Where to Stay in Trois-Rivières, Canada – A Guide to This Quebec City
Trois-Rivières is a river port city in Quebec. Located in the south of the province 140 km northeast of Montreal, at the confluence of the Saint-Maurice and Saint Lawrence rivers, Trois-Rivières is famous for being the second-oldest city in Quebec, its industrial heritage and French-inspired architecture. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Trois-Rivières, QC.
Its lovely architecture, central location (it’s practically halfway between the tourist centres of Montreal and Quebec City), and great connectivity make Trois-Rivières a perfect stopping point on a route around Quebec.
The most popular tourist attractions in Central Trois-Rivières are located in its Vieille Ville (Old Town) and include the Old Prison (Vieille prison de Trois-Rivières), Musée des Ursulines, Centre d’Exposition Raymond-Lasnier, Galerie d’art du Parc, the Assumption Cathedral and Harbourfront Park. See accommodation in Trois-Rivières City Centre.
Other unmissable attractions in Trois-Rivières, QC include the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Shrine, Parc De L’Ile Saint-Quentin and Musée Boréalis.
Due to its location in southern Quebec, Trois-Rivières has a humid continental climate. This translates into four very distinct seasons with extreme variations between summer and winter temperatures and conditions. In Trois-Rivières, summers are usually hot, with temperatures typically ranging between 15 and 25 ºC. On the other hand, winters are long, snowy and icy, with January temperatures sometimes dropping to -17 C staying on subzero levels until the spring. The best time to visit Trois-Rivières is from late spring to early fall (May through October). During these months, temperatures are high enough to enjoy outdoor activities and visit the city’s natural spaces.
To get to Trois-Rivières by air, the city is best served by the Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). Located 100 km away, this airport offers connections to several domestic destinations (including Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto), international flights to some US cities (Chicago, New York, Orlando and Miami) and France (Paris-Charles de Gaulle). YQB also has a wide range of seasonal flights to holiday resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. For a wider range of destinations, Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is located 150 km away.
Trois-Rivières is not currently connected by the VIA Rail network. That said, the city is well-connected through a network of long-distance buses to other cities in Quebec and eastern Canada. See bus routes, schedules & fares.
To move around town, Trois-Rivières has a public transport system consisting of several bus routes. The city also offers regular taxis and mobile apps like Uber, and you can choose to rent a car during your stay.
The best area to stay in Trois-Rivières is Vieille Ville (Old Town). Trois-Rivières’s City Centre is home to historical architecture, the main cultural attractions, museums and incredible river views. The City Centre is also where the best hotels, nightlife venues and restaurants are located. See accommodation in Trois-Rivières City Centre.
Other great areas to keep in mind when choosing the best location in Trois-Rivières for tourists include Trois-Rivières Ouest, Cap-de-la-Madeleine and the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières area.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Trois-Rivières, QC.
The Best Areas to Stay in Trois-Rivières, Quebec
1. Recommended area: Vieille Ville & Trois-Rivières City Centre
The Vieille Ville, also known as Vieux-Trois-Rivières or Trois-Rivières Heritage Site is located at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Saint-Maurice rivers. This area, the site of the foundation of Trois-Rivières by French colonists in 1634, is home to the city’s most prominent cultural and historic landmarks.
Harbourfront Park, located on the Old Town’s southern edge offers a riverside promenade with breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, the port and the Laviolette Bridge, the unofficial icon of Trois-Rivières.
Further inland, right at the centre of the Trois-Rivières historic quarter, the fantastic Musée des Ursulines, one of the oldest buildings in the city, offers a collection of artifacts, paintings and sculptures dating back from the 16th century to our days. Nearby, the Parc Art Gallery offers contemporary art housed in a heritage building.
St. James’ Church is a small, quaint church dating back to the 18th century. Make sure to check their event schedule to catch one of the many intimate concerts held here year-round.
Museé Boréalis, located within the walls of an old factory on the eastern edge of town right next to the Saint-Maurice River, is a must-visit attraction to discover the history of the paper industry through fascinating exhibits.
