The Corporation du patrimoine et du tourisme religieux de Québec offers a large variety of thematic visits, educational activities and animations that will fascinate you.  Through these visits and activities, you have the opportunity to discover the riches of Québec City’s religious heritage.

School and Youth Activities

w   An ever-present past

w   Discover our Churches

w   An historical journey through Québec’s religious   heritage

w   Great Christian traditions

 

Thematic Visits and Pilgrimages

w    Church Visits

w    Church Bells and Bell Towers

w    Aid and charity work in Québec City, from the times of New France to today

w    Great Christian traditions

w    Founders of the Church in New France

w    Quebec Missionaries from yesteryear

w    Angels

w    The founding "mothers" of the Canadian Church 

 

Special Activities

w   Discover the sacred treasures of Québec City

w   Visit of Québec City’s Nativity Scenes

w   Other Activities

 

François de Laval Animation Centre Activities

w     A founder worth knowing : Monsignor de Laval

w     Coat of Arms and Mottos

w     Scavenger Hunt : "Québec, craddle of our faith"

w     Mgr. François de Laval Pilgrimage (first bishop of Québec)

 

SCHOOL AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES


An ever-present past

This activity describes the 17th century men and women who where present at the founding of Quebec City and its Church. During this activity, the life and works of three founders are presented in the very places they lived. You’ll meet François de Laval, the first bishop of the diocese of Quebec, Marie de l'Incarnation, an Ursuline nun and founder of the first school for girls in North America, and Catherine de Saint-Augustin, an Augustinian nun who worked at Hôtel-Dieu de Québec. This is an invitation to explore Quebec City’s past and discover its living heritage.


     

  • Objective: Discover figures who have marked Québec’s history and learn about Québec City’s religious past.
  • Clientele: Primary School
  • Length of Visit: 1 day
  • Rate: $150 (group of 35 persons, a special rate for two groups is available)
  • Available all year long
  • Reservation required



Discover our Churches

The Quebec City region features several churches and chapels built by the various denominations that have established themselves here over the centuries. The Corporation offers guided tours to one or several of these sites. The tours present the treasures, history, architecture, and people of these churches while placing them in a historical context. These buildings are more than simple stone. They are witnesses to history and to all those who worked on their construction.


            
  • Objective: To discover the importance of our churches and of the treasures they hold.
  • Clientele: Primary and High School, CEGEP, University 
  • Length of visit : According to the places visited
  • Rate: According to the places visited (group of 35 persons)
  • Available all year long
  • Reservation required


  • An historical journey through Québec's religious heritage

    The Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant Christian communities all had a profound impact on the development of Quebec City. Their buildings and monuments are found throughout the area, bearing silent witness to a people’s history. During this two hour walking tour, you will explore the streets of Quebec City and discover the religious sites, buildings, and monuments that are the legacy of our ancestors. This is an exceptional opportunity to visit almost four centuries of Quebec City’s history and learn about people who were instrumental in developing the city and its Churches.


       
  • Objective: To discover the religious history of Québec City and the main characters and communities that marked it.
  • Clientele: Primary and High School, CEGEP, University 
  • Length of visit: 2 hours
  • Rate: $125 (group of 30 persons)
  • Available all year long
  • Reservation required


  • Great Christian traditions

    The heart of Old Quebec houses three different religious denominations: Anglican, Protestant and Roman Catholic. Discover their history and defining characteristics through a guided tour of their respective places of worship.


     
    • Objective: To introduce these religious denominations to people and to help them understand the differences and similarities that exist between them. 
    • Clientele: High School, CEGEP, University 
    • Length of Visit: 3 hours
    • Rate: $150 (group of 30 persons maximum) 
    • Available all year long 
    • Reservation required


    up (2)


    THEMATIC VISITS AND PILGRIMAGES


    Church Visits

    Historical, cultural and religious guided tours of churches in the region of Québec City.  Discover the riches of their history and architecture, and admire the works of art that embellish these buildings.

       
    • Objective: To discover the importance of our churches and of the treasures they hold.
    • Clientele: General
    • Length of visit: According to the places visited
    • Rate: individual and group rate available– contact us for more information
    • Reservation required

      * We also offer customized half-day or full-day tours that allow you to visit several churches.


    Church Bells and Bell Towers

    Québec City, the city of 100 bell towers…

    A fascinating walking tour that carries you off to the world of Québec City’s church bells and bell towers.  This visit is the perfect opportunity to learn about their origin, history, importance and characteristics.  It includes tales, legends, and excerpts from various songs and books related to bells and bell towers. 

