In 1912, Courville became distinct from Beauport, first as its own village and then, four years later, as a town. Close to Montmorency Falls, Courville grew rapidly with industry and tourism. At the beginning of the 20th century, many tourists visiting Québec City took short outings to the area to admire the waterfall.

1936 - 1937

Québec City’s surroundings were more than a postcard

As tourism developed, downtown Québec City became a world-famous tourist destination in the early 20th century. The suburbs of Québec City were much less well known, however, and remained largely off the tourist trail. Come and discover these outlying towns in this album through the magnificent aerial photographs taken in the 1930s by W.B Edwards. These photographs illustrate the city’s expansion at a time of accelerating rural exodus and urbanization throughout Quebec.

Aerial view of Courville

W. B. Edwards Inc. In 1912, Courville became distinct from Beauport, first as its own village and then, four years later, as a town. Close to Montmorency Falls, Courville grew rapidly with industry and tourism. At the beginning of the 20th century, many tourists visiting Québec City took short outings to the area to admire the waterfall.

Chronoscope Can you name the church in the centre of the picture and the elements surrounding it? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1937

Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - W. B. Edwards Inc. Fonds - Date: 1937

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