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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Field Notes • Canada Places

Rimouski

Rimouski is a city in eastern Quebec, Canada, located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence Estuary at the mouth of the Rimouski River.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Rimouski is a city in eastern Quebec, Canada, located on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence Estuary. It serves as the regional capital of Bas-Saint-Laurent and is known for its maritime setting, educational institutions, and historic sites.

What it is

Rimouski is the largest urban centre in the Lower St. Lawrence region, with a population of 48,935 as of 2021. It lies at the mouth of the Rimouski River, about 300 km downstream of Quebec City. The city was incorporated in 1963 after a devastating fire in 1950 prompted rebuilding.

Why it matters

Rimouski is the regional capital of Bas-Saint-Laurent and a key transportation and service hub for the Lower St. Lawrence and Gaspésie areas. Its economy and identity are tied to the St. Lawrence River, supporting maritime activity, marine research, and higher education through institutions like the Université du Québec and a marine institute.

Key details

The area was first settled in 1696 after a land grant in 1688. Today, Rimouski offers museums, historic sites, and outdoor tourism near destinations like Le Bic and Pointe-au-Père. Its motto is 'Legi patrum fidelis' (Faithful to the law of our fathers).

In short

  • Rimouski is the regional capital of Bas-Saint-Laurent in eastern Quebec.
  • Population was 48,935 in 2021.
  • Economy centres on maritime activity, education, and marine research.
  • Known for museums, historic sites, and access to outdoor recreation.
Canadian angle

Rimouski is a notable regional city in Quebec and an important centre for the lower St. Lawrence region, with significance in education, maritime activity, and tourism for Canadian readers.

Quick questions

Where is Rimouski?
Rimouski is in eastern Quebec, Canada, on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence Estuary at the mouth of the Rimouski River.
What is Rimouski known for?
Rimouski is known for its maritime location, regional capital role, museums, historic sites, and educational and marine research institutions.
How many people live in Rimouski?
Rimouski had a population of 48,935 in the 2021 census.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rimouski
    Supports: City location in Quebec, Bas-Saint-Laurent region, mouth of the Rimouski River, 2021 population, motto, and distance from Quebec City.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Rimouski
    Supports: Geography, founding history, 1950 fire, economy, educational institutions, archbishopric, and city status.
  3. Council of Europe — https://www.coe.int/en/web/interculturalcities/rimouski
    Supports: Largest urban centre in the Lower St. Lawrence region and nearly 50,000 residents.
  4. Bonjour Québec — https://www.bonjourquebec.com/en/where-to-go/regions-of-quebec/bas-saint-laurent/rimouski
    Supports: Regional capital, coastline, river connection, museums, historic sites, and activities.
  5. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgbAS0sG_cU
    Supports: Universidade du Québec à Rimouski, Cégep de Rimouski, Institut maritime du Québec, and ocean sciences research centres.