This watercolour by the renowned artist Philip John Bainbridge depicts the ice bridge that stretched across the river from Québec City in the early 19th century. We see here a small establishment, probably a refreshment stand called the Red Lion. At that time in winter, many small bars and restaurants would set up shop directly on the frozen river.

1823 - 1836

A destiny bound by ice!

Before the Québec Bridge opened in 1917, residents had two ways of crossing the river. In summer, they could take a boat across. In winter, however, they crossed on the ice bridge that formed when the river froze over. It was then that the crossing—by horse-drawn sleigh—was the quickest and easiest, and that the residents of Québec City and Lévis, on the opposite bank of the St. Lawrence River, spent the most time together. Rediscover this bygone era!

“The Red Lion” on the ice bridge over the St. Lawrence River

Philip John Bainbridge This watercolour by the renowned artist Philip John Bainbridge depicts the ice bridge that stretched across the river from Québec City in the early 19th century. We see here a small establishment, probably a refreshment stand called the Red Lion. At that time in winter, many small bars and restaurants would set up shop directly on the frozen river.

Chronoscope What other details do you see in this scene? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1836

Source: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1836

OPEN