Guided Tours

Built over 200 years ago as the city's first prison, the Morrin Centre now also houses one of the world's most beautiful libraries. This National Historic Site is yours to discover.

Walk through the sinister jail cells. See graffiti carved into the floors by inmates and the iron rings used to chain them down. Afterward, let our guides lead you through our exhibition, entitled, Doing Time, the Quebec City Common Gaol (1808 - 1867). This exhibition covers the first modern prison in Canada, part of which still exists in the heart of our building. Visitors will discover a hidden, dark and almost unknown part of the city's history by exploring the building's past, the life of its prisoners and the conditions of their imprisonment.Learn also about Morrin College by visiting College Hall, the city's first English-language institute of higher education and one of the most prestigious spaces in the old school, which was the first to have co-ed university classes in the province.

Continue on the tour as our guides lead you into the newly restored chemistry and physics lab and talk to you about the history of the college from its first class in 1862 to its closing in 1902. Finish the tour in our beautiful Victorian library, housing unique masterpieces dating from the 16th century. Join our professional tour guides and unlock the stories hidden in the bones of this historic building.

Cost (Includes the exhibit)
$8.75 (+ taxes) per adult
$6.50 (+ taxes) per student (Student ID required for people over the age of 18)
Free for children 8 years old or younger.
Reservations required for groups of 8 or more. For more information, please contact Stefanie Johnston, Guided Tours Coordinator at 418 694-9147 or stefaniejohnston@morrin.org.

Duration
Tours last 45 to 60 minutes long and are available in English or French.

Hours
May 17th until Labour Day: Bilingual guided tours offered daily from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Please consult our calendar of events for tour times.
Rest of the year: By reservation only, minimum 8 people. For more information, please contact Stefanie Johnston, Guided Tours Coordinator at 418 694-9147 or stefaniejohnston@morrin.org.


Customize your Tour (for tour planners)
You are a tour leader with little time who wishes to show our prison cells to your group? You'd like to stop for a 15-minute tea break and hear the story of our mysterious General Wolfe statue? Get in touch with us today!

You work in the field of cultural tourism and would like to have access to a longer presentation on incarceration in the 19th century, the evolution of the local English-speaking community, or Scottish military traditions? Call the number below.

Are you a teacher travelling with a group of young students? We have many fun and educational programs to offer. The guided tour is free for tour guides, teachers, supervisors and bus drivers accompanying school groups.

Want to spend more time in the old city? Ask us about programs at partner organizations and spend a day exploring culture and heritage with your students.

Call us at 418 694-9147 or send us an e-mail.