Thanks to its advantageous position on the St. Lawrence River, Québec City has long been a hub for Canada’s maritime traffic. Its port is particularly significant for the import and export of goods. Québec City’s economy relied heavily on the export of timber, which was abundant all around the city. This wood was used in shipbuilding, for example. Numerous other industries, such as pulp and paper, developed near the river in the late 19th century. Discover this aspect of Québec City’s past through the artwork and photos of the period!
The St. Lawrence as seen from the Citadel of Québec
Sir Henry James Warre
As the gateway to North America, the St. Lawrence River played a key role in colonial settlement in and around Québec City. First paddled by Indigenous people, it was later used by French explorers. Seigniories lined both sides of the river. In this watercolour, the eye lingers on small settlements on the shores.
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