Nestled in the heart of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, the Charlevoix Maritime Museum is a living testament to the flourishing era of the wooden schooners that once sailed the St. Lawrence River. Founded to preserve the memory of the local shipyard, the museum offers an authentic journey back to the time of these schooners, a unique part of our heritage.

Among the site’s treasures, three majestic wooden schooners, including the Marie Clarisse and the St-André, both classified as heritage assets, rest in dry dock. They are ready to reveal their secrets to visitors, from the hold to the wheelhouse.

This year, the “Shipwrecks” exhibition is being updated with never-before-seen footage filmed in 2024 during a marine expedition to identify a wreck that sank over 200 years ago, not far from Isle-aux-Coudres. Meanwhile, the immersive exhibition “Born to Navigate” plunges visitors into the world of Charlevoix’s sailing families, with synchronized projections on three walls.

That’s not all—outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Marine Forest Trail, a 4-km linear hiking path that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains and the river. The Navigators’ Park is a fun space for kids, featuring a confidence course and a treasure hunt labyrinth. For the more adventurous, the escape game is a must. With a backpack full of riddles, you can explore the site in search of clues, following in the footsteps of the maritime artisans of yesteryear.

The Charlevoix Maritime Museum is a must-visit for anyone who wants to explore Quebec’s maritime history and create unforgettable memories.

To learn more or to plan your visit, click here.