In the 19th century, the deep cold froze the St. Lawrence River and formed a bridge of ice. Facilitating travel between the two shores, these passages were essential for maintaining commercial trade. The “ice bridge,” as it was called, was also a place where festivities and social gatherings were held. It was eventually replaced by permanent bridges and icebreakers.

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.

The ice bridge over the St. Lawrence River, seen from Québec City

Auteur inconnu In the 19th century, the deep cold froze the St. Lawrence River and formed a bridge of ice. Facilitating travel between the two shores, these passages were essential for maintaining commercial trade. The “ice bridge,” as it was called, was also a place where festivities and social gatherings were held. It was eventually replaced by permanent bridges and icebreakers.

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

Depicted period: 1860

Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1860

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