Trois-Rivières is a city like none other worth discovering. Let us show you why.
Guided Tour in Trois-Rivières
Trois-Rivières has been founded in 1535 by Jacques Cartier. Natives had already established a fur trading post. With Samuel de Champlain's arrival in the city came permanent residents, settling there because of the ideal location near the river.
Sire Laviolette starts the city's construction in 1634. Its name comes from the illusion that three rivers flow through the city while it's only the St. Maurice River divided in three sections.
During its existence, Trois-Rivières has benefited from a few industries such as the St. Maurice Forges, the wood, and pulp and paper. In 1928, Trois-Rivières was named the pulp and paper national capital because of its many factories as well as its prominence in wood exploitation.
The St. Lawrence Maritime road
When it reaches Trois-Rivières, the St. Lawrence River has a width of 2 kilometres while it is 12 metres deep in the channel centre which makes it possible for ships to navigate easily.
Daily tides are relatively small, the water level is around 20 centimetres deep. 73 species of fish inhabit the city's waters. Amongst them, you can find bass fish, bullhead, eel, carp, walleye, sturgeon, muskellonge and more.
Pointe des Ormes Pilot Station
The Pointe des Ormes Pilot Station is one of the few on the St. Lawrence River, with the Escoumins, Quebec City and Montreal stations. The river is one of the hardest to navigate in the world, even more so during winter, as it is narrow and sinuous.
Ship's captains that enter this section of the maritime road usually relinquish command to more experienced pilots. These stations allow shifts between pilots.
St-Pierre Lake
Contrary to popular belief, this body of water is not a real lake but rather a wider part of the St. Lawrence River. From Trois-Rivières to Sorel-Tracy, the river covers 35 kilometres in length and 10 kilometres in width.
Port of Trois-Rivières
This port, registered on the national ports' list, greets ships from all over the globe every year. It is also considered a prized cruise spot.
The Port of Trois-Rivières is divided into a few sections. Its main section is dedicated to the transportation of bulk merchandise, either liquid or solid in form.
Canadian National Guard's Warehouse
The National Guard is the owner of two hovercrafts mainly used to de-ice local rivers, where the icebreakers can't go, and prevent floods. The hovercrafts are also used to install, remove or do the maintenance of over 350 navigation buoys. These buoys indicate to ships the right trajectory to take in the St. Lawrence River's channel.
These spots only show you a peek of what you can expect if you visit this wonderful city. Stop by and see for yourself!
