Located on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, Sillery was home to the first Indigenous reserve and Jesuit mission, which proved to be a significant turning point in relations between French settlers and the First Nations. The district takes its name from the mission’s founder, Noël Brulart de Sillery (1577–1640), a French aristocrat, diplomat and devout Catholic.
In the 19th century, Sillery’s coves became a key site for the timber trade. Logs and lumber from the forests of the Haut-Saint-Laurent and the Ottawa River were floated downstream for shipment to Great Britain, contributing to local and regional development.
Today, visitors can enjoy the many attractions of the Sillery district in Quebec City, such as the Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge park, famous for its gardens and urban wildlife. History enthusiasts can visit the Maison Hamel-Bruneau cultural centre, an 18th-century English cottage on Chemin Saint-Louis road. A fascinating chapter of history to explore!
Attractions, restaurants and accommodations
Aquarium du Québec
Dive into the world of the Aquarium for an accessible activity where the whole family will discover polar bears, seals, jellyfish and thousands of other marine animals. Indoor and outdoor facilities, restaurant and picnic areas, water games.
Villa Bagatelle
Built as an outbuilding of the vast Spencer Wood estate, nestled in the heart of a shaded garden, this picturesque neo-Gothic cottage evokes the tradition of vacationing in Sillery in the 19th century.
Maison des Jésuites de Sillery
Built around 1730 on a site occupied by Aboriginals, at the location of the first Jesuit mission, this house presents a permanent exhibition enabling visitors to discover, with the help of original artefacts, the site’s history and the impact of the European’s arrival on Aboriginal communities.
La Maison Hamel-Bruneau
Built around 1857, this historic home houses a cultural centre that offers an original program examining varied and current themes in arts and sciences. In the summer, concerts and different activities are offered free of charge in its gardens.
Domaine Cataraqui
This grand 19th century English estate located in the historic Sillery district overlooks the St. Lawrence River. It is an ideal venue for hosting public and corporate events. It also serves as a branch for the École hôtelière de la Capitale.