Reasons to visit the Pointe au Père Historic site and maritime Museum

The Pointe-au-Père Historic Site is an absolute must-see when you’re visiting the Rimouski region. Come and unlock its secrets!

Your agenda includes: climbing the Pointe-au-Père lighthouse, boarding the Onondaga submarine, and visiting the Rimouski maritime museum!Explore the site’s rich history and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Discover why you should visit the Pointe-au-Père Historic Site and Maritime Museum. While you’re here, come see us at Vieux Loup de Mer and stay in one of our Rimouski cottage rentals.

CLIMBING THE POINTE-AU-PÈRE LIGHTHOUSE

The Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse has been a symbol of the Rimouski region since 1909. Its light was essential for sailors exploring the St. Lawrence River. The lighthouse stands at 33 metres (108 feet), making it the 2nd tallest in Canada. Be ready to climb 128 steps to reach the top!

Put your strength to the test with the lighthouse’s 128 steps.

Renovated in 2017, the Pointe-au-Père lighthouse retains its original charm with a classic red dome and white base. The climb to the top is well worth it for the stunning view of Rimouski Bay. On a clear day, you may even be able to see Saint-Barnabé Island.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of Rimouski Bay from the top of the lighthouse!

You’ll have to wait just a bit longer to visit the lighthouse. It will reopen to the public in 2022. Make the most of your trip and also visit the former lighthouse station, a few steps from the lighthouse itself, where the lightkeeper once lived.

BRING HISTORY TO LIFE AT THE RIMOUSKI MARITIME MUSEUM

The maritime museum in Rimouski proposes different exhibitions throughout the year that take you through the region’s most important events. The museum is a treasure trove of information on the area’s rich maritime history.Adults and children alike will delight in learning the history of Le Bic and its surroundings.

Pointe-au-Père’s main attractions are close by to one another—make sure to visit them all!

The maritime museum’s current exhibition plunges you into thesinking of the Empress of Ireland.You will have the opportunity to relive the 1914 tragedy that claimed 1,012 lives. Explore the shipwreck further with a guided, online-only multimedia presentation.

Vieux Loup de Mer’s advice : Passionate about history and legends? Think about visiting the Musée Régional de Rimouski! 😉

CLIMB ABOARD THE ONONDAGA SUBMARINE

Last but certainly not least on the list of historic wonders: the Onondaga submarine. This 90-metre (295-foot) naval gem operated in the North Atlantic Ocean between 1967 and 2000. Today you can admire it at the maritime museum in Rimouski.

Your visit isn’t complete without visiting the impressive Onondaga submarine!

Step inside and be transported into the life of a deep-sea diving submariner. Immerse yourself completely and explore the control room, engineering room, propellers, sonar, periscope, and bunks. The vessel is quite narrow, so those with claustrophobia may want to skip this part!

Be sure to duck as you climb aboard the Onondaga!

Looking for a truly one-of-a-kind adventure? The submarine’s “Nuit à Bord” lets you experience life as a seafarer and spend the night aboard the Onondaga.

Note: the “Nuit à Bord” will also be back in 2022.

FEES & INFO FOR VISITING POINTE-AU-PÈRE HISTORIC SITE

Learn more about fees and access to the historic site and plan your visit today. The place is located not far from the Lamontagne house, another historical point of interest of Rimouski.

For the 2021 season, only the Onondaga submarine and the Empress of Island museum are currently open to the public. The lighthouse will reopen in 2022.

FEES

Buy a ticket for the Onondaga submarine, the Empress of Ireland maritime museum, or choose a duo ticket for both!

Duo Rate (submarine and museum):

  • $23 for ages 18 and over
  • $15.25 for ages 8-17

Solo Rate (submarine) :

  • $17 for ages 18 and over
  • $11 for ages over

Solo Rate (museum) :

  • $10.50 for ages 18 and over
  • $7 for ages 8-17

Visits to the maritime museum are free for children 7 years of age and under.

SEASONAL OPENING INFORMATION

The 2021 summer season ends October 11. The site is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets cannot be reserved online or by telephone. You must buy them directly at the Pointe-au-Père ticket office (open until 5 p.m.)

For more info on current exhibitions or to plan your trip, visit the Pointe-au-Père website.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE RIMOUSKI REGION AND RESERVE YOUR COTTAGE STAY AT THE VIEW LOUP DE MER

The Pointe-au-Père historic site and maritime museum is an absolute must-see when visiting Rimouski. Take in the view from the lighthouse, immerse yourself in the region’s maritime history, or climb aboard the Onondaga submarine—you won’t be disappointed by your visit!

Our chalets at the View Loup de Mer are the perfect place to stay during your visit to the Rimouski region. The accommodations are ideally located for accessing all of your adventures. Contact us today! Our team can’t wait to welcome you and show you all that the region has to offer!