[2] Its sites, projects, and programs encourage Canadians to identify, conserve, use, celebrate, and value their heritage buildings, landscapes, natural areas, and communities for present and future generations.

Established in 1973, the National Trust has campaigned to update and fill gaps in Canadian heritage policies and laws, including supporting legislation such as Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.

In Quebec, the organization holds two properties: One is the Papineau Chapel, a stone memorial chapel built in 1851 by Louis-Joseph Papineau, on the grounds of the Château Montebello in the town of Montebello.

The other is 11 ruelle de l'Ancien-Chantier, two adjacent buildings erected in 1670, in the Lower Town of Quebec City.

Originally owned by Allen and Eliza Good, the house was occupied by four generations of their family until 1978, when the property – including the house, its contents, and 5.5 acres (22,000 m2) of land – was donated to the Crown, which then transferred it in trust to the National Trust.