In 1634, when French colonists founded Trois-Rivières at the confluence of the St. Maurice and St. Lawrence rivers, they established what would become the second-oldest city in New France—and a stronghold of Catholic faith that has endured for four centuries. The Cathedral of the Assumption, seat of a diocese since 1852, rises above the old town, its twin spires marking the heart of this historic community.
Trois-Rivières served as a launching point for missionaries heading into the Canadian wilderness. From here, Jesuit priests paddled up the St. Maurice River to evangelize Indigenous peoples. The city produced martyrs and saints—including Father Pierre-Joseph-Marie Chaumonot, whose cause for canonization has been introduced. The nearby National Shrine at Cap-de-la-Madeleine draws over a million pilgrims annually.
For pilgrims, Trois-Rivières offers an encounter with historic French Canadian Catholicism—the Church that shaped a people's identity through conquest, industrialization, and modernity.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
Trois-Rivières was founded as a fur trading post in 1634, the same year the Jesuit missions to the Huron country began. The city's name comes from the islands at the mouth of the St. Maurice River, which divide the river into three channels. A chapel was built immediately; the Recollet and Jesuit fathers served the settlement.
The Diocese of Trois-Rivières was established in 1852, carved from the vast Diocese of Québec. The current cathedral, designed by Victor Bourgeau, was completed in 1858 and expanded in subsequent decades. The city's religious heritage includes the Ursuline convent (1697) and numerous historic parishes.
Trois-Rivières has particular significance as the gateway to the National Shrine at Cap-de-la-Madeleine, just 10 km to the east. The city serves as a base for pilgrims visiting the shrine of Our Lady of the Cape.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Trois-Rivières
Cathedral of the Assumption
The seat of the Diocese of Trois-Rivières
This 19th-century cathedral features twin spires, stained glass windows depicting biblical and local history, and an ornate high altar. The cathedral was restored in the early 21st century, preserving its historic character.
Monastère des Ursulines de Trois-Rivières
A historic Ursuline foundation still active today
The Ursulines established their monastery in 1697 and have maintained a continuous presence for over three centuries. The chapel is open to visitors; the archives contain documents essential to Québec history.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of the Assumption — August 15
The patronal feast of the cathedral, celebrated with solemn Mass.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Cap-de-la-Madeleine — Summer
Organized diocesan pilgrimages to the nearby national shrine.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Delta Hotels Trois-Rivières ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Full-service hotel in the city center. Reserve this hotel
Le Manoir Deblois ⭐⭐⭐ — Historic bed and breakfast in old town. Reserve this hotel
Super 8 Trois-Rivières ⭐⭐ — Budget option near the highway. Reserve this hotel
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is 140 km southwest. Québec City Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) is 130 km northeast.
By Train: VIA Rail stops in Trois-Rivières on the Montréal-Québec City corridor.
By Bus: Orléans Express serves Trois-Rivières from Montréal and Québec City.
By Car: Highway 40 (Trans-Canada) runs through Trois-Rivières. Take Exit 199 or 201 for the city center.
🔗 Useful Links
Diocese of Trois-Rivières — Diocesan information and parish directory.
Tourism Trois-Rivières — Visitor information.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Cap-de-la-Madeleine (10 km east) — National Shrine of Our Lady of the Cape.
Québec City (130 km northeast) — Notre-Dame Basilica and birthplace of Canadian Catholicism.
Montréal (140 km southwest) — St. Joseph's Oratory.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"The Mother of God has never ceased to obtain spiritual benefits in those who, with faith and devotion, come here to pray." — Pope Francis, Visit to Loreto, March 25, 2019
