Québec City’s winter skies are occasionally lit up by the northern lights. This rather rare phenomenon occurs every few years, with varying intensity. The northern lights of 1837 are the most legendary in the city’s history, and their remarkable intensity inspired many works of art.

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.

The northern lights

John Philip Bainbridge Québec City’s winter skies are occasionally lit up by the northern lights. This rather rare phenomenon occurs every few years, with varying intensity. The northern lights of 1837 are the most legendary in the city’s history, and their remarkable intensity inspired many works of art.

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

Depicted period: 1837

Source: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: 1837

OPEN