Trois-Rivières, located between Montreal and Quebec City, is a fascinating blend of rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture. Founded in 1634, it is the second-oldest French-speaking city in North America and played a significant role in early trade due to its strategic position at the confluence of the Saint-Maurice and Saint Lawrence rivers. This unique location made it an important meeting and trading point for Indigenous peoples, particularly the Abenaki and Algonquin nations, long before European settlers arrived. As a French settlement, Trois-Rivières became a crucial hub for fur trading, shipping, commerce, and military defense during the early colonial period. The city’s grid and architecture still reflect its early French colonial heritage, with Old Trois-Rivières retaining its winding, narrow streets and historic buildings.
By the 19th century, Trois-Rivières became a major industrial center, with industries such as iron forges and the pulp and paper trade driving its economic growth. The Forges du Saint-Maurice, established in 1730, was North America's first ironworks, contributing to Trois-Rivières' reputation as an industrial hub. Today, the Forges National Historic Site offers visitors a glimpse into early industrial life, with guided tours through its historic workshops. Trois-Rivières' industrial past is also showcased in Boréalis, a museum housed in a former paper mill. The museum’s exhibits recreate the sights and sounds of the pulp and paper industry, reflecting how the city’s proximity to forests and rivers shaped its economy.
In addition to its historical significance, Trois-Rivières is known for its vibrant cultural scene. The city’s designation as the "Poetry Capital of Quebec" highlights its deep literary traditions. Each year, poets from around the world gather in Trois-Rivières for the International Poetry Festival, turning the city into a poetic wonderland with verses displayed throughout the streets, parks, and public spaces. The mix of traditional and contemporary culture extends beyond poetry into music, theater, and visual arts. Festivoix de Trois-Rivières, a major summer music festival, draws artists from a wide range of genres, with performances set against the scenic backdrop of the Saint Lawrence River. During winter, the city hosts Fest’Hiver, a festival that brings the community together for outdoor activities like ice sculpting and snowshoe races, offering an exciting atmosphere for filming winter activities.
Trois-Rivières is home to several museums and galleries that celebrate its rich cultural and artistic heritage. The Musée québécois de culture populaire offers fascinating exhibits on folk art, local crafts, and daily life in Quebec. The visual arts scene is thriving, with the Centre d’exposition Raymond-Lasnier and other galleries showcasing the works of contemporary Quebec artists. In addition to these formal cultural institutions, the city features public art installations scattered throughout its streets and parks, adding color and creativity to its urban environment.
One of the city’s most striking features is its proximity to the Saint Lawrence and Saint-Maurice rivers, which offer breathtaking natural views. The riverfront area is ideal for capturing scenic footage of sunsets, boats on the water, and serene natural landscapes. The Parc de l’Île Saint-Quentin, located on an island in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River, is a popular recreational spot for both residents and visitors, featuring beaches, hiking trails, and excellent vantage points for panoramic shots. The changing seasons dramatically transform these riverside views, offering spring blossoms, lush summer greenery, vibrant fall foliage, and serene snow-covered landscapes during winter.
Just a short drive from the city, La Mauricie National Park presents even more opportunities to capture pristine wilderness. With its over 150 lakes, waterfalls, and rolling hills, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In the summer, it offers spectacular kayaking, canoeing, and hiking experiences, while in the winter, the park turns into a snowy paradise, perfect for cross-country skiing and wildlife filming. Moose, black bears, beavers, and a wide variety of bird species call the park home, offering countless chances to film wildlife in their natural habitat.
