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Trois-Rivières

Trois-Rivières is a city in Quebec, Canada, located in the Mauricie region at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Trois-Rivières is a city in Quebec, Canada, located in the Mauricie region at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River. It is the regional capital of Mauricie and one of the oldest settlements in Canada, founded in 1634.

History

Trois-Rivières was founded by French colonists in 1634 and became a city in 1857. It is widely described as one of the oldest permanent settlements in New France and Canada.

Geography

The city is located in Quebec at the meeting point of the Saint-Maurice and Saint Lawrence rivers. It lies roughly midway between Montreal and Quebec City on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River.

Economy and culture

Trois-Rivières is described as the economic and cultural hub of the Mauricie region. Sources also note its industrial base, deepwater port, and historical religious and heritage sites.

Demographics

The city had a population of 139,163 in the 2021 census. Earlier census figures in the sources show growth from 134,413 in 2016.

Key facts

  • Trois-Rivières is a city in southern Quebec and the administrative centre of the Mauricie region.
  • It sits on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River, halfway between Montreal and Quebec City.
  • The city was founded in 1634 and is one of the oldest settlements in Canada.
  • Its 2021 population was 139,163.
  • The city’s name refers to the three channels near the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River.
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Canadian context

Trois-Rivières is a major Quebec city and the regional capital of Mauricie, making it relevant to Canadian history, Francophone culture, and the St. Lawrence corridor.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Trois-Rivières?
Trois-Rivières is in Quebec, Canada, on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River.
What is Trois-Rivières known for?
It is known as one of the oldest cities in Canada, as the regional capital of Mauricie, and as an economic and cultural centre with a strong industrial and heritage profile.
How big is Trois-Rivières?
The city’s area is listed as 289.32 km² in one source, after the 2002 municipal amalgamation expanded its size.
What is the population of Trois-Rivières?
Its population was 139,163 in the 2021 census.
Is Trois-Rivières a city?
Yes. Trois-Rivières is a city in Quebec and was constituted as a city in 1857.
What to do in Trois-Rivières?
Common visitor activities include exploring historic sites, museums, the riverside area, and cultural attractions linked to the city’s heritage and role as a regional centre.

References

  1. Wikipédia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trois-Rivi%C3%A8res
    Supports: Location in Quebec, at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River, population in 2021, capital of Mauricie.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trois-Rivi%C3%A8res
    Supports: City status, location at confluence of Saint-Maurice and Saint Lawrence rivers, founding date, merger in 2002.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Trois-Rivieres
    Supports: City in southern Quebec, location, founding in 1634, historical and economic significance, 2021 population.
  4. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/fr/article/trois-rivieres
    Supports: City in Quebec, population, regional capital, location, origin of the name.
  5. VoyageCanada.fr — https://www.voyagecanada.fr/guide-canada/destination/trois-rivieres
    Supports: Visitor-oriented description of what to do and cultural/patrimonial highlights.