People often visit the ArchéoMusée Roussillon RS out of curiosity. They usually leave feeling as though they have uncovered a hidden treasure. Here, every artifact reveals an unexpected story, and every visit offers new discoveries. Guided by passionate experts in archaeology, history and heritage, visitors explore more than 5,000 years of human presence in the region. This is more than a museum visit—it is an invitation to touch, experiment and explore.
The heritage district of Old La Prairie, a true open-air museum, transports visitors to another era. Its charm and rich history naturally extend the experience that begins inside the museum.
The institution houses more than 250,000 artifacts and ecofacts from the territory of the MRC of Roussillon. Its archaeological reserve is among the largest municipal archaeological collections in Québec. An on-site archaeologist oversees the collection and contributes to a variety of research projects.
A Summer Program for the Whole Family
At the ArchéoMusée, summer is all about participation. Digging, handling artifacts, observing, investigating and discovering: here, visitors become part of the adventure.
- Buried Memories : Guided by a character inspired by the museum’s first guides, visitors listen to stories from the past before setting out in search of 19th- and 20th-century artifacts. (Weekends from July 4 to July 26)
- ZooSArchaeology : Using animal bones uncovered during a simulated excavation, participants investigate to identify the species discovered and learn what they can reveal about the past. (August 1, 8, 15 and 22)
- Behind-the-Scenes Reserve Tour : The museum exceptionally opens the doors to its archaeological reserve. More than 250,000 artifacts and ecofacts are preserved here, away from public view. (August 2 and 16)
Stone Tool Making Like the Pros – The Great Knap-In : Master flintknappers from across Québec gather to showcase the ancient art of stone tool making. Visitors can watch demonstrations, meet the craftspeople and even try their hand at creating their own stone tool. (August 9)
The Canoe, Bearer of Traditions
From January 31, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
Discover the birchbark canoe like never before. Far more than a simple means of transportation, the canoe is a living symbol of the culture and ingenuity of the Wendat Nation. For over 3,000 years, it has been used to travel, hunt, fish, and trade across the vast territory of Onyionhwentsïio’.
Step inside a family canoe workshop where Maurice Picard Jr. and his family pass down a unique know-how from generation to generation.
The exhibition invites you to:
• Explore the different families of birchbark canoes and understand how they were used in daily life and in the economic activities of the Wendat.
• Discover the history of the canoe in the 19th and 20th centuries, from local craftsmanship to industrialization in Lorette (today Wendake).
• Discover the symbolism of the canoe through legends, songs, and works of art, and see how it continues to inspire today’s artists and artisans.
Enter the workshop through videos and demonstrations, test your knowledge with games and an interactive quiz, and admire miniature canoes, traditional tools, and handcrafted objects.
The Canoe, Bearer of Traditions is not just an exhibition about the past: it is an invitation to touch, explore, and marvel at a living heritage.
A captivating experience for the whole family and for all history enthusiasts.
Dive into the Past
From January 31, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
Dive into the past and explore aquatic depths to discover the incredible archaeological heritage hidden beneath the surface.
Through an immersive digital experience, learn how underwater archaeological excavations are conducted and discover the equipment and methods used by diver-archaeologists. Travel beneath the water to explore authentic underwater excavations and learn more about the preservation of these sites.
This exhibition is presented as an immersive experience module through which you set out to discover underwater archaeology. First, build your knowledge of the study of submerged remains, then explore the technical and technological innovations that allow divers to investigate the seabed.
Dive into the depths of the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries to accompany archaeologists in the exploration of five underwater archaeological sites.
To discover all our exhibitions and activities, visit the website.
