Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site Set course for a bustling season!

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Laura Martin, she shares her crushes and discoveries with us for our greatest happiness!

Article published on May 15, 2026

This summer, the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site invites visitors to dive into the river’s history through a refreshed experience. Starting June 6, the public will not only be able to see the Onondaga submarine from an entirely new perspective, following impressive lifting work, but will also be able to discover the fascinating profession of St. Lawrence pilots through a free exhibition. These new features join the site’s must-sees, including the exhibition on the sinking of the Empress of Ireland and a visit to Québec’s second-tallest lighthouse.

Dive into the new features of the 2026 season with Martin Debofle, Marketing and Communications Manager.

The Onondaga, like you’ve never seen it before

Le sous-marin Onondaga, site historique maritimePointe-au-PèreMathieu Dupuis

The site’s star attraction, the Onondaga submarine rested for 15 years on the riverbed. Exposed to the tides, its hull gradually deteriorated. Its location also made maintenance more difficult.

A $5 million investment made it possible to lift it out of the water to ensure its long-term preservation. Begun in 2024, this monumental work is now complete.

Visitors can rediscover this 60-year-old steel giant, 90 metres long and weighing 1,400 tonnes, in a whole new light this summer.

“The submarine was lifted 4 metres and placed on concrete pillars. Backfill was carried out, which now makes it possible to walk all the way around it, get close to the hull and even go beneath the propellers,” explains Martin Debofle. “The view of the rear of the submarine is spectacular and showcases all the technical ingenuity of such a vessel. It’s even more impressive than before!”

In addition to the audio-guided visit inside the vessel, visitors will be able this summer to rediscover The Onondaga’s Superpowers, a free interactive game to do outdoors with an electronic tablet.

St. Lawrence pilots: an unfamiliar profession

Capitaine de bateau au Bas-Saint-Laurent — Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-PèreMathieu Dupuis

Pilotage will take pride of place this summer at Pointe-au-Père. After stopping in several riverside towns, the travelling exhibition Standing Watch: a River and Its Pilots will be set up for the summer near the museum.

Presented in a fitted-out, richly documented container, the exhibition offers a look at the daily lives of these river experts, who guide ships through the St. Lawrence’s currents.

The river is recognized as one of the most complex waterways to navigate in the world. Produced by the Corporation of St. Lawrence Central Pilots, the travelling exhibition is offered free of charge.

“It’s important to remember that at the beginning of the 20th century, at the time of the Empress of Ireland, the pilot station was located at Pointe-au-Père before being moved to Les Escoumins. The history of pilotage on the river is therefore closely tied to our site. This exhibition also complements the one presented by Parks Canada in the lighthouse keeper’s house, River Watchers.”

Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père Mathieu Dupuis

Québec Lighthouse Day

On July 13, as part of the 11th Québec Lighthouse Day, a panel bringing together St. Lawrence pilots will also give the public an opportunity to hear these professionals talk about their work.

“It’s quite a rare opportunity to hear them share their experiences. People are often surprised to learn that, even today, ships are accompanied by expert river pilots.”

Anniversary of a shipwreck

Another pillar of the historic site, the Empress of Ireland Museum tells the story of the sinking of this ocean liner in 1914 off Pointe-au-Père. On May 30, the 112th anniversary of the greatest maritime tragedy in Canadian history will be marked.

“Divers who explored the wreck in the 1980s and 1990s, before it was protected, will come and share how they prepared for these demanding and dangerous dives. Between them, they have logged more than 700 dives on the Empress!”

It is thanks to their explorations that the permanent exhibition now includes so many artefacts recovered from the wreck.

That same day, a guided coach tour will be offered. Accompanied by historian David Saint-Pierre, participants will travel through Rimouski to trace the locations associated with the shipwreck, including burial sites.

Musée Empress of Ireland, Pointe-au-PèreMathieu Dupuis

Sea and music

Why not combine sea and music? For a second summer, the Maritime Historic Site offers a cultural program in July and August, Les Rendez-vous de la Pointe-au-Père.

Every Thursday, 5-to-7 musical happy hours will liven up the Hangar 14 terrace in a relaxed atmosphere, with a variety of musical styles. Two outdoor improvisation matches will punctuate the summer season on June 26 and August 22.

enjoy strolling, taking advantage of the facilities and access to the river. We now offer new ways to have fun in our exceptional setting, especially for the breathtaking view over Rimouski Bay.”

Whether you want to marvel at naval engineering, discover unfamiliar professions, commemorate a defining chapter of maritime history or simply take it easy by the river, the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site stands out this summer as a must-visit place in the region.

Sous-marin Onondaga - Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père

1000, rue du Phare,
Rimouski,
Québec G5M 1L8

T. 4187246214

Website

See the card

Musée Empress of Ireland - Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père

1000, rue du Phare,
Rimouski,
Québec G5M 1L8

T. 4187246214

Website

See the card

Gîte L'Onondaga

1084, rue du Parc,
Rimouski,
Québec G5M 1M2