The ice bridge illustrated here by James Pattison Cockburn shows the first seasonal connection between Lévis and Québec City. When the thick ice formed on the river in winter, the population could cross the river by foot, horse, and sleigh for few months. In addition to the Lévis and Beauport ice bridges, several hundred winter crossing routes dotted the banks of the St. Lawrence River.

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.

View from Lévy Point, on the other side of the ice bridge from Québec City

James Pattison Cockburn The ice bridge illustrated here by James Pattison Cockburn shows the first seasonal connection between Lévis and Québec City. When the thick ice formed on the river in winter, the population could cross the river by foot, horse, and sleigh for few months. In addition to the Lévis and Beauport ice bridges, several hundred winter crossing routes dotted the banks of the St. Lawrence River.

Chronoscope Can you identify any of the buildings in the background of this piece? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1822

Source: Library and Archives Canada Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Acc. No. R9266-103 - Peter Winkworth Collection of Canadiana - Date: 1822

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