     
    • Objective: To introduce the tradition of church bells (uses, symbolism) in Québec’s history and to present examples of bells chosen from our region.
    • Clientele: All ages
    • Length of Visit: 3 hours
    • Rate: $8.00 per person.  Group rate available.
    • Reservation required


    Aid and charity work in Québec City, from the times of New France to today

    During this walking tour in the heart of Old Québec, you will discover the men and women who willingly devoted their lives to nursing, educating and caring for the Québec population, from the beginnings of New France to today.

     
    • Objective: To present the communities and churches that were and are still today involved in providing aid and charity to those in need in Québec City. 
    • Clientele: General
    • Length: 3 hours
    • Rate : $8.00 per person.  Group rate available.
    • Available all year long
    • Reservation required


    Great Christian denominations

    Through a guided tour of certain religious heritage sites, you will discover the history and characteristics of three different religious denominations that cohabit in Old Québec: Anglicans, Presbyterians and Roman Catholics.

     
    • Objective: To introduce these religious denominations to people and to help them understand the differences and similarities that exist between them.

            
    • Clientele: High School and College Students, Adults and Seniors
    • Length of Visit: 3 hours
    • Rate: $8.00 per person.  Group rate available.
    • Tour Itinerary:  
         -Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica Cathedral (Roman Catholic)
         -Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral
         -St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
    • Available all year long 
    • Reservation required


    Founders of the Church in New France
      

    This pilgrimage will introduce you to the history and spirituality of Marie de l’Incarnation, Catherine de Saint-Augustin and François de Laval through visiting the places where they lived and worked. 

     
    • Objective: To introduce the life and works of these three blessed.
    • Clientele: Adults and Seniors
    • Length of Visit: 3 hours
    • Rate: $8.00 per person.  Group rate available.
    • Tour Itinerary:
      -
      Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica Cathedral (including the crypt and the François de Laval Centre)
      - Ursuline Monastery and the Marie-de-l’Incarnation Centre
      - Augustines de la Miséricorde de Jésus Monastery and the Catherine de Saint-Augustin Centre.
    • Available all year long
    • Reservation required 


    Québec Missionaries from yesteryear

    This pilgrimage will give you the opportunity to journey back in time and discover the daily life of our missionary ancestors who transformed North America through their great faith.  Those who played the most significant roles in our history, along with their works and actions, are presented.   

     
    • Objective: A pilgrimage introducing you to the works of the first missionaries of the colony which have continued to be present even in today’s society. 
    • Clientele: Adults and Seniors
    • Length of Visit: 3 hours
    • Rate: $8.00 per person.  Group rate available.
    • Reservation required


    Angels  

    An introduction to the devotion, spiritual interest and symbolism of angels through the discovery of the religious art found in Québec City churches, chapels and museums.

       
    • Objective: Demystification of the symbolism of angels.
    • Clientele: Adults and Seniors
    • Length of Visit: 3 hours
    • Rate: $8.00 per person.  Group rate available.
    • Reservation required


    The founding “Mothers” of the Canadian Church
     
     

    This pilgrimage illustrates the extraordinary contributions made by women to the birth and development of the Church in North America. 

     
    • Objective : A pilgrimage introducing you to the works of four remarkable women: Marie de l’Incarnation, Catherine de Saint-Augustin, Marcelle Mallet and Marie-Josephte Fitzbach.
    • Clientele: Adults and Seniors
    • Length of Visit: 3 hours
    • Rate: $8.00 per person. Group rate available.
    • Tour Itinerary:
         - Ursuline Monastery
         - Augustine de la Miséricorde de Jésus Monastery
         - Good Shepherd Museum (Good Shepherd Nuns)
         - Mère Mallet House (Sisters of Charity)
    • Available all year long
    • Reservation required

    up (2)

    SPECIAL ACTIVITIES


    Discover the sacred treasures of Québec City  

     

    Since 2001, the Corporation has offered a series of visits that takes place in the fall season.  Every Sunday during September and October, while being accompanied by our guide, you have the opportunity to discover various churches and chapels around the city.  Our aim is to offer a variety of visits, including sites that are known for their rich heritage but also those that are less well-known by the public.  Consult the Events Calendar for more information.   



    Visit of Québec City’s Nativity Scenes  

     

    During the holiday season, you are invited to come and marvel before Québec City’s nativity scenes.  Take advantage of this time to revive some Christmas traditions.  Consult the Events Calendar for more information. 



    Other Activities


     

    The Corporation regularly participates in activities that allow for the discovery of religious heritage: Fête de la Ville de Québec (Québec City Day) on July 3rd, Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France) New France Festivities, and Journées de la culture (Cultural Heritage Days).  For more information, consult our Events Calendar a few weeks before the activity. 



