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The history of the railroad is closely linked to that of the Port of Québec. As the railroad developed in Québec City, the tracks were also stretching further and further west. Freshly arrived by boat, European immigrants took the train west from Québec City to open up farmland. The railroad then brought grain from the western provinces to Québec City for export by ship to Europe.
1840 - 1890

The river: A flowing source of trade and industry

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 Citadel from Lévy Point

C. R. Chisholm & Bros. The history of the railroad is closely linked to that of the Port of Québec. As the railroad developed in Québec City, the tracks were also stretching further and further west. Freshly arrived by boat, European immigrants took the train west from Québec City to open up farmland. The railroad then brought grain from the western provinces to Québec City for export by ship to Europe.
Chronoscope Can you locate this place on the map? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Pierre Lavoie Collection - Date: 1868