Things To Do
in Trois-Rivières
Trois-Rivières sits along the majestic St. Lawrence River at the confluence with the Saint-Maurice River, anchoring Mauricie with a rich blend of history and culture. Its compact, walkable Old Town delivers centuries-old architecture, riverfront promenades, and a thriving arts scene. The city hosts seasonal festivals, excellent dining, and a welcoming Quebecois vibe that makes it easy to linger.
With a mix of industrial heritage, modern galleries, and scenic waterfronts, Trois-Rivières offers a unique, approachable Canadian getaway.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in the charming city of Trois-Rivières and check into your quaint hotel or charming bed and breakfast. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling authentic Quebecois pastries and coffee. Spend the morning taking a stroll along the St. Lawrence River, soaking in the scenic views of the waterfront.
Visit the historic Old Trois-Rivières, where you can admire the well-preserved architecture and fascinating history of this 17th-century city. Explore the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières for a unique glimpse into the past, featuring guided tours that share captivating stories of former inmates. For lunch, indulge in local cuisine at a trendy bistro, savoring dishes made with fresh regional ingredients.
As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of the riverside restaurants, with the sound of the water as your backdrop. Retreat to your accommodations for a peaceful night or take a leisurely walk downtown, where you can discover the vibrant nightlife. Consider catching a live performance or a local festival, immersing yourself in the cultural pulse of the city.
Start your day with a visit to the Musée Québécois de Culture Populaire, where you can delve into the rich cultural heritage of Quebec. Engaging exhibits showcase local art, music, and the history of popular culture. After thoroughly exploring the museum, stop by a local café for brunch, enjoying the flavors of Quebec in a cozy atmosphere.
Continue your cultural journey with a visit to the Cathedral of Trois-Rivières, an architectural gem filled with stunning stained glass and intricate woodwork. Take some time to wander the gardens surrounding the cathedral, providing a peaceful respite and stunning photo opportunities. For a late lunch, try one of the local poutine spots, a quintessential Quebec dish that's sure to satisfy your hunger.
Explore the artistic side of Trois-Rivières by visiting the local galleries featuring works from contemporary artists. Find a quaint pub or bar downtown to unwind and enjoy a traditional Quebec craft beer as you sample local snacks. Wrap up the day with a leisurely walk through the lively streets, soaking in the evening atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $2-5 |
| 🧭Public transit fare | $3-5 per ride |
| 🏨One-night stay (mid-range hotel) | $100-180 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $50-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Walkable historic district with riverfront views
- Vibrant cultural scene and festivals
- Good selection of microbreweries and casual dining
- Smaller city feel compared with Montreal or Quebec City
- Winter storms can disrupt travel plans
Places to Visit in Trois-Rivières
Visit one of these nice places.
Cobblestone streets, pastel façades, and river views provide timeless urban photography with a distinctly Quebecois vibe.
Iconic bridge with sweeping perspectives of the St. Lawrence and the riverfront—especially striking at sunrise or sunset.
Opened greens, water features, and skyline glimpses across the river offer tranquil compositions.
Gothic revival architecture and stained glass provide dramatic interior and exterior shots.
Food in Trois-Rivières
Trois-Rivières Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fries topped with squeaky curds and rich gravy, a staple everywhere in Quebec.
Must-Try!
Savory meat pie often enjoyed year-round, especially around holidays but widely available in bakeries and cafés.
Local seafood prepared with a hint of maple, common in river-adjacent eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers market offering local produce, cheeses, maple products, and prepared foods.
Summer food trucks and pop-up vendors along the river offering casual bites and shareable plates.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a courteous 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' and use 's’il vous plaît' and 'merci' in interactions. Respect personal space and queue etiquette.
French is the primary language; English is understood in many tourist spots, but attempting basic French phrases is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Trois-Rivières
Ensure a smooth experience
In Canada, tipping is customary at 15-20% in restaurants if service is satisfactory. Tip in cash or add it to the credit card payment; rounding up the bill is common for small orders.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is still fine, and contactless payments are common in shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, sunny days with festivals along the river. Humidity is pleasant, and outdoor dining and markets thrive from June to August.
Mild days with colorful foliage. Great for scenic drives and city walks; evenings begin to cool quickly.
Cold conditions with snow and ice; warm layers and seasonal activities like ice skating and winter markets are common.
Rising temperatures and budding greenery. Expect rain showers and a mix of indoor/outdoor cultural events.
Trois-Rivières at Night
Hiking in Trois-Rivières
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive trail network around lakes and forests; day hikes and scenic viewpoints are abundant.
Riverside and forest trails offering varied difficulty and river views.
Airports
How to reach Trois-Rivières by plane.
Major international gateway about 2-3 hours by car; frequent flights to domestic and international destinations.
Approximately 2 hours by car; convenient for accessing northern Mauricie and eastern Quebec.
Small regional airport serving the area; limited but useful flights and nearby access.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly French-speaking population with diverse immigrant communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Winter staple with local leagues and youth programs; outdoor rinks are common in parks.
A popular summertime sport with community leagues and pick-up games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Trois-Rivières.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many kitchens in Trois-Rivières accommodate vegetarian requests; look for vegetarian mains, salads, and plant-based substitutions in most bistros and cafés. When in doubt, ask for the chef’s seasonal vegetable plate or a cheese-stuffed dish featuring local produce.