Rue Bonaventure is home to Manoir Boucher de Niverville, a great example of French colonial architecture in New France. The oldest building in Trois-Rivières, this manor features a garden, guided tours and an exhibition on Trifluvian archeology.
Dominated by a magnificent dome and housed in the imposing granite building of the Séminaire Saint-Joseph de Trois-Rivières, the Pierre-Boucher Museum is home to a collection of 27,000 artifacts and works of art.
Nearby, the Assumption Cathedral is the headquarters of the Diocese of Trois-Rivières in Canada since the 19th century. The work of Montreal architect Victor Bourgeau, the Gothic Revival-inspired cathedral is inspired by New York’s Trinity Church. The stained glass windows are Guido Nincheri’s masterpiece, ranked among the finest in North America.
Opened in 1822, the Vieille prison de Trois-Rivières was the oldest functioning prison in Canada before it closed in 1986. Listed as a historic monument, it now welcomes visitors.
Moving around Trois-Rivières City Centre is pretty straightforward. The city’s Old Town is compact and pedestrian-friendly enough that you can just move around on foot. To reach other districts, there’s always the city’s extensive bus network and taxis.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Near the university
- Best area for business travellers
- Historical attractions
- Good transport connections
- Nice views of the river
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Motel Bellefeuille
Motel Bellefeuille offers rooms with exotic wood floors in Trois-Rivières, just 5 minutes from the centre and within walking distance of the Cogeco Amphitheatre.
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Budget
Chaleureux Foyer en Ville
Located in Trois-Rivières, 1 km from Cathedral of the Assumption and 1.1 km from Trois-Rivieres Old Prison, Chaleureux Foyer en Ville offers free WiFi and air conditioning.
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Luxury
Hotel Oui Go
Hotel Oui Go is located in Trois-Rivières, 200 metres from Manoir Boucher de Niverville, and features views of the city. This 4-star hotel has a shared lounge and rooms.
2. Trois-Rivières Ouest (West Trois-Rivières)
Trois-Rivières Ouest is a former city located between the river and Highway 40, in Pointe du Lac.
With a quiet environment, this area is home to natural and tourist attractions.
Trois-Rivières Ouest (which translates to “West Trois-Rivières”) is 4 km southwest of the city centre.
this quiet, suburban area stands out for its tree-lined streets and pretty houses. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in the city.
Trois-Rivières Ouest is an area especially recommended for those who enjoy nature, as it several designated areas for hiking.
Parc Laviolette, located next to the city’s famous bridge, offers great views of the river and the iconic structure.
Trois-Rivières Ouest has a few attractions such as the historic Tonnacour Mill or Pont du Lac Mill, and the Dugré Gardens.
This area is connected to the rest of the city via Trois-Rivières’s bus network.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Peaceful area
- Natural attractions
- Pointe du Lac
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel-Motel Coconut
This Quebec hotel is located 3 miles from downtown Trois-Rivieres. It offers rooms with cable TV and has a pool table, a restaurant and a bar.
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Budget
Motel Populaire
There is a microwave and ice machine in the hallway for guest use. Populaire Motel has a terrace. There is a bike path less than 1 km away.
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Luxury
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Trois Rivieres Ouest
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Trois is located in Trois-Rivières, less than 1 km from Parc Laviolette and 3 km from Parc Pie-XII. Rivieres Ouest offers accommodation with a shared lounge.
3. Cap-de-la-Madeleine
Cap-de-la-Madeleine is another former city (now a Trois-Rivières district) located north of the city centre, across the Saint-Maurice River.
This area is home to the famous Notre-Dame-du-Cap Basilica, one of the most important Catholic temples in Canada.
Other attractions in Cap-de-la-Madelaine include the historic Maison Rocheleau and wildlife centre Monsieur Reptile.
Île Saint-Quentin, at the confluence of the Saint-Maurice River and Saint Lawrence River, offers a lovely park and a river beach.
Cap-de