Tours and programs

Take part in activities that will help you discover the site, such as a walking tour, an audio tour, an immersive character experience, a multimedia presentation, Xplorers children's program, and more.

Choose from a range of activities that that unveil the mystery of the Forges:

• A Story Cast in Iron: a multimedia presentation
• Diabolus ex machina: an audio path by Fred Pellerin
• 1600°C Trial by Fire: an interactive experience
• Self guided tour
• Guided tour
• Parks Canada Xplorers program
• Parks Canada Club Parka
• Activity for children: Parent Enfant Nature discovery kit

A Story Cast in Iron: a multimedia presentation

We recommend that you start with this activity to fully understand and familiarize yourself with the history of the Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site.

Attend a “sound and light show” featuring Forges du Saint-Maurice workers and a magnificent model of the village in 1845.

Combining video projection and 3D effects on both the large screen and the model, this multimedia presentation offers a page of history about the master of the Forges and the workers who brought the steel industry to the Mauricie region. Discover the industrial village at a glance!

Audience: all ages

Length: 20 minutes

Schedule: schedule varies; ask the guides at the Grande Maison welcome desk. No reservation required.

Location: on the second floor of the Grande Maison

Languages offered: English and French

Accessibility: the elevator to the second floor has been damaged by recent rains and is out of service indefinitely. It is therefore necessary to use the staircase, which has several steps. The room has bleacher seating (approx. 40). The presentation is narrated, with visual and audio information. The presentation is not subtitled.

Diabolus ex machina: an audio path by Fred Pellerin

The Diabolus ex machina outdoor activity is not available due to the temporary closure of the trails.

You haven't heard or seen everything about Les Forges! Let us take you on an original audio tour narrated by storyteller Fred Pellerin.

Visit the Diabolus ex machina page to listen to an exclusive excerpt and find out more about this activity.

1600°C Trial by Fire: an interactive experience

Immerse yourself in the world of the blast furnace and transform yourself into a Forges worker during this interactive activity designed to put you to the test!

Once the video has started, follow the instructions of the furnace master and try to perform all the steps of the cast iron manufacturing process. Will you be able to shovel without tiring, and stand out from the crowd in the eyes of the furnace master? Heat it up!

Audience: all ages

Length: 15 minutes

Schedule: activity offered continuously. No reservation required.

Location: inside the blast furnace building

Languages offered: English and French

Accessibility: there are two steps down to a platform where the interactive activity takes place. The platform is located in a dark, partitioned half-level space, dotted with sand. The activity takes place standing on the platform, and requires movement of the arms and torso. The screen displays an interactive video, providing visual and audio information. The interactive video has no subtitles.

Self guided tour

You can visit all the buildings, trails, outdoor remains and exhibitions on your own.

Before beginning your exploration, we suggest you view the multimedia presentation on the second floor of the Grande Maison.

To help you understand the site, you can ask questions to the guides at the Grande Maison reception desk and at the blast furnace, and learn more about the Forges on the interpretation panels.

Audience: all ages, but particularly for those aged 16 and over who enjoy reading

Languages offered: English and French

Accessibility: there is a wooden gangway and access ramp to enter the Grande Maison. The elevator to the second floor has been damaged by recent rains and is out of service indefinitely. It is therefore necessary to use the staircase, which has several steps. The blast furnace door includes an access ramp. Audiovisual and interactive presentations offer visual and audio information, but do not include subtitles. Interpretation panels provide visual information and text to read (in English and French), but do not include Braille. The outdoor grounds are grassed, with asphalt and gravel paths. There is also a 125-step outdoor staircase and a trail with a gradient of around 10%. Magnetic induction loops (M.I.L.s) are available on request and can be connected to the Diabolus ex machina portable audio devices.

Guided tour

Guided tours are reserved for groups of 12 or more.

Visit the Group activities section for more information.

Parks Canada Xplorers program

The Xplorers program is dedicated for children aged 6 to 11 visiting Parks Canada sites with their families. At Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site, the Xplorers booklet takes children on a hunt for clues hidden around the site. On your marks, get set, Xplore!

Parks Canada Club Parka

Activity for children: Parent Enfant Nature discovery kit

Borrow a Parent Enfant Nature seasonal kit and set off on a simple adventure. Through animal stories and activity suggestions, explore the natural wealth of the Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site and, above all, create magical family moments playing outdoors!

This activity is offered thanks to the Coopérative Enfant Nature (website in French only).

Audience: families with children aged 0 to 5

Language offered: French only