You'd never know from looking at it but this stately early-19th-century stone building held Canada's first modern prison before being converted into Morrin College in 1868. It later served as the national archives. Guided tours (adult/student $12/10) of two blocks of prison cells (yes, there were executions here), a magnificent Victorian-era library with books going back to the 16th century and College Hall depart at different times and on different days throughout the year; check the website.
Centre Morrin
Québec City
Contact
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.26 MILES
Reputedly the world's most photographed hotel, this audaciously elegant structure was opened in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway as part of its chain…
0.76 MILES
One of Québec City’s must-sees, this verdant clifftop park contains the Plains of Abraham, site of the infamous 1759 battle between British General James…
0.4 MILES
This world-class museum wows even before you’ve clapped your eyes on the exhibits. It is a fascinating mix of modern design that incorporates preexisting…
0.29 MILES
Perched on a clifftop 60m above the St Lawrence River, this 425m-long boardwalk is a marvelous setting for a stroll, with spectacular, sweeping views. In…
0.2 MILES
On no account should you miss this museum, which traces the history of the order of Augustinian nuns who founded Québec’s first hospital, the Hôtel-Dieu,…
5.92 MILES
The main draw at this national park 15km northeast of Québec City is the 83m-high Montmorency Falls. Entrance to the park is free, but parking ($7.25 to …
Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
26.33 MILES
This wildlife sanctuary is home to more than 180 bird species, including the flocks of snow geese that migrate to its wetlands in spring and autumn. It's…
0.34 MILES
Arguably the city's most picturesque district, this area sandwiched between the Old Upper Town and the waterfront has Québec City’s most intriguing…
Nearby Québec City attractions
0.11 MILES
This art-deco 'skyscraper,' modeled after New York City's Empire State Building, opened in 1929 and for decades the 80m, 17-story structure dominated the…
0.12 MILES
The last (1879) of the three main city gates to be built. 'Kent Gate' lies between Porte St-Jean and Porte St-Louis.
0.13 MILES
This glittering chapel just across from the Musée des Ursulines contains some of the finest wood carving in Québec and was gilded by the nuns themselves…
0.13 MILES
Housed in a historic convent, this thoughtful, well-laid-out and wheelchair-accessible museum tells the fascinating story of the Ursuline nuns’ lives and…
0.13 MILES
Northernmost of the Old City's three main town gates, 'St John's Gate' was originally built in 1693 but replaced with this one in 1940.
0.14 MILES
Part of the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site and open in summer, this park along the Old Upper Town walls was chosen as the site for 18th…
7. Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site
0.15 MILES
These largely restored old walls are protected as both a Canadian National Historic site and a Unesco World Heritage site. Walking the complete 4.6km…
8. Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
0.18 MILES
Consecrated in 1804, this handsome church was the first Anglican cathedral built outside the British Isles. Designed by two officers from the British army…