The Confluence of Rivers Where History Meets: A Trois-Rivières Tour

Trois-Rivières has a captivating blend of French colonial charm and riverside tranquillity. On this walking tour, you’ll discover one of North America’s oldest cities, founded in 1634, where cobblestone streets and historic architecture tell the story of Quebec’s rich heritage. From the legacy of the Ursuline nuns to the industrial boom of the paper mills, every corner reveals a fascinating chapter in the evolution of New France.

This tour starts at the Borealis Museum, housed in a beautifully restored 1920s paper mill. You’ll weave through the historic streets of Old Trois-Rivières, past the elegant Cogeco Amphitheatre and along the picturesque St. Lawrence River waterfront. Along the way, you’ll learn how the confluence of three channels of the Saint-Maurice River gave the city both its poetic name and the natural resources that powered its growth.

You’ll discover monuments that honour the city’s founder, Sieur de Laviolette, and brave soldiers who served in major conflicts. The tour ends at the impressive Musée Pierre-Boucher, housed in the majestic Séminaire Saint-Joseph, where you can continue your exploration of the region’s artistic and historical treasures.

During this 60-minute tour, you’ll also have a chance to:

• Step inside the Old Prison, where guided tours offer chilling insights into 164 years of incarceration history
• Stroll along Rue des Forges, once the “Grand’Rue,” now a lively promenade of cafés and boutiques, and Rue des Ursulines, the oldest street in the city
• Visit Monument des Braves, a powerful tribute to soldiers who gave their lives in service
• Explore Place Pierre-Boucher with its dazzling fountain, historic monuments, and vibrant atmosphere
• Hear about the legacy of the Ursuline Sisters who provided one of the first forms of formal education for young women in the 1600s
• Discover the stunning architecture of St. James Anglican Church with its Gothic Revival design and marvel at the neo-Gothic Assumption Cathedral with its 125 stunning stained-glass windows
• Admire the stately Old Courthouse and its striking modern sculpture Le Témoin

This walking tour offers the perfect introduction to Trois-Rivières, whether you’re making a quick stop between Montréal and Québec City or planning a longer stay in this charming riverside gem.