Le Monastère des Augustines

In the heart of the historic quarter, where the pages of colonial history come to life, lies the Augustinian Monastery. This unique site in Quebec City harmoniously combines the functions of an active cloister and a modern museum. Located in the Upper Town, the monastery is a major monument of the New France era and part of the heritage protected by UNESCO.

Travelers come here to touch centuries-old traditions of mercy and medicine that Canada has carefully preserved since the days of the first settlers. The site is an impressive complex of 17th and 18th-century buildings where the nuns who founded the first hospital in North America once lived and worked. High ratings and glowing guest reviews confirm that this is one of the most soulful and educational attractions in the region.

Today, Le Monastère des Augustines is not just an architectural monument but a living space for relaxation and cultural enrichment. Here, you can not only see rare artifacts from past centuries but also experience an atmosphere of seclusion among ancient fortifications, making a visit to the monastery a must for lovers of deep and meaningful tourism.

To clarify visit details or book wellness programs, you can use the official communication channels. The staff is always ready to help guests navigate the variety of services offered.

The main reason to visit the monastery is its museum halls. Here, a large-scale chronicle of the Augustinians' lives unfolds before guests: from their perilous journey across the ocean to the creation of a healthcare system advanced for its time. You can see authentic household items, medical instruments of past centuries, and look into restored cells, which allow you to literally feel the ascetic and noble way of life of the nuns.

For a deeper immersion, we recommend using an audio guide or joining a themed tour. Interactive installations and multimedia elements will help you "live" a day in the life of the cloister, learning about the sisters' daily routine, prayers, and daily labors. After touring the exhibition, be sure to stroll through the monastery gardens — a true oasis of silence where it is pleasant to take a break from the city noise.

A special feature of this place is its modern wellness practices. You can take part in yoga or meditation classes held within these historic walls, filled with tranquility. End your visit in the cozy cafe, which serves dishes made from local ingredients, and at the souvenir shop offering books and unique handmade items made in the traditional style.

Finding this oasis of tranquility is easy, as it is located at 77 Rue des Remparts, in close proximity to the main tourist routes. If you are already walking through the center, the path from the famous Château Frontenac will take no more than 10–15 minutes at a leisurely pace through picturesque streets.

For those arriving from outlying areas, public transport is an excellent option. RTC buses (routes 1 through 10) stop nearby at the "Rue des Remparts" stop. If you are in the Lower Town, you can use the funicular, which will take you to the Upper Town, from where it is only a 5-minute walk to the entrance of the cloister.

Travelers arriving by car should keep in mind that parking in the historic center can be difficult and costs an average of 3–5 CAD per hour. In high season, it is better to leave your car at one of the park-and-ride lots and get around on foot or by taxi. A taxi ride from Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) to the monastery will take about 20–30 minutes.

The history of this place began back in 1639, during the era of active development of New France. It was then that, at the invitation of Governor Charles de Montmagny, the first Augustinian nuns arrived from France. Their mission was noble and vital for the young settlement: caring for the sick and developing a healthcare system.

The Hôtel-Dieu hospital they founded became the first hospital on the continent north of Mexico. In the 17th century, religious communities played a colossal role in the life of the colony — by 1665, almost a quarter of the population of the city consisted of clergy and nuns. Despite the harsh climate and devastating fires, the community endured, continuing its humanitarian work for centuries.

The architectural ensemble of the monastery was formed in the 17th–18th centuries and has reached us in remarkable preservation. Today, the gray stone buildings located along the ramparts serve as a living reminder of the spiritual and social foundation on which the city was built. In 1985, this unique heritage was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To leisurely explore the museum exhibitions and feel the peaceful atmosphere of the monastery, you usually need 2 to 3 hours. This is quite enough time to get acquainted with the history of the order, view the artifacts, and stroll through the inner garden.

If you plan to complement your visit by participating in wellness programs, visiting the local cafe with traditional dishes, or exploring the souvenir shop in detail, it is worth setting aside about 4 hours or even half a day. Immersing yourself in such a unique historical context should not be rushed.

According to official data, the doors of the complex are open to visitors 24/7. This allows guests to admire the external architecture of the monastery and feel its majestic atmosphere at any time of day or night, which is especially valuable for lovers of evening walks through Old Quebec.

However, keep in mind that the museum exhibitions, souvenir shop, and cafe operate on a regulated schedule, usually from 10:00 to 17:00. If your goal is a detailed tour or a visit to the wellness center, we recommend planning your visit for the daytime and checking the event schedule on the official website in advance.

The monastery's location in the heart of the historic center makes it easy to combine your visit with other interesting sites. A walk around the neighborhood will help you dive deeper into the atmosphere of the ancient city and find entertainment for every taste.

Below are some sites located within walking or driving distance of the cloister: