Morrin Centre
Explore Quebec City's past as a prison and its present as a vibrant English-language cultural centre and library.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Discovery tours are available
Morrin Centre
Best Time
Discovery tours are available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Quebec City's past as a prison and its present as a vibrant English-language cultural centre and library.
"An immersive journey through history, from chilling prison cells to a beautiful, book-filled library."
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Discovery tours are popular and spaces are limited. Book online to secure your spot!
📚 Explore the Library
Don't miss the beautiful library, filled with historic books and a serene atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Library
Main Hall
A stunning collection of old books housed in a beautifully preserved space, offering a quiet escape into literary history.
Former Prison Cells
Lower Levels
Step back in time and explore the dark, atmospheric cells that once held prisoners, offering a stark contrast to the library above.
Discovery Tour
Throughout the Centre
An engaging guided experience that unveils the Morrin Centre's layered history, from its prison days to its cultural present.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Discovery Tour
Embrace the History
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Discovery tours are popular and spaces are limited. Book online to secure your spot!
📚 Explore the Library
Don't miss the beautiful library, filled with historic books and a serene atmosphere.
👻 Consider a Spooky Tour
Known for its hauntings, the Morrin Centre offers a unique, spooky experience for thrill-seekers.
💰 Fairly Priced Experience
The guided tours offer great value for the historical insights provided.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Discovery tours are popular and spaces are limited. Book online to secure your spot!
📚 Explore the Library
Don't miss the beautiful library, filled with historic books and a serene atmosphere.
👻 Consider a Spooky Tour
Known for its hauntings, the Morrin Centre offers a unique, spooky experience for thrill-seekers.
💰 Fairly Priced Experience
The guided tours offer great value for the historical insights provided.
🚶♀️ Easy to Access
Located in the heart of Old Quebec City, it's a convenient stop on your walking tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Morrin Centre for its fascinating history and the engaging Discovery Tour, which offers a unique glimpse into Quebec City's past as a prison and its present as a cultural hub. The beautiful library is a highlight, offering a serene atmosphere. Some visitors are particularly drawn to its reputation as a haunted location.
"Beautiful old library. They have a guided tours 3 times a per day.
Cost: 10$ per family to visit the library.
Small heritage building with a lot of old books."
Da Ria Na
"This is my second time in QC, and I have taken the discovery tour on both occasions where I learn something new each time (granted the first time I took it was in 2015). This is the part of history that you shouldn’t miss out. The tour is fair priced."
Cindy W
"Fascinating history.
The jail cells are as dark and gloomy as expected.
The library is beautiful!"
Jacintha Shop-Wife
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Morrin Centre is conveniently located in the heart of Old Quebec City, making it easily accessible on foot. If you're arriving by car, there are several parking garages nearby. For those coming from further afield, public transport options within Quebec City can also lead you close to the historic district. +1
While the historic nature of the building presents some challenges, efforts have been made to improve accessibility. It's best to contact the Morrin Centre directly for the most up-to-date information on accessibility for tours and library access.
Walking is the most popular and rewarding way to explore Old Quebec City, allowing you to discover hidden gems like the Morrin Centre. Consider a guided walking tour to get the most out of the historic sites. +1
While the Discovery Tour is highly recommended for a full understanding of the site, the library itself may be accessible for browsing during opening hours. Check their official website for specific library access policies.
Several parking garages are available in Old Quebec City, including the Saint-Roch parking garage and the Parliament Building parking. Walking from these garages to the Morrin Centre is usually a short and pleasant stroll.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Morrin Centre offers a Discovery Tour which is fairly priced, with specific costs often mentioned as around $10 per family or a similar reasonable rate for individuals. It's always best to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, booking your Discovery Tour tickets in advance is highly recommended as spaces are limited and tours can sell out. You can usually book directly through the Morrin Centre's website.
The Morrin Centre typically operates with specific hours for its Discovery Tours, often running Friday through Sunday. It's essential to check their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date opening hours and tour schedules.
While specific discount information isn't always widely advertised, family rates are sometimes mentioned. It's advisable to check the Morrin Centre's ticketing page or contact them directly for any available discounts or special offers.
A ticket typically grants you access to the guided Discovery Tour, which provides an in-depth exploration of the building's history, including the former prison cells and the library.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Morrin Centre is renowned for its dual history as a former prison and its current role as an English-language cultural and heritage centre, housing a beautiful library. It's also known for its reported hauntings.
Expect an immersive and fascinating guided experience that covers the building's history as a prison, its transformation into a college, and its current function as a library and cultural hub. Guides are often praised for being knowledgeable and engaging.
Yes, the Morrin Centre is known for its paranormal activity and is considered a haunted location, with stories of former prisoners and unexplained occurrences.
Discovery tours at the Morrin Centre usually last around an hour, providing a comprehensive overview of its history and key areas.
The atmosphere is a unique blend of historical solemnity in the prison areas and quiet intellectual charm in the library. Visitors often describe it as fascinating and immersive.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the Morrin Centre, especially in the library. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, particularly during tours or events.
The beautifully preserved library with its shelves of old books is a prime photography spot. The historic architecture of the building itself also offers great photo opportunities.
While general photography is usually allowed, it's best to be mindful of other visitors and the historical significance of the site. Avoid flash photography if it might disturb others or damage artifacts.
Visitors often capture the atmospheric prison cells and the elegant, book-filled library. The unique historical context makes it a popular spot for those interested in heritage and architectural photography.
Information on professional photography sessions is not widely available. For specific inquiries, it's recommended to contact the Morrin Centre directly to inquire about their policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking the tour in advance to ensure a spot. While the prison aspect might be intense for very young children, older kids often find the historical narratives captivating. It's a great way to introduce them to the rich heritage of Quebec City in an interactive way.
👻 Ghost Hunters & Paranormal Enthusiasts
+1Explore the former jail cells and feel the chilling atmosphere that fuels the paranormal stories. While not all tours focus solely on hauntings, the building's reputation is undeniable and adds an extra layer of intrigue to any visit.
+1📚 Book Lovers & History Buffs
Combine your library visit with the Discovery Tour to gain a comprehensive understanding of the building's evolution. Learning about its transformation from a prison to a cultural centre provides a rich historical context that history buffs will surely appreciate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Morrin Centre's History
+1Following its closure as a prison, the building underwent a significant transformation. It was repurposed and became a college, where subjects like science, cooking, and cleaning were taught. This era added another chapter to its story, reflecting the changing educational and societal needs of Quebec City.
Today, the Morrin Centre thrives as a vibrant English-language cultural and heritage centre. It houses a beautiful library, a testament to its more recent evolution, and hosts a variety of events and programs. This current iteration celebrates the region's literary and cultural heritage, making it a dynamic space for learning and community engagement.
+1The Morrin Centre's Paranormal Reputation
+1These ghostly tales often involve the spirits of former prisoners who met their end within the prison walls, including accounts of public hangings. The eerie atmosphere of the old jail cells is often cited as a focal point for these spectral encounters. This spooky allure attracts those interested in the supernatural and ghost hunting.
+1While the historical tours focus on factual accounts, the centre also embraces its haunted reputation, sometimes offering special tours or events that delve into its paranormal lore. For those seeking a thrill, the Morrin Centre provides a unique opportunity to explore history with a potentially supernatural twist.
+1The Morrin Centre Library: A Literary Haven
This library serves as a vital hub for the English-speaking community in Quebec City, providing access to literature, resources, and a place for cultural exchange. It’s a space where history and contemporary life intersect, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets of Old Quebec.
Visitors often express delight at discovering this beautiful library, finding it to be one of the most charming aspects of the Morrin Centre. It’s a place that invites you to linger, browse the shelves, and soak in the ambiance of a bygone era.
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