Our Writings

** Take note that this guided tour is currently not available.

Whether they lived here or merely visited, Quebec City has been the setting for works by a number of great English-language writers, including Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and Margaret Atwood. Our Writings is a walking tour examining these writers and the places in our magnificent city which inspired them.

One of these sites is our very own building, which retains architectural evidence of its past as a municipal prison (1812-1867), a Presbyterian college affiliated with McGill University (1868-1902), as well as the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec’s magnificent library (1868-present). Visiting authors have been highly inspired by our venue and the city. In 2010, Louise Penny published her bestselling crime novel, Bury Your Dead, in which much of the action takes place at the Morrin Centre.

Our Writings walking tours are available upon request (A minimum of 8 people and two full weeks are requested).

The outdoor walking tour lasts one hour come rain or shine. Please dress accordingly. 

Click the points on the map to find out more, or view the full-screen version.

 

The Walking Tour

 

General Public

All prices include taxes.

From Monday to Friday, contact Stefanie Johnston at 418-694-9147, ext 226 or email her at stefaniejohnston@morrin.org.

12 $ ADULT
10 $ SENIOR / STUDENT
10 $ MEMBER

They liked

“must see!!”
Wonderful friendly staff, great for history buffs. be sure to check out the library with its large collection of vintage books. relaxing atmosphere.

Arthur W
Montreal, Canada

“Unexpected Treasure”
A museum is a museum is a museum - until you go to the Morrin Centre. The guided tour informs and the fact that the building was once a jail, college and now library is unexpected. The original jail cells really give perspective of how abysmal the conditions were and the original graffiti is visible on the wooden floor. The college renovated the space leaving this legacy behind while providing a glimpse into the eclectic education provided to a select few students. There is an original dark room that may be the oldest existing dark room in the world! Check this museum out and take a step back into Quebec history.

chockel
Miller, Missouri

“Fascinating tour”
We took the English tour through the Morrin centre and our tour guide was excellent. He was a history teacher and was very good at keeping the group engaged and telling interesting facts about the centre. It was one of the most interesting tours I have ever taken through a museum.

MPeacock2013
Ottawa, Canada