Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père

The site in Pointe-au-Père is a museum complex along the Saint Lawrence River featuring a decommissioned submarine, a lighthouse tower, and several exhibition buildings. You can walk through the grounds, climb the lighthouse, board the submarine to see crew quarters and equipment, and explore indoor displays with photographs and objects.

The site grew out of the tragedy of the RMS Empress of Ireland, which sank near here in 1914, sparking interest in preserving maritime history. The collection includes objects recovered from the wreck and documents about other shipwrecks and nautical accidents in the region.

The site reflects the lives of sailors and fishermen who worked these waters and the dangers they faced. Visitors can sense the human stories behind maritime labor and how the river shaped the communities along its banks.

The complex sits right beside the river at the edge of Rimouski with adequate parking and flat walkways connecting the main buildings. Wear comfortable shoes as you will walk between different structures and may want to climb the lighthouse stairs.

The HMCS Onondaga submarine was a working military vessel used by the Canadian Navy, not built as a museum attraction. Visitors can descend into the cramped quarters where sailors lived and operated controls during real patrols.

Location: Rimouski

Inception: 1980

Official opening: 1980

Address: 1000, rue du Phare, Rimouski (Québec), G5M 1L8

Phone: +4187246214

Email: info@shmp.qc.ca

Website: http://shmp.qc.ca

GPS coordinates: 48.51750,-68.46890

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06