Old Trois-Rivières

Founded in 1634 by the sieur de Laviolette, Trois-Rivières proudly claims the title of Canada's second-oldest city, just after Quebec City, and its historic centre preserves an impressive array of witnesses to this exceptional urban longevity. The Cathedral of the Assumption, an imposing neo-Gothic structure, captivates visitors with its delicate sculptures and 125 exquisite Florentine stained-glass windows, making it a must-see for admirers of religious architecture. The Old Prison of Trois-Rivières, built in the 19th century and in use until 1986, now offers 90-minute guided tours led by knowledgeable guides, some of whom are former inmates, providing a particularly moving testimony to the carceral realities of the era, including a passage through the isolation cells. The waterfront promenade along the Saint Lawrence River, developed along the port park, connects several downtown attractions through an animated pedestrian pathway lined with restaurants, bars, cafés and boutiques, offering clear views of the river at its convergence point with the Saint-Maurice River. It was precisely in 1737, from Trois-Rivières, that the Chemin du Roy was inaugurated—today known as Highway 138—Canada's first carriage road linking the colony to Quebec City—a road heritage that remains today a cherished tourist route for exploring southern Mauricie while hugging the riverbank.