The voyage of discovery allows participants to test themselves against the rough and tumble mariners who plied the waves of the St. Lawrence River and see how they measure up. Aboard the privateer ship Iberville, the mariner recruits put their minds and bodies to the test and see if they have what it takes to join the crew.

Privateer for a day

This exhibit provides a unique experience set during the French-British war of the turn of the 18th Century. At the time, young people could serve on armed privateer vessels authorized by the King of France to engage with enemy merchant ships.

Ship’s Captain Pierre Le Moyne D’Iberville must enlist young recruits to his crew to serve New France and engage with the enemy in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, on the Atlantic coast and as far away as Newfoundland. This provides the opportunity for young people to explore fun and interactive spaces as they embark on this adventure with D’Iberville. The young privateers discover life aboard ship at the time such as the food they ate, the skills required to sail a ship, the punishments meted out and are given a glimpse of the captain’s quarters. Once on dry land, it’s time to examine the booty and congratulate each other on a job well done!

The exhibition features several objects and artifacts, including navigational instruments, personal possessions, tools, weapons and, naturally, the booty brought back from the forays at sea.

The Pirates or Privateers? exhibit is a self-guided tour for families and the general public. Guided tours are available from Tuesday to Friday by reservation for primary and preschool groups.