Beauport is a town on the St. Lawrence River east of Québec City. This watercolour by artist James Pattison Cockburn depicts the view residents of Beauport, a largely rural area, had of Québec City in the early 19th century. The hill in the background is Cape Diamant. Today, it is home to downtown Québec City.

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.

Québec City, seen in winter from Beauport

James Pattison Cockburn Beauport is a town on the St. Lawrence River east of Québec City. This watercolour by artist James Pattison Cockburn depicts the view residents of Beauport, a largely rural area, had of Québec City in the early 19th century. The hill in the background is Cape Diamant. Today, it is home to downtown Québec City.

Chronoscope Do you know where exactly this piece was created? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1830

Source: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1830

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