandarin: a discovery tour for families and first-time visitors that simulates an outing off the coast of Rimouski and a more technical tour that explains the inner workings of the submarine.
- Overnight on the submarine: Spend a unique evening and night aboard the Onondaga! You will be welcomed by the coxswain and will be asked to play the role of an apprentice submariner during an unforgettable night! (Note that this activity is usually offered in French, but may be available in English to groups of 10 or more, upon reservation.)
The Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse National Historic Site: 100 years of history!
- The Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse: The light station played a central role in the history of navigation on the St. Lawrence River. Built in 1909, the lighthouse is the second 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 fantastic view.
- The lightkeeper’s house: *New exhibit!* A new travelling exhibit, Beacons Burning Bright, brings the lighthouses of the St. Lawrence into the limelight. Discover amazing scale models and photos!
- The foghorn shed: Discover aural aids to navigation, which replaced the light from the lighthouse when weather conditions made it impossible for mariners to see.
Opening dates
March 14 to June 8 (Empress of Ireland Museum only) and June 9 to October 8 (entire site)
Schedule
March 14 to June 8 (Empress of Ireland Museum only): Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. June 9 to October 8 (entire site): daily, 9 am to 6 pm (tickets sold until 5 pm).Reservations
Recommended for groups and during off-seasonPayment methods
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Visa
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MasterCard
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Interac
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Cheque
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Cash
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Travelers Cheque
Activities available
Museums
Visit an immersive exhibit and learn about the fascinating history of the Empress of Ireland, which sank in 1914 in only 14 minutes. Discover over 200 artefacts from the wreck and experience the ship’s last voyage during a multisensory show.
Interpretation Sites
Visit the Onondaga, Canada’s first submarine open to the public! Board the vessel to discover the lives of the men who lived in this 90-m (300-ft) submarine for months. The 45-min audio-guide will plunge you into a fascinating and little-known world.
Lighthouses
Built in 1909, the Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse is the second tallest in Canada. A guided tour will take you to the top, where you can admire a fabulous view. Be sure to also visit the exhibits in the lightkeeper’s house and the foghorn shed.
Maritime Heritage
Pointe-au-Père has contributed significantly to Canadian maritime history: a pilot station, 4 lighthouses, a Marconi telegraph office and a quarantine office were all built on this site. It also received the SOS from the Empress of Ireland in 1914.
Services
- Childrens playground
- Picnic area
- No pets allowed
- Boutique
- Restaurant or snack bar
- Conference/meeting room
- Free parking
How to get there
Take exit 621 off Highway 20 or Route 132, then take Avenue du Père-Nouvel towards the St. Lawrence.
Affiliations and distinctions
Affiliations
- Canadian Museums Association
- Parks Canada partner
- Corporation des gestionnaires de phares de l'estuaire et du golfe du Saint-Laurent
- Tourisme Rimouski
- Tourisme Bas-Saint-Laurent
- Québec Tourist Attractions Society (SATQ)
- Member of the Canadian Signature Experiences Collection
Distinctions
- National winner of Québec Tourism Awards (2001, 2004, 2010, 2012)
