Shipbuilding in Quebec reached it peak early in the 19th century. Two hundred ships were built in the port of Quebec during that one hundred years. There was a time when Quebec was the busiest port in North America. This fact when you consider the competition, is quite amazing. More amzing even when you consider that at least part of the year the river is frozen. Quebec as a port was developed on the logging trade and with preferential treatment by England was able to dominate the industry for many years. After 1875, England again began to use the Baltic Ports rather than Quebec; this along with the dredging of the St. Lawrence, led to Quebec’s decline as a world class port.

At first glance, this appears to be a rather simple museum. It is definitely low tech. The exhibits however, especially on the third floor are fascinating for adults. They describe in detail the logging trade. You follow the timber from the logging camps, down the rivers as huge rafts and onto ships to be sent around the world. This part of the museum is more interesting for adults than for children. There is a lot of reading involved and not a lot of action. The first floor however, has many interactive things for the children. Jason and Jen brought their girls back to visit this museum when they came in August and it was their favorite. The interpreters interacted much more with the children than they did with us adults and they were encouraged to climb the riggings and hoist the ropes. All of the exhibits here are signed in both French and English.

When you are done with the third floor exhibits go out onto the back terrace. You have a fabulous view of the port and the farmers market.