This engraving depicts the illustrious Cul-de-Sac Street seen from the King’s store, which was located where the Intendant’s Palace is found today in Québec City. This major archaeological site included a vast warehousing complex with a bakery and even a prison! At the time, Cul-de-Sac Street was on the water’s edge, with boats moored on the shore.

1822 - 1837

Winter living in Québec City in the early 19th century

Did you know that Québec City is one of the snowiest cities in the world? Its average annual snowfall is about 300 centimetres. Residents of Québec City have developed a way of life adapted to these conditions. In the 19th century, most streets were left covered in snow, and residents moved around by sleigh and snowshoe. Once the river froze over, thus inhibiting sea traffic, the city was cut off. City dwellers then spent a long collective winter in this bucolic setting. Relive these breathtakingly beautiful winters through the artwork of the period.

Winter view of Cul-de-Sac Street, seen from the King’s store

James Pattison Cockburn This engraving depicts the illustrious Cul-de-Sac Street seen from the King’s store, which was located where the Intendant’s Palace is found today in Québec City. This major archaeological site included a vast warehousing complex with a bakery and even a prison! At the time, Cul-de-Sac Street was on the water’s edge, with boats moored on the shore.

Chronoscope Which category does this image belong to? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1830

Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Acc. No. 1970-188-325 - W. H. Coverdale Collection of Canadiana - Date: 1918

OPEN