1 Best Sight in Quebec City, Quebec

This stately gray-stone building has served many purposes, from imprisoning and executing criminals to storing the national archives. Built between 1808 and 1813, it was the first modern prison in Canada and was converted into Morrin College, one of the city's first private schools, in 1868. That was also when the Literary and Historical Society of Québec, forerunner of Canada's National Archives, moved in. Historical and cultural talks are held in English, and tours of the building, including two blocks of prison cells, the Victorian-era library, and College Hall, are also available. Children and families particularly enjoy this space.