Trois-Rivières Quebec Old Quarter and Historic Forges

Why visit Trois-Rivières

The city is compact, walkable and proudly historic. The old quarter survived the great fire of 1908 that destroyed much of the town, so its 18th and 19th century houses still line the streets near the river.

It also makes an easy stopover. Many travelers pass it on the way between the two big cities, but a day or two here gives you a calmer, more local side of the Saint Lawrence. Most sights sit within a short drive of each other, which keeps the logistics simple and leaves time for a long lunch by the river.

The old quarter and its museums

Old Trois-Rivières and Rue des Ursulines

Start in the small old quarter, centered on Rue des Ursulines.

Rue des Ursulines is the heart of the old quarter that survived the 1908 fire. Photo: Veillg1, Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Manoir Boucher de Niverville

On Rue Bonaventure you will find the manor generally described as the oldest building in the city, dating from around 1668. Its exhibits explain daily life in New France, from politics to manners and customs.

The manor dates from around 1668 and is described as the oldest building in the city. Photo: Fralambert, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Musée québécois de culture populaire

This museum on Rue Laviolette is known for bold exhibitions in a distinctly Quebec style, and it sometimes opens its storage area so you can see part of the collection. Plan about ninety minutes.

The Musée québécois de culture populaire stands on Rue Laviolette. Photo: Fralambert, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Old Prison of Trois-Rivières

Next door, the former prison operated from 1822 to 1986 and is now a classified historic monument. Its guided visit, led by former inmates, takes you through cells and solitary confinement.

The Old Prison operated from 1822 to 1986 and is now a historic monument and museum. Photo: Claire Plourde, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Heritage sites and the river

Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site

North of downtown, this was the first ironworks in New France and the starting point of heavy industry in Canada. The archaeological remains and exhibits make it a rewarding half-day visit.

The Forges du Saint-Maurice were the first successful ironworks in New France. Photo: Fralambert, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Our Lady of the Cape Shrine

This Catholic pilgrimage site lies on the Saint Lawrence east of the city center.

The shrine of Notre-Dame-du-Cap is a pilgrimage site east of downtown Trois-Rivières. Photo: jockrutherford from Owen Sound, ON, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Parc de l'île Saint-Quentin

Jacques Cartier is said to have planted a cross on this island in 1535. Today it is a riverside park for walking and cycling, where you can rent bikes and sleds by the hour.

Île Saint-Quentin is a riverside park with walking and cycling trails. Photo: Robert Cutts, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Moulin seigneurial de Tonnancour

West of downtown, this 18th century flour mill and sawmill still has hydraulic mechanisms in working order. An art gallery in the miller's house adds a cultural note.

The 18th century Tonnancour mill still has working hydraulic mechanisms. Photo: Fralambert, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

Laviolette Bridge

The arch bridge to Bécancour, opened in 1967, is the only crossing of the Saint Lawrence between Montreal and Quebec City. It makes a striking landmark from the waterfront, especially at dusk.

The Laviolette Bridge links Trois-Rivières to Bécancour and opened in 1967. Photo: KimonBerlin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Food and local flavors

Trois-Rivières eats in the Quebec tradition, and a small diner culture still thrives. Order fèves au lard, baked beans slow cooked with bacon and molasses or maple syrup, at a retro breakfast counter such as Binerie Chik on Rue Royale.

For atmosphere, Le Sacristain serves soups and grilled sandwiches in a former church, and the bar strip along Rue des Forges is the place for local beer. Try a craft brewery such as Archibald Microbrasserie if you want a pint with live music.

Popular dishes to try in Trois-Rivières

Where to stay

Pick your base by how you travel.

The Downtown near Rue des Forges area works well for travelers who want restaurants and bars close at hand, along with easy access to the bus network. It is also practical if you arrive by intercity coach.

Bécancour, across the Laviolette Bridge, is the quieter choice for travelers with a car who prefer a resort-style stay with a spa and golf, about ten minutes' drive from the city.

Where to stay in Trois-Rivières

Best time to visit

Summer is the busiest and most festive season. Early August brings the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, the largest motor racing event held on an urban circuit in the Americas, and the city also hosts music and poetry festivals through the warm months.

September is calm, with cooler air and fall color along the river. Winters are cold and snowy, but Île Saint-Quentin turns to skating trails, and the city is quiet.

Getting there and getting around

Trois-Rivières lies about 130 km from Montreal and 120 km from Quebec City on the north shore, and Autoroute 40 passes through town.

Orléans Express runs buses several times a day between Montreal and Quebec City with a stop here. Local airfield YRQ handles private aircraft only, so commercial travelers fly into Montreal or Quebec City instead.

Once in town, the old quarter and waterfront are easily walkable. The Société de transport de Trois-Rivières runs local buses, and taxis and Uber are available.

A suggested itinerary

Practical tips

• Check seasonal opening periods for the Forges and the museums on their official websites before you go.
• Book the Old Prison tour ahead during summer weekends.
• Wear comfortable shoes, since the old quarter is best explored on foot.
• Reserve accommodation early for the Grand Prix weekends in August.
• Learn a few French phrases, as service in French is the norm outside the main attractions.