The Empress of Ireland Museum: Discover Canada’s worst maritime disaster
- Empress of Ireland exhibit: Learn about 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.
- The Last Journey multimedia show: Experience the last voyage of the Empress of Ireland during this amazing multimedia show!
The Onondaga submarine: Enjoy a unique experience in Canada!
- Audio tours: Board the Onondaga and find out about the daily lives of the 70 crew members who lived for months at a time in this 90-metre (300-foot) submarine. Examine the complex mechanics of the ship’s powerful engines as well as the control room, sonars and torpedo room. Two audio guides are available in French, English and Mandarin: a discovery tour and a more technical tour.
- Overnight on the submarine (in French only): Spend a unique evening and night aboard the Onondaga! You will be welcomed by the coxswain and asked to play the role of an apprentice submariner during an unforgettable night!
Giant puppet show: Enjoy a fun show with the whole family (in French only)
- New show in 2018-2020: Meet the wreck’s inhabitants and find out about the dangers awaiting them in a fanciful and zany show directed by Cédric Landry. This fun family show starts on June 29 (in French only).
The Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse National Historic Site: Explore 100 years of history
- Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse: 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 a fantastic view.
- Lightkeeper’s house: Visit the Beacons Burning Bright exhibit, which showcases the lighthouses of the St. Lawrence. Discover photos and amazing scale models.
- Foghorn shed: Learn about the sound signals that replaced the light from the lighthouse when weather conditions made it impossible for mariners to see.
Opening dates
Empress of Ireland Museum (low season): February 28 to June 7
Submarine, museum and lighthouse (high season): June 8 to October 14
(submarine pre-opening on May 30)
Puppet show: June 29 to August 28
Schedule
February 28 to June 7 (Empress of Ireland Museum only): Thursday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm. June 8 to October 14 (entire site): daily, 9 am to 6 pm (tickets sold until 5 pm). Giant puppet show (in French only): June 29 to August 28, on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and on Monday at 1 p.m. only.Cost
Visit the website and click on “Fees & Infos.”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 90-metre (300-foot) steel vessel for an audio-guided tour to discover the daily lives of the 70 crew members who lived in this submarine for months at a time.
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. Discover 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)
