Discover Trois-Rivières: History, River Route and Island Nature

Trois-Rivières offers a variety of reasons to explore: historic architecture, museums, a scenic route along the St. Lawrence River and nature experiences on a city island. When choosing your vacation rental, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: architectural history and exhibitions, outdoor activities or a drive along the river?

Discover history through buildings and exhibitions

The stone Manoir Boucher-De Niverville is a French-style residence in the historic center of Trois-Rivières. Its original section dates from around 1668; the building was extended in 1729. Visitors can see the 300-year-old roof structure and learn more about the history of the manor. This offers a chance to connect the building’s history with a close-up look at its roof structure.

The history of the Ursulines is also closely linked to the city: in 1697, they founded the first school for girls and the first hospital in Trois-Rivières. The exhibition at the Musée des Ursulines presents architecture designed for teaching, healing and prayer, as well as objects and archives documenting the Ursulines’ daily lives. One distinctive architectural feature is the museum chapel: its dome is considered a symbol of Vieux-Trois-Rivières.

Museums covering a range of topics

Boréalis is a major tourist attraction in Trois-Rivières. The museum offers interactive exhibitions, as well as exhibitions and activities about industry and forestry, with topics spanning the past and present. There is also a rich and accessible cultural program; individual program details may change. The Vieille prison de Trois-Rivières offers a different focus: this heritage-listed building provides a visitor experience centered on the world of prisons. Together, the museums cover subjects ranging from industry and forestry to an exhibition about the Ursulines’ daily lives and a visit focused on the world of prisons.

River route and outdoor activities

In Baie-Jolie, Rue Notre-Dame Ouest is also known as Chemin du Roy. It is the first road open to traffic to connect Montréal and Québec, and offers a scenic route along the St. Lawrence River. For those who want to make the river and a scenic drive the focus of the day, it offers a different way to experience Trois-Rivières than a visit centered on buildings or exhibitions.

In the Pointe-du-Lac district, you can enjoy water sports such as kitesurfing; mountain biking on the trails at the Énergie CMB center is another activity mentioned there. Combining water sports and mountain biking offers two different ways to spend active time outdoors. If either activity is important to your plans, check what is currently available in advance.

Island nature and recreation for different age groups

On Île Saint-Quentin, visitors can explore the local fauna and flora. This city island offers a natural setting for relaxation, with access to culture, a beach or swimming pool, games and sports activities. It also has green spaces for children and adults. This focus on different age groups complements the museum and architecture themes with something different: nature exploration and recreational activities brought together on the island.

Choose the right focus for your vacation rental

When looking for a vacation rental, use your interests as a guide: architectural history and museums, the river route in Baie-Jolie, activities in Pointe-du-Lac or nature and recreation on Île Saint-Quentin.

If a particular exhibition or activity is central to your plans, check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Saint-Luc-de-Vincennes, Sainte-Anne-De-La-Pérade, Saint-Narcisse, Champlain, Sainte-Geneviève-De-Batiscan, Saint-Étienne-des-Grès.

Back to the regional travel guide: Francheville.