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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Civic Brief • Canada Notes

Trois-Rivières

Trois-Rivières is a city in Quebec, Canada, located in the Mauricie region at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Trois-Rivières is a city in Quebec, Canada, and the regional capital of the Mauricie region. It sits on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River, roughly halfway between Montreal and Quebec City.

What it is

Trois-Rivières is one of the oldest permanent settlements in Canada, founded by French colonists in 1634 and incorporated as a city in 1857. Its name refers to the three channels near the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River. The city serves as the economic and cultural hub of the Mauricie region, with a deepwater port, industrial base, and historic heritage sites.

Key details

The city covers an area of 289.32 km², expanded in 2002 when surrounding communities were merged into Trois-Rivières. Its 2021 population was 139,163, up from 134,413 in 2016. The city is located at the confluence of the Saint-Maurice and Saint Lawrence rivers, making it a strategic point along the St. Lawrence corridor.

Why it matters

Trois-Rivières is a major Quebec city and the administrative centre of Mauricie, contributing to Canadian history, Francophone culture, and the regional economy. Its age and location make it a key reference point in the settlement and development of New France and modern Canada.

In short

  • Founded in 1634, one of Canada's oldest settlements.
  • Regional capital of Mauricie, halfway between Montreal and Quebec City.
  • Population 139,163 (2021 census), area 289.32 km².
  • Named after three channels at the Saint-Maurice River mouth.
Canadian angle

Trois-Rivières is a major Quebec city and the regional capital of Mauricie, making it relevant to Canadian history, Francophone culture, and the St. Lawrence corridor.

Quick questions

Where is Trois-Rivières?
Trois-Rivières is in Quebec, Canada, on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River.
What is Trois-Rivières known for?
It is known as one of the oldest cities in Canada, as the regional capital of Mauricie, and as an economic and cultural centre with a strong industrial and heritage profile.
What is the population of Trois-Rivières?
Its population was 139,163 in the 2021 census.

Sources

  1. Wikipédia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trois-Rivi%C3%A8res
    Supports: Location in Quebec, at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River, population in 2021, capital of Mauricie.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trois-Rivi%C3%A8res
    Supports: City status, location at confluence of Saint-Maurice and Saint Lawrence rivers, founding date, merger in 2002.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Trois-Rivieres
    Supports: City in southern Quebec, location, founding in 1634, historical and economic significance, 2021 population.
  4. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/fr/article/trois-rivieres
    Supports: City in Quebec, population, regional capital, location, origin of the name.
  5. VoyageCanada.fr — https://www.voyagecanada.fr/guide-canada/destination/trois-rivieres
    Supports: Visitor-oriented description of what to do and cultural/patrimonial highlights.