On the route between Tadoussac and Québec lies the village of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive. This is home to the Musée Maritime de Charlevoix. This museum is hardly on any international tourist’s itinerary, which is a real shame, because it is simply fascinating and tells so much about the history of shipping in the region.
Coming from Tadoussac, we drive down an incredible road towards the coast. Here, the warning signs for trucks really make sense; it is incredibly steep, and there are very few “run-off areas” for emergencies. But in return, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the landscape.
The Musée Maritime de Charlevoix is well signposted, and there is a large, free parking lot right in front. Even e-charging stations are available, and free restrooms are provided.
A large, modern building houses the museum shop and the ticket counter. We received a map of the grounds (laminated, with a request to return it later), paid our admission, and then began our tour of discovery.
The Musée Maritime de Charlevoix is located on the site of the former shipyard “Chantiers maritimes de Charlevoix Ltée,” which was founded in 1946. Visitors do not enter a neutral exhibition space, but the shipyard facilities themselves—the sawmill, the workshops, and the slipway—are just some of the exhibits.
The Incredible History of the Musée Maritime de Charlevoix
The shipyard of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, for decades the winter home and workshop of the majestic wooden schooners, closed its gates forever in 1973. The last seaworthy goélettes sailed away to the Caribbean. On the shores of the St. Lawrence River, the remaining ships were left to decay.
But where others saw only an end, a group of dedicated citizens recognized a unique opportunity. In 1981, they opened the first maritime exhibition in the old village school, hoping to attract the interest of many visitors. This spark of hope became a beacon when, in 1985, shipyard owner J.A.Z. Desgagnés agreed to transform the entire site into a center for the region’s maritime heritage. The foundation for today’s museum was laid. The museum’s mission is to preserve and share the history of the wooden schooners, the so-called goélettes, and coastal shipping (cabotage). These once formed the backbone of Québec’s economic development.
Success was not long in coming. In 1998, the Musée Maritime de Charlevoix received the highest recognition: it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. But at that very moment, fate struck. A devastating fire raged on the site, destroying the three historic ships that formed the heart of the collection.
What followed was a wave of support and donations in the region. Through combined efforts, the museum managed to acquire a new fleet: the schooners Jean-Yvan and Saint-André, as well as the fishing goélette Marie Clarisse. Two of the ships, the Saint-André and the Marie Clarisse, are officially classified as cultural property of Québec.
Since then, the Musée Maritime de Charlevoix has been growing continuously. In 2008, with the donation of the 40-hectare “Forêt marine” (Marine Forest), an ecological dimension was added, bringing the motto “From the Forest to the River” to life.
In the summer of 2024, an 8.6-million-dollar project was completed. Protective shelters were built to protect the valuable schooners.
A 360-Degree Experience: On-Site Exhibitions and Attractions
The visit to the museum took us through several quite different areas. Some sections are located in the buildings, such as in the basement of the modern structure where we had purchased our tickets. The museum uses state-of-the-art technology to make history a vivid and emotional experience.
Naufrages (Shipwrecks)
This exhibition area takes visitors into the often treacherous depths of the St. Lawrence River. It uses spectacular images and projections to tell the stories of shipwrecks that have shaped the region. The exhibition was updated in 2024 with exclusive footage from an underwater expedition to a 200-year-old wreck.
Many of the audio and video recordings are translated into English. I was particularly moved by the story of some survivors of the Aigle d’océan, who recounted their struggle for survival and the hopeless attempt to save their comrades.
Né pour naviguer (Born to Navigate)
This photo and video installation is a tribute to the people behind the ships. With synchronized projections on three walls, the personal stories of Charlevoix’s seafaring families are told.
Le 8e voyage à la vitesse du vent (The 8th Journey at the Speed of Wind)
This interactive video game, located in the Pavillon des Pilotes, is especially aimed at families. Visitors can take the helm of a virtual goélette and test their skills as a captain.
Of course, I tried my hand at this game. Unfortunately, I hit my limits not only linguistically but also in terms of gaming skills. The teenagers I watched, however, were having a lot of fun.
From the pavilion’s balcony, there is a very beautiful view of the river. Even at low tide, when only silt is visible in the bay, the St. Lawrence River is still impressive.
The Connection to Nature – Parc des Navigateurs and Forêt marine
The museum grounds extend far beyond the shipyard and integrate the surrounding nature.
Parc des Navigateurs
This 8.2-hectare park is a wonderful place for families and nature lovers. It offers an adventure course (piste d’hébertisme) for children, a plant maze, monumental sculptures related to the river’s history, and numerous picnic spots. You are allowed to enjoy your own food and drinks here.
