Hôtel Dieu De Québec

Hôtel-Dieu de Québec: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Québec City’s Historic Landmark

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Hôtel-Dieu de Québec stands in the heart of Old Québec, offering a unique window into the origins of healthcare in North America. Established in 1637 as the first permanent hospital north of Mexico, its enduring legacy is woven from the visionary sponsorship of Marie-Madeleine de Vignerot, Duchesse d’Aiguillon, and the lifelong dedication of the Augustinian Sisters (Parks Canada; Augustines.ca). Over nearly four centuries, Hôtel-Dieu’s historic buildings, preserved cloisters, and living monastery have borne witness to the evolution of medicine, social care, and spiritual devotion in Québec. Today, the site welcomes visitors to explore its museum, wellness retreats, and tranquil grounds—making it one of the top cultural and historical destinations in the city (Le Monastère des Augustines).

Coat of arms of the Augustines from 1666 frontispiece

Historic Arsenal or magazine building on Palace Hill in Quebec City around 1865

Brasserie Boswell restaurant exterior in Québec with classic signage and entrance

Historic 1898 railway viaduct connecting Lower Town to Upper Town in Quebec with Aiguillon Pavilion of Hôtel-Dieu in background

Hôtel-Dieu de Québec with funeral procession in cemetery

Watercolour and pen and ink drawing of Hôtel Dieu building from St. John Street in Québec City, Canada

View of Hotel Dieu from the Battery in Québec City, Québec, Canada in watercolor and pen ink

Founding and Early Years (1637–1695)
Architectural Evolution and Heritage
Medical and Social Significance
Expansion and University Affiliation
The Augustinian Legacy and Modern Transformation
Visiting Hôtel-Dieu de Québec: Practical Information
Cultural and Heritage Recognition
The Site Today: A Living Heritage
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit
Sources

Founding and Early Years (1637–1695)

The Hôtel-Dieu de Québec is a cornerstone of Canadian history, founded through the ambition of Marie-Madeleine de Vignerot and the service of the Augustinian Sisters, who arrived in 1639 (Augustines.ca). The Sisters’ mission was revolutionary: to provide compassionate care to both Indigenous peoples and European settlers, blending medical attention with spiritual support (Amerique Francaise). The original hospital, established first in Sillery, moved to its current Upper Town location in 1644, setting the foundation for a continuous tradition of healing and hospitality (Ville de Québec).

Architectural Evolution and Heritage

The complex is a striking example of French colonial and monastic architecture, with the oldest surviving wing dating back to 1695. Fires and reconstruction shaped the site, but key features—including stone walls, vaulted cellars, and peaceful cloisters—remain (Parks Canada). Architect Thomas Baillairgé’s 19th-century chapel remodel and the preservation of the Sisters’ gardens and cemetery further enrich the ensemble (Amerique Francaise).

As the principal hospital in New France, Hôtel-Dieu was a model for medical care across the continent (Wikipedia). The Augustinian Sisters pioneered nursing and hospital management, establishing archives and collections that chronicle the evolution of medicine, religious life, and social welfare in Québec (Augustines.ca). The hospital’s mission extended beyond healing: the Sisters provided food, education, and refuge during epidemics and wars, serving all who sought help.

Expansion and University Affiliation

By the 19th century, Hôtel-Dieu had become a center of medical education and innovation. Its 1855 affiliation with Université Laval’s medical school marked the beginning of its role as a teaching hospital (Wikipedia). Today, as part of the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec (CHUQ), it is a leader in specialties such as oncology, nephrology, and cochlear implants, with an active research center (Wikipedia).

The Augustinian Legacy and Modern Transformation

For over 300 years, the Augustinian Sisters managed Hôtel-Dieu, shaping its spiritual and social identity (Ville de Québec). In 1962, hospital administration passed to the provincial government, but the Sisters’ influence lives on through heritage preservation and continued community engagement. The monastery’s transformation into Le Monastère des Augustines offers a wellness retreat, museum, and cultural center, where visitors can experience centuries of caregiving tradition (Le Monastère des Augustines).

Visiting Hôtel-Dieu de Québec: Practical Information

Location:

77 Rue des Remparts, Québec City, QC G1R 4R2 (Le Monastère des Augustines/museum)
11, côte du Palais, Québec City, QC G1R 2J6 (active hospital)

Opening Hours:

Le Monastère des Augustines Museum: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays and holidays
Hospital: Open 24/7 (visitor access to patient areas may be restricted; call ahead)

Admission & Tickets:

Museum general admission: CAD 12
Seniors (65+), students, children (6–17): CAD 8
Children under 6: Free
Guided tours: By reservation (Le Monastère des Augustines Tickets)

Accessibility:

Wheelchair accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms
Assistance available for those with limited mobility

Visitor Tips:

Audio guides and virtual tours available
Respect quiet zones and any photography restrictions
On-site café, gift shop, and wellness activities
Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Château Frontenac and Place Royale

Getting There:

Public transit: RTC bus lines 11, 800; stops near Remparts
Parking: Limited on-site; additional lots nearby (Québec City Parking Guide)

Cultural and Heritage Recognition

Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1936, Hôtel-Dieu de Québec is recognized for its foundational role in North American healthcare and the exceptional heritage of the Augustinian Sisters (Parks Canada). The archives house over 40,000 artifacts and extensive rare books, illuminating the evolution of medicine and society in Québec (Augustines.ca). The site’s architecture and preserved convent complex are protected under Québec’s Cultural Heritage Act (Amerique Francaise).

The Site Today: A Living Heritage

Today, Hôtel-Dieu’s restored monastery—the Monastère des Augustines—offers museum displays, wellness retreats, and authentic accommodations in both restored monastic cells and modern rooms (Le Monastère des Augustines). The museum’s permanent exhibition explores the Sisters’ social commitment, medical innovation, and spiritual life. The peaceful gardens, chapel, and cloisters provide a serene atmosphere for reflection, while special events and wellness workshops encourage deeper engagement with the site’s living legacy.

Suggested Visuals:

Images of the historic stone monastery, museum artifacts, and tranquil gardens (e.g., “Hôtel-Dieu de Québec monastery and gardens,” “Augustinian Sisters’ medical artifacts”).
Interactive map or virtual tour link for enhanced visitor planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Hôtel-Dieu de Québec and the museum?
A: The museum and wellness center are open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. The hospital operates 24/7, but access to clinical areas is restricted; check ahead for visiting policies.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours of the museum and monastery are available by reservation.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Museum admission is CAD 12 for adults, with discounts for seniors, students, and children; children under 6 are free.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms are provided.

Q: Can I visit the hospital?
A: The hospital is an active medical facility; tourists are encouraged to visit the museum and monastery. Access to patient care areas is regulated.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Permitted in public and museum areas, but prohibited in clinical and restricted zones.

Plan Your Visit

For the most up-to-date visitor information, ticketing, and special events, consult the official website or call ahead. Enhance your experience with the Audiala app for expert audio guides and follow us on social media for exclusive content about Québec’s historical sites.

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

Hôtel-Dieu de Québec is a living monument to the history of healthcare, spiritual devotion, and community resilience. Its museum, monastery, and wellness center invite visitors to immerse themselves in centuries of compassion and innovation. As a National Historic Site, it preserves invaluable archives, artifacts, and architectural treasures. Whether you’re exploring the museum, attending a wellness retreat, or simply wandering the peaceful gardens, Hôtel-Dieu offers a rare journey through Québec’s heritage (Wikipedia; Le Monastère des Augustines; Amerique Francaise).