Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Civic Brief • Canada Notes

Pont de Québec

Le Pont de Québec est un pont cantilever en acier qui traverse le fleuve Saint-Laurent entre Québec et Lévis, au Québec.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

The Pont de Québec is a cantilever steel bridge crossing the St. Lawrence River between Quebec City and Lévis. Completed in 1917, it holds the record for the longest cantilever span in the world and is a National Historic Site of Canada, represented by the Flag of Canada.

What it is

The Pont de Québec is a mixed-use rail and road cantilever bridge. It spans 987 m total with a main span of 549 m. The bridge carries railway traffic, including the Canadian National Railway, as well as vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Why it matters

It is an engineering landmark, holding the world record for longest cantilever span. Its construction overcame significant challenges, including two collapses, making it a symbol of Canadian engineering resilience.

Key details

The bridge was built between 1900 and 1917. It is 104 m tall. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1995. It is located in Quebec, a province that includes cities like Joliette.

In short

  • World's longest cantilever bridge with a span of 549 m.
  • Mixed-use rail and road bridge crossing the St. Lawrence River.
  • National Historic Site of Canada since 1995.
  • Total length of 987 m and height of 104 m.
Canadian angle

Le Pont de Québec est une infrastructure emblématique du Québec et un lieu historique national du Canada, souvent cité comme un jalon majeur de l’ingénierie canadienne.[4][6]

Quick questions

Where is the Pont de Québec?
It crosses the St. Lawrence River between Quebec City and Lévis, Quebec.
What type of bridge is it?
It is a cantilever steel bridge designed for rail and road traffic.
Why is it famous?
It holds the record for the longest cantilever span in the world.

Sources

  1. Gouvernement du Québec — https://www.patrimoine-culturel.gouv.qc.ca/detail.do?methode=consulter&id=105319&type=bien
    Supports: Localisation, type de pont, période de construction, usage actuel, dimensions générales.
  2. Gouvernement du Canada — https://www.canada.ca/fr/logement-infrastructures-collectivites/nouvelles/2021/04/saviez-vous-que.html
    Supports: Longueur totale, portée libre, désignation patrimoniale fédérale.
  3. Parcs Canada — https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_fra.aspx?id=851
    Supports: Description patrimoniale, dimensions, type cantilever, mise en service, statut de lieu historique national.
  4. Ville de Québec — https://www.ville.quebec.qc.ca/citoyens/patrimoine/archives/pages_histoire/pont_de_quebec.aspx
    Supports: Portée libre, statut de plus long pont cantilever, contexte historique.
  5. Gouvernement du Canada — https://www.canada.ca/fr/logement-infrastructures-collectivites/nouvelles/2019/08/lhistoire-du-pont-de-quebec.html
    Supports: Rôle de liaison entre les rives et usage continu pour le transport.
  6. Commission de toponymie du Québec — https://toponymie.gouv.qc.ca/ct/ToposWeb/fiche.aspx?no_seq=77087
    Supports: Nom officiel, gestion, localisation et description générale.