Discover the experience
Visit Sherbrooke’s Saint-Michel Cathedral Basilica (website in French only) and stop by the Centre Marie-Léonie Paradis. Immerse yourself in the inspiring story of this charismatic woman, canonized in October 2024 – the third Quebec woman in history to be declared a saint. Founder of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family, Marie-Léonie Paradis devoted her life to supporting her community. Take a self-guided tour and discover four themed alcoves that retrace her journey through personal objects, photographs and texts that speak of her unwavering devotion.
At the Musée ilnu de Mashteuiatsh (website in French only) get in touch with the unique history and age-old culture of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh, the only First Nation based in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. Through interactive exhibits and stimulating activities, the whole family can discover a rich and authentic heritage.
Explore the permanent exhibition and let yourself be guided by the voices of Kukum (grandmother) and Mushum (grandfather). You’ll be invited to follow the rhythm of the seasons while learning about the traditions, skills and deep ties that bind this people to their ancestral territory, Nitassinan. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, theme days and forest tours in the summer.
The Musée des Hospitalières, the Hôtel-Dieu of Montreal looks back at the foundation of the metropolis in a number of ways. First, through the work of Jeanne Mance, a key figure in the city’s history and a woman of action who founded the Hôtel-Dieu in 1645; then, through the evolution of medicine as seen through the mission of the Hospitallers of Saint Joseph. The permanent exhibition, Exploring a hospital heritage, is packed with paintings, sculptures, photographs and intriguing medical instruments that bear witness to this rich past.
And don’t miss the free medical-themed fun in the museum activities that promise to entertain aspiring young doctors and pharmacists!
At the Musée de Société des Deux-Rives (MUSO), step back in time to an era when machines were running at full speed and workers were weaving much more than fabric: they were making history! The permanent exhibition MoCo: The Fabric of a City draws on the fascinating past of the Montreal Cotton Company, an iconic textile industry that transformed Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and left its mark on all of Quebec. This exhibition brings to life over 180 years of struggle and progress that shaped the country’s industrial boom.
Want to dive even deeper? Take the guided tour offered Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on request, and discover surprising stories about child labour, the role of women and union battles. A rich experience for the whole family!
At Cuivres d’art Albert Gilles in Château-Richer, the story of a family’s passion is told through three fascinating exhibits, accessible free of charge, that look back at a century of craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in the mysterious atmosphere of a copper mine, discover the story of artisan Albert Gilles and his family and admire some of his most outstanding works of art.
But looking at the art is only part of the fun… the other part is trying it out for yourself! Put on an apron and learn about the art of embossed copper as a family. You’ll get to create your own masterpiece in an interactive workshop that will become a unique and sparkling souvenir!
An immersive experience that will fascinate the whole family awaits you at Maison Saint-Gabriel in Montreal. Acquired by Marguerite Bourgeoys in 1668, this historic site was once home to the Filles du Roy (King’s Wards). Discover a glimpse of what rural life was like from the 17th to the 20th century during the From the Cellar to the Attic guided tour. Guides in period costumes invite you to follow them into the old farmhouse, where objects are displayed as if they were still regularly used. This museum focused on authenticity is dedicated to holding onto memories of the past and bringing the history of New France to life in an original and captivating way.
Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Viauville, a neighbourhood imagined as a model city by the creator of the famous Viau cookies. At Château Dufresne in Montreal, the Viauville, c’est l’avenir! exhibition highlights the ingenuity of this unique urban project that left its mark on the city, through models, archival photos and interactive activities.
There are also a number of free family activities aimed at kids. They can solve investigations with the help of animated luminaries, search for fantastic animals hiding in the decor, detect errors in the Château’s decoration or even lend a hand to the governesses to prepare a gourmet feast!
