Museums and Culture

The museum of the Ursuline nuns, who arrived in New France in 1639, sits inside their historic monastery in Old Québec. On the first Sunday of every month, Quebec residents get free access to the permanent exhibition; booking is strongly suggested because places are limited. On other days and for non residents, regular admission applies.

The Plains of Abraham Museum tells the story of the famous battlefield and the people who lived through Quebec's sieges, with interactive exhibitions for all ages. Admission is free for everyone on November 11, 2026 (Remembrance Day), and free for children 4 and under all year. The museum is open daily 9 AM to 5 PM.

A free cultural venue devoted to Quebec literature, set in the former Wesley Church inside the walls of Old Québec. It houses a public library, a reading room, a permanent exhibition on Quebec literature and a comic and illustration studio, all in a beautifully restored neo Gothic building. Entry is free; open Tuesday 1 PM to 8 PM, Wednesday to Friday 10 AM to 8 PM, weekends 10 AM to 5 PM (closed Mondays); shows and group tours are paid.

Quebec City's big museum of society and history in the Old Port, with permanent and temporary exhibitions for all ages. Regular tickets are free for children 5 and under, Indigenous people, and people with disabilities along with one companion; other adults pay admission. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM (closed Mondays until June 23, 2027).

Quebec's national fine arts museum on the Plains of Abraham, with Quebec art from the 17th century to today spread over several pavilions. Admission is free at all times for youth 17 and under, and on the first Sunday of each month it is also free for Quebec residents 19 and under (ID may be requested). Adults pay regular admission, so this listing is only free for young visitors.

Explore the National Assembly at your own pace: the reception pavilion, the Parliament Building and its Library, with thematic exhibitions and films. Ask for the free paper Visitor's Guide when you register; the visit takes about 40 to 60 minutes. It is free, but reservation is required online or on site, and visitors 16 and over need photo ID.

A free 60 minute guided tour of Quebec's Parliament Building, the seat of the National Assembly, offered in English and French. You learn about the building's architecture, its history and how Quebec's democracy works. Tours run Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM; reservation is required online or on site, arrive 30 minutes early, and visitors 16 and over need photo ID.

The Catholic cathedral of Ottawa, on Sussex Drive across from the National Gallery, known for its twin spires and richly decorated interior. There is no entrance fee; the cathedral is open for visits Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm and weekends 9 am to 7 pm, but closed to visitors during Mass. Front doors on Sussex are closed for renovation, so use the side entrances on St. Patrick Street and Guigues Avenue.

A free City of Ottawa exhibition space for contemporary art inside O-Train Line 1 Rideau Station, an easy art stop on the way downtown. Free admission through the Sussex and Rideau entrance, open daily during O-Train hours. Wheelchair accessible.

A free gallery inside Ottawa City Hall showing works from the City of Ottawa Art Collection and contemporary exhibitions. Free admission, open daily 9 am to 5 pm except holidays; hours may vary for special events. Wheelchair accessible.

The City of Ottawa's contemporary art gallery inside City Hall, named after photographer Yousuf Karsh and painter Henri Masson, with changing exhibitions by local artists. Free admission, open daily 9 am to 5 pm except holidays. Wheelchair accessible.

Free 45 minute guided tours of the State rooms of Rideau Hall, the Governor General's residence, with a fine collection of Canadian art. From October 31 to December 20, 2026 tours run daily 10 am to 3 pm by reservation only (book at least 72 hours ahead); Rideau Hall closes December 21 to January 3. The grounds are open from 8 am until one hour before sunset.