Guided tours
Library and Archives Canada’s Preservation Centre, located in Gatineau, Quebec, opens its doors to the public for monthly guided tours.
Opened in 1997, this architectural gem boasts vaults to protect archives from all hazards and laboratories enabling our specialists to digitize documents and carry out restoration treatments.
During a 60-minute tour, you will have the chance to wander through the laboratories and vaults, discover works by Canadian artists, and learn how our specialists work every day to preserve history. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we preserve your documentary heritage!
Participate in a guided tour
Sign up for one of the monthly guided tours of our world-renowned Preservation Centre in Gatineau.
Are you a member of an association or a group of up to 15 people wishing to book a guided tour? Please contact us at visites-tours@bac-lac.gc.ca.
Location and parking
The Preservation Centre is located at 625 du Carrefour Boulevard in Gatineau, Quebec.
Limited parking is available near the entrance. You have to pay online using the Indigo website.
The Société de transport de l’Outaouais (Rapibus) Station de la Cité is just a few minutes walk from the Preservation Centre; more parking is available there.
For all the details: Transportation and Parking in the la Cité district - City of Gatineau
When you arrive
You will need to leave photo identification (other than a health insurance card) at the security desk by the entrance.
Coats and large bags (including handbags) must be left in the cloakroom. Lockers and locks are available; ask the commissionaire.
Accessibility
If you have specific needs that require accommodations, or if you have any questions, please contact us at visites-tours@bac-lac.gc.ca.
During your tour
- Drinks and food are prohibited, as are ballpoint pens, but pencils are permitted.
- Cameras are allowed, but the flash must not be used if documents are being shown.
- The tour involves walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes!
- You must stay with the group throughout the tour.
Virtual tours (videos)
Preservation Centre
The Preservation Centre opened its doors in June 1997 in Gatineau, Quebec. It was built to preserve our country’s documentary heritage.
Preservation storage facility (not included in the guided tour)
The Preservation Storage Facility was inaugurated in 2022. The building is mainly used to store archival documents. It is also equipped with specialized work and consultation rooms. Guided tour participants will not enter the building, but will view a video about it.
Related links
Podcast
Photos
Blogs
- A Behind-the-Scenes Look at LAC: The Gatineau Preservation Centre
- Library and Archives Canada releases its latest podcast episode, “A Look inside the Preservation Centre”
- Digital preservation at the crossroads | The Library and Archives Canada Blog (thediscoverblog.com)
- A Behind-the-Scenes Look at LAC: The Nitrate Film Preservation Centre | The Library and Archives Canada Blog (thediscoverblog.com)