    Would you like to receive information about our activities on a regular basis?  It would be a pleasure to add you to our mailing list.  Just contact us


     


    FRANÇOIS DE LAVAL ANIMATION CENTRE ACTIVITIES


    A founder worth knowing : Monsignor de Laval  

    During this activity you have the opportunity to get to know Mgr. de Laval, the first bishop of Québec. 

       
    • Objective: To get to know the life and works of François de Laval
    • Clientele: Primary and Elementary students
    • Length of visit: 3 hours
    • Rate: $2.00 per person.
    • Breakdown of Activity:
      - Introduction to the life of François de Laval
      - Visit of Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica Cathedral, including the crypt
      - Costume and traditional dress activity and other games
    • RReservation required


    Coat of Arms and Mottos

    A presentation about the origins and significance of civil and religious coat of arms, from the Middle Ages to today, with information on their present-day usage as well as an introduction to the heraldic language.  Includes a visit of the crypt of the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica Cathedral and an activity on creating coat of arms. 

       
    • Objective: To become familiar with the language and usage of coat of arms.
    • Clientele: General
    • Length of Visit: 1 hour
    • Rate: $2.00 per person
    • Reservation required



    Scavenger Hunt: “Québec, cradle of our faith”

    Walk down the paths of history and discover Québec City’s heritage for yourself.  Follow the clues and answer the questions provided in the activity booklet. 

       
    • Objective: Discover Québec City’s religious heritage while in the open air. 
    • Clientele: Students and Adults
    • Rate: $1.00 per person
    • Length of visit: approximately 2 hours
    • Reservation required



    Mgr. François de Laval Pilgrimage (first bishop of Québec)
     

    This pilgrimage offers a tour of the sites where Mgr. de Laval lived and worked, so that you may better get to know his influence on Québec and on the institutions that he founded. 

       
    • Objective: To get to know the life and works of François de Laval through prayer and reflection.
    • Clientele: Adults and Seniors
    • Length of visit: 3 hours
    • Activity offered to groups
    • Reservation required

    • Tour 1: 
         - Saint-Joachim Church
         - Cap-Tourmente
         - Côte-de-Beaupré
         - Québec Seminary
         - Mgr. de Laval monument
         - Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica Cathedral
    • Tour 2 :
         - Québec Seminary
         - Mgr. de Laval monument
         - Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica Cathedral

    up (2)


     


    FRANÇOIS DE LAVAL ANIMATION CENTRE ACTIVITIES


    A founder worth knowing : Monsignor de Laval  

    During this activity you have the opportunity to get to know Mgr. de Laval, the first bishop of Québec. 

       
    • Objective: To get to know the life and works of François de Laval
    • Clientele: Primary and Elementary students
    • Length of visit: 3 hours
    • Rate: $2.00 per person.
    • Breakdown of Activity:
      - Introduction to the life of François de Laval
      - Visit of Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica Cathedral, including the crypt
      - Costume and traditional dress activity and other games
    • RReservation required


    Coat of Arms and Mottos

    A presentation about the origins and significance of civil and religious coat of arms, from the Middle Ages to today, with information on their present-day usage as well as an introduction to the heraldic language.  Includes a visit of the crypt of the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica Cathedral and an activity on creating coat of arms. 

       
    • Objective: To become familiar with the language and usage of coat of arms.
    • Clientele: General
    • Length of Visit: 1 hour
    • Rate: $2.00 per person
    • Reservation required



    Scavenger Hunt: “Québec, cradle of our faith”

    Walk down the paths of history and discover Québec City’s heritage for yourself.  Follow the clues and answer the questions provided in the activity booklet. 

       
    • Objective: Discover Québec City’s religious heritage while in the open air. 
    • Clientele: Students and Adults
    • Rate: $1.00 per person
    • Length of visit: approximately 2 hours
    • Reservation required



    Mgr. François de Laval Pilgrimage (first bishop of Québec)
     

    This pilgrimage offers a tour of the sites where Mgr. de Laval lived and worked, so that you may better get to know his influence on Québec and on the institutions that he founded. 

       
    • Objective: To get to know the life and works of François de Laval through prayer and reflection.
    • Clientele: Adults and Seniors
    • Length of visit: 3 hours
    • Activity offered to groups
    • Reservation required

    • Tour 1: 
         - Saint-Joachim Church
         - Cap-Tourmente
         - Côte-de-Beaupré
         - Québec Seminary
         - Mgr. de Laval monument
         - Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica Cathedral
    • Tour 2 :
         - Québec Seminary
         - Mgr. de Laval monument
         - Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica Cathedral

    up (2)