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This late-19th-century view captures the effervescence of the Champlain Market. Crowds gather to buy or sell products and to share the latest news. The impressive boats seen in the background are a reminder of the important role the St. Lawrence River played in the transportation of goods and in the city’s economic development.
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!

Champlain Market, Québec City

Louis-Prudent Vallée This late-19th-century view captures the effervescence of the Champlain Market. Crowds gather to buy or sell products and to share the latest news. The impressive boats seen in the background are a reminder of the important role the St. Lawrence River played in the transportation of goods and in the city’s economic development.
Chronoscope Do you recognize the building on the right? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1890