Historic sites to visit with kids: 10 places where history comes alive
History is a lot more fun when you can climb aboard a submarine, go down into a mine or walk among real ruins. Here are ten Quebec historic sites designed for kids to touch, explore and ask questions.
In short: in Montreal, Pointe-à-Callière; near Montreal, Exporail and its locomotives; for a trip, the submarine and lighthouse at Pointe-au-Père in Rimouski, and the gold mine in Val-d'Or.
Greater Montreal
1. Pointe-à-Callière
Built on the site where Montreal was founded, the museum lets you walk among real archaeological remains, in pavilions linked underground.
- 350 Place Royale, Montreal
- See the listing
2. Exporail, the Canadian Railway Museum
More than 400 railway artifacts and vehicles you can board, from streetcars to steam locomotives. Indoor play area for little ones.
- 110 Rue Saint-Pierre, Saint-Constant
- See the listing
3. Île-des-Moulins
Old Terrebonne's heritage site tells the story of its mills with interactive activities. In winter, a skating rink is set up on site.
- 900 Place de l'Île-des-Moulins, Terrebonne
- See the listing
Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie
4. Village québécois d'antan
A recreated 19th-century village with artisan shops and costumed characters. It opens in summer, then for Halloween, Christmas and sugar season.
- 1425 Rue Montplaisir, Drummondville
- See the listing
5. Boréalis
Trois-Rivières' pulp and paper museum offers interactive challenges and, in summer, an audio-guided cruise.
- 200 Avenue des Draveurs, Trois-Rivières
- See the listing
Quebec City and Charlevoix
6. Old Quebec Funicular
The little inclined railway links Dufferin Terrace to the Petit-Champlain district, with a view of the river. Perfect for visiting Old Quebec without the Breakneck Stairs.
- 16 Rue du Petit-Champlain, Quebec City
- Cash only
- See the listing
7. Charlevoix Maritime Museum
In a former 1946 shipyard, you board four boats, including two wooden schooners. Parc des Navigateurs adds a maze and a playground.
- 305 Rue de l'Église (Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive), Les Éboulements
- See the listing
On a trip
8. Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site
Tour the Onondaga submarine, climb the 1909 lighthouse, the second tallest in Quebec, and discover the story of the Empress of Ireland.
- 1000 Rue du Phare, Rimouski
- Submarine and lighthouse: June to October 12
- See the listing
9. La Pulperie de Chicoutimi
A regional museum in a former pulp mill, with audio guides and a large park with footbridges along the river.
- 300 Rue Dubuc (Chicoutimi), Saguenay
- See the listing
10. Cité de l'Or
Become a miner for a day by going down about 91 metres underground, then tour the Bourlamaque mining village.
- 90 Avenue Perreault, Val-d'Or
- Mid-May to early November; check the minimum age for the descent
- See the listing
Our tips
- Before your visit, show the kids a photo or short video of the place: they'll arrive more curious.
- Ask at the front desk whether there's an activity booklet or game for children.
- Several sites are seasonal: check opening dates before you leave.
Frequently asked questions
Which historic site should we visit with kids in Montreal?
Pointe-à-Callière, where you walk among real ruins, and Exporail in Saint-Constant, where you can board trains.
Where can you tour a submarine in Quebec?
At the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site in Rimouski: the Onondaga was the first submarine opened to the public in Canada.
Can kids go down into a mine?
Yes, at Cité de l'Or in Val-d'Or, from a certain age: check the minimum age on its website.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Prices, hours and opening dates may change: confirm with each place before you go.
