Centre Hospitalier Universitaire De Québec

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Information Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (CHU de Québec–Université Laval) is a cornerstone institution in Quebec City, serving as a nexus for healthcare, research, and education. This extensive hospital network brings together historical and modern medical facilities, including L’Hôtel-Dieu de Québec—one of North America’s oldest hospitals—and the innovative CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center. Founded in the 17th century, the CHU de Québec blends centuries of heritage with cutting-edge medical advances, serving millions across Eastern Quebec. This guide provides comprehensive, up-to-date information for visitors, including details on visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, transportation, and nearby attractions. For the most current updates, consult the CHU de Québec official website and explore more about its heritage at L’Hôtel-Dieu de Québec.

Hôpital Laval Sainte-Foy building circa 1920

Introduction
Overview of the CHU de Québec Structure
- Main Hospital Sites
- Specialized Centers and Research Facilities
The Nouveau Complexe Hospitalier (NCH) Project
Visiting Hours and Policies
Accessibility and Language Services
Transportation and Parking
Amenities
Architectural and Cultural Highlights
Visiting the CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center
Nearby Attractions
Tips for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action

Overview of the CHU de Québec Structure

CHU de Québec encompasses five major hospitals, several specialized centers, and a leading research facility, operating in partnership with Université Laval. The network integrates clinical care, education, and research to address the region’s diverse healthcare needs.

Main Hospital Sites

Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus

Specialties: Trauma, neurosciences, hematology, burn care.
Facilities: 24/7 emergency, intensive care units, advanced surgical suites.
Current Developments: Expansion as part of the NCH project, enhancing critical care and research capacity.

L’Hôtel-Dieu de Québec

Specialties: Oncology, nephrology, general medicine.
Facilities: Emergency, cancer treatment, dialysis units.
Historical Significance: Founded in 1639 by Augustinian nuns, this hospital is a designated National Historic Site and a central point for exploring Quebec’s healthcare heritage.

Hôpital Saint-François d’Assise

Specialties: Vascular medicine, obstetrics, gynecology.
Facilities: Emergency, maternity, surgical units.

Centre Hospitalier de l’Université Laval (CHUL)

Specialties: Pediatrics, maternal health, digestive diseases, chronic pain, assisted reproduction.
Facilities: Pediatric emergency, neonatal intensive care, advanced diagnostics.
Research: Home to a suprarégional laboratory.

Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement

Specialties: Ophthalmology, breast cancer.
Facilities: Emergency, specialized diagnostics, surgical units.

Specialized Centers and Research Facilities

Centre intégré de cancérologie: Advanced oncology services, adjacent to Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus.
Centre mère-enfant Soleil (CMES): Maternal and child health at CHUL.
CHU de Québec Research Center: State-of-the-art hub for research in oncology, endocrinology, nephrology, and more (CHUL Research Center).

The Nouveau Complexe Hospitalier (NCH) Project

The NCH project is a transformative $2.24 billion initiative, consolidating L’Hôtel-Dieu de Québec and Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus into a modern, patient-centered healthcare campus. Highlights include:

174,983 m² of new construction.
Major buildings to be completed by 2026; full delivery by 2029.
Centralized emergency and trauma care, integrated cancer center, and innovative, sustainable design.

Visiting Hours and Policies

General Visiting Hours: Vary by hospital and department. Refer to the CHU de Québec official website for current information.
Hôtel-Dieu de Québec and Augustinian Monastery Museum:
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed Mondays and public holidays.
- Guided tours available by reservation (weekends, and upon request on weekdays).
Tickets:
- Adults: CAD 10
- Seniors/Students: CAD 7
- Children under 12: Free
- Guided tours: Additional fee
Health & Safety: Smoking is prohibited near entrances; COVID-19 protocols may affect visitation.

Accessibility and Language Services

Most modern buildings and main entrances are wheelchair accessible; heritage sites may have limited access due to historic constraints.
Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms are available at most facilities.
French is the primary language; English is widely spoken. Translation and patient advocacy services are provided.

Transportation and Parking

All sites are accessible via Quebec City’s public transit network.
Paid visitor parking is available at each hospital; fees and locations vary.
Walking and cycling are good options for Old Quebec locations; parking in the historic district is limited.

Amenities

On-site cafeterias, coffee shops, and convenience stores are available at most hospital campuses.
Information desks and support services at all major entrances.
Free Wi-Fi and public seating in common areas.

Architectural and Cultural Highlights

L’Hôtel-Dieu de Québec: Explore preserved colonial architecture, chapels, and the Augustinian Monastery museum, offering insight into the city’s earliest healthcare.
NCH and Research Center: Experience innovative hospital design, public art installations, and green spaces that enhance patient well-being and community engagement.
Heritage Status: L’Hôtel-Dieu de Québec is a National Historic Site, reflecting the city’s religious and medical heritage (Parks Canada).

Visiting the CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (public events may extend hours).
Entry: Restricted to special events, seminars, and guided tours during open house days (check CHUL Research Center for schedules).
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with services available in French and English.
Events: Public lectures, educational tours, and community engagement activities are regularly scheduled.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring Old Quebec’s rich history and culture:

Place Royale: French colonial architecture, birthplace of French America.
La Citadelle de Québec: Historic fortress with guided tours.
Musée de la civilisation: Dynamic exhibits on Quebec’s cultural heritage.
Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral: A major religious site.
Terrasse Dufferin: Boardwalk overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
Parc de l’Anse-à-Cartier: Green space for outdoor relaxation.

Tips for Visitors

Purchase tickets online in advance during peak tourist seasons.
Wear comfortable footwear; Old Quebec features cobblestone streets.
Photography is permitted in most museum areas (restrictions may apply; check with staff).
For group or school visits, book in advance.
Check the official website for current event schedules and temporary exhibits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are CHU de Québec visiting hours?
A: Visiting hours vary by site and department. Refer to the official website for details.

Q: Are guided tours available in English and French?
A: Yes, most tours are offered in both languages.

Q: Is parking available for visitors?
A: Yes; all main sites offer visitor parking. Fees and locations differ by site.

Q: Are the facilities wheelchair accessible?
A: Most new and renovated buildings are; some historic buildings have limited accessibility.

Q: Can non-patients tour the hospitals?
A: Public tours are generally limited to museum areas or special heritage events.

Q: Are there discounts for residents or special groups?
A: Discounts are available for seniors, students, children, and occasionally for Quebec City residents.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Only certified service animals are permitted.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The CHU de Québec–Université Laval is a unique destination that unites healthcare excellence with centuries of history and culture. Whether you are a patient, local resident, tourist, or history enthusiast, the CHU de Québec offers opportunities to learn, explore, and engage with Quebec City’s dynamic past and present. For the latest updates on visiting hours, guided tours, and special events, visit the CHU de Québec website, download the Audiala app, or follow official social media channels. Make the most of your visit by combining your hospital experience with nearby historical and cultural attractions for a truly enriching stay.