Forêt marine (Marine Forest)
This 40-hectare forest area is part of the “from the forest to the river” concept. It serves to restore the “ship forest” by specifically cultivating the tree species traditionally needed for building schooners. A 4 km hiking trail with an elevation change of 310 meters leads through the forest and offers good viewpoints of the river and the opposite Isle-aux-Coudres.
The Industrial Heritage – The Historic Shipyard
The heart of the museum is the original shipyard facilities from 1946. We spent the most time here—there was so much to discover.
Visitors can explore the old sawmill (scierie), the workshop (atelier), the storage rooms (magasins), and the impressive slipway with its winch and skid. There were some curious machines needed for shipbuilding. The highlight of the tour, however, are the museum ships, which we were even able to board.
On Board the Marie Clarisse (1923)
What a sight! At 40 meters long, the Marie Clarisse exudes a rugged elegance and the power of a true ocean-going vessel. This ship has a soul—and a dramatic history. The ship sank in the harbor in 1976 and lay underwater for seven months before being painstakingly salvaged and restored.
My curiosity leads me to the helm. A strange construction! To look straight ahead, the helmsman has to stand to the side of the wheel. How impractical that must have been in heavy seas!
But the highlight is the engine room. As soon as I descend the stairs, the heavy, oily smell of diesel envelops me. It is so intense, as if the engine had been turned off just a few minutes ago. It feels as if the ship could come back to life and set sail at any moment.
On Board the Félicia (1923)
A little apart from the large schooners, almost near the shore, lies the Félicia. This old tugboat is different. It is not under a protective roof, and you can tell. For years, it was exposed to the weather and salt water. Rust creeps over the metal in many places, and I have to be careful where I step. But that’s precisely what gives it its charm—it’s authentic, rugged, and honest.
The wheelhouse is the purest form of spartan efficiency. A huge steering wheel that demands real muscle, and three heavy levers for the engines. No frills. That was real manual labor! In contrast, I enter the captain’s cabin. For its time, this small room must have been pure luxury.
On Board the Saint-André (1956)
Via a creaking wooden gangway, I reach the deck. Even here, I can feel the special nature of this ship.
The Saint-André is no ordinary schooner; it is a workhorse, built for the challenges of the St. Lawrence River. I imagine the tide receding and this ship, with its flat hull, gently landing on a sandbank to supply remote villages with vital cargo. What an ingenious design!
I descend into the former cargo hold. Where sacks and crates were once stacked, I am now captivated by a multimedia show that brings the past to life. An old lifeboat lies here like a silent witness to past voyages. Afterwards, I climb steep stairs up to the wheelhouse. The contrast is amazing! Compared to other ships I’ve seen, everything here seems much more modern. You can feel the technological progress that made this ship so unique.
On Board the Jean-Yvan (1958)
This ship is a true adventure! The Jean-Yvan, one of the last wooden goélettes built in Québec, invites you to explore.
There are no barriers here to stop me. I can go everywhere! From the lowest point of the cargo hold, where goods were once stored and later young naval cadets received their training, I climb all the way up to the wheelhouse. I duck through low doorways, explore every nook and cranny, and feel the stories that must have unfolded here.
This complete accessibility makes the Jean-Yvan a living centerpiece of the Musée Maritime de Charlevoix.
Visitor Information
Address
305, rue de l’Église,
Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, Québec, G0A 3Y0.
Directions
The museum is easily accessible by car; free parking is available for visitors. There are also two charging stations for electric vehicles.
Bicycle racks are available for cyclists.
Opening hours
May 15 to October 13
Daily: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Admission prices
Adults: $18 (Canadian dollars plus tax)
Accessibility
The museum has made considerable efforts to be accessible, including automatic doors, adapted toilets, and a wheelchair available for loan.
However, due to the historical nature of the ships, their decks are only partially accessible.
Good to know
Plan for at least 90 minutes, but ideally half a day, to explore the entire site with its indoor and outdoor areas without rushing. The last admission is at 4:00 PM.
Due to the many outdoor attractions and the often changing weather by the river, weatherproof clothing, layers, and sturdy, comfortable footwear are essential.
Bringing a picnic is expressly encouraged. There are numerous picnic spots on the grounds with views of the river or the mountains. Coffee and small snacks are also available at the ticket counter. A bakery is located nearby in the village.
A one-hour guided tour in French is included in the admission price. It takes place daily at 10:30 AM during the high season (June 24 to September 1).
Dogs are permitted on a leash only in the outdoor areas of the museum.
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