Crossing a frozen St. Lawrence by canoe was not easy! These expeditions were led by expert guides, known in French as passeurs. They had extensive knowledge of the currents, tides and weather conditions. Despite this, accidents did happen. Toward the end of the 19th century, the passeurs were gradually replaced by iron-hulled boats.

1840 - 1865

When the waters freeze over

Before icebreakers arrived in the 20th century, the immense expanse of the St. Lawrence River in front of Québec City would freeze over every winter. The city would then be cut off from international shipping for many months. In town, however, people carried on with their activities. They would cross the river, either by canoe over floating mounds of ice or on the ice bridge, depending on conditions. All around Québec City, rivers and frozen waterfalls offered an extraordinary spectacle. These magnificent winter landscapes are revealed through 19th-century artworks.

Men pulling a boat across the ice of the St. Lawrence River

Cornelius Krieghoff Crossing a frozen St. Lawrence by canoe was not easy! These expeditions were led by expert guides, known in French as passeurs. They had extensive knowledge of the currents, tides and weather conditions. Despite this, accidents did happen. Toward the end of the 19th century, the passeurs were gradually replaced by iron-hulled boats.

Chronoscope What do you notice in the image? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1863

Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Acc. No. R9266-920 - Peter Winkworth Collection of Canadiana - Date: 1863

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