Exploring Trois-Rivières’ History | Fun Facts & Travel Tips | EP. 3
Curious about the history of Trois-Rivières? We dug into the intriguing history of this Quebec city and gathered it all into this perfectly packaged article for you to enjoy.
Nestled on the banks of the Saint-Maurice River, between Quebec City and Montreal, this historic city has a charming blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. It’s often overlooked for the busier, better-known cities around it, but Trois-Rivières deserves its own spot on the map of places to visit in Quebec, Canada.
Before you visit, though, read through this brief history of the city and gain a few helpful insights for your trip.
The Founding of Trois-Rivières
Did you know that Trois-Rivières is the second-oldest city in Quebec? Quebec City was established first, in 1608, and Trois-Rivières was founded soon after, in 1634.
The city began as a settlement, started by Sieur de Laviolette and his small group of French settler followers. This location was already an ideal spot for fur trading. The settlers set up camp and began building their homes at the spot where the Saint-Maurice River meets the St. Lawrence River.
Fun Fact: The name “Trois-Rivières” (Three Rivers) is somewhat misleading—it refers to the three channels formed by the islands at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River, not three separate rivers!
It’s important to recognise that long before the French arrived and settled in, the area around Trois-Rivières was already a significant meeting place for Indigenous people. Groups like the Abenaki, Algonquin, and Huron-Wendat used the rivers for trading, fishing, and transportation.
When the French established their settlement, they relied heavily on alliances with these Indigenous communities, who helped them navigate the land and waters, survive the harsh winters, and access key trading routes.
Listen to our latest podcast episode all about the miracles of Trois-Rivières.
Fascinating History Facts About Trois-Rivières
- The Forges du Saint-Maurice, established in 1730, was Canada’s first industrial site, producing weapons and tools for over 150 years.
- The city endured several destructive fires, particularly in 1908, when a major blaze razed much of the downtown area, yet it was resiliently rebuilt.
- The Old Prison of Trois-Rivières, built in 1822, operated until 1986 and is now a museum where visitors can tour the cells and learn about historical prison life.
- In 1764, Trois-Rivières housed the first printing press in New France, founded by Fleury Mesplet, who later became a key figure in Canadian publishing.
- The city’s strategic location made it a critical military post for defending against British forces.
- Trois-Rivières hosts the International Poetry Festival, the oldest Francophone literary event globally, attracting poets from around the world.
Key Historical Milestones
- Early 1600s: Indigenous Trading Hub. The rivers act as a meeting and trading location for Indigenous people.
- 1634: Founding of Trois-Rivières. Sieur de Laviolette settles here on July 4, 1634, under Samuel de Champlain’s direction.
- 1665: Establishment of a Military Fort. A fort is established to protect the settlement from European rivals.
- 1730: Forges du Saint-Maurice. The creation of the first ironworks in Canada helps make the city an industrial hub.
- 1760: British Conquest. After the Seven Years’ War, Trois-Rivières comes under British rule.
- 1764: First Printing Press in New France. Fleury Mesplet sets up New France’s first printing press, boosting local publishing.
- 1822: Construction of the Old Prison. The Old Prison, now a museum, is constructed and operates until 1986.
- 1908: Devastating Fire. A devastating fire destroys much of the downtown, but the city was rebuilt later.
- 1930s: Growth of the Pulp and Paper Industry. The pulp and paper industry turns the city into a major economic center.
- 1985: Launch of the International Poetry Festival. The International Poetry Festival is established, making Trois-Rivières a cultural hub.
Figures Who Shaped the History of Trois-Rivières
- Sieur de Laviolette – The city’s founder, sent by Samuel de Champlain in 1634, to establish a trading post that became Trois-Rivières.
- Samuel de Champlain – Known as the “Father of New France,” he envisioned Trois-Rivières as a strategic settlement to expand the fur trade and French influence.
- Jacques Hertel – One of the first settlers, he became an influential figure in the fur trade and helped fortify the young colony.
- Fleury Mesplet – Established the first printing press in New France in 1764, helping to spread printed materials in the region.
- Pierre Boucher – Governor of Trois-Rivières in the mid-1600s, he strengthened the colony’s defenses and forged key alliances with Indigenous nations.
- François Bissot de Vincennes – A prominent fur trader who helped expand the region’s trade networks and explored areas further inland.
- John Molson – Although known for his Montreal-based brewing empire, Molson had a significant impact on Trois-Rivières’ industrial growth, particularly in the 19th century.
- Maurice Duplessis – A former Quebec Premier born in Trois-Rivières, Duplessis left a lasting legacy on Quebec’s political landscape during the 20th century.
- Clément Marchand – A celebrated poet and journalist, he played a key role in fostering the city’s literary and cultural scene, leading to the creation of the International Poetry Festival.
Plan Your Trois-Rivières Trip
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for enjoying outdoor festivals and riverfront activities.
- Getting There: The city is about halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, making it easily accessible by car (around 1.5 hours from either city) or bus.
- Where to Stay: Choose from charming boutique hotels in the historic downtown or cozy bed-and-breakfasts along the riverfront.
- Dining: Try local cuisine at restaurants like Le Sacristain, which is housed in a former church, or enjoy French-inspired dishes at Poivre Noir.
Things to Do in Trois-Rivières
There’s plenty to explore in Trois-Rivières, especially if you love history and culture. Start with a stroll through the Old City, where charming streets, local shops, and cozy cafes set the scene.
Then, head to Parc Portuaire along the St. Lawrence River for scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere. For a different perspective, take a boat tour to admire the city from the water.
Art lovers can visit the Musée POP for contemporary exhibits or the Boréalis Museum to discover the city’s papermaking history in a former mill. These cultural stops blend Trois-Rivières’ past with its vibrant present.
Wrapping Up: A Historical Look into Quebec’s Trois-Rivières
Isn’t it fascinating to learn how the towns and cities around us came to be? Trois-Rivières is a perfect example of how a place can evolve over time—especially when it’s 400 years later!
This city has seen centuries of change and growth, from its early days of Indigenous people meetings to French settlers and now being a brilliant example of Canadian culture. Pay a visit to this city next time you’re looking to take a walk through history and hear more stories from many years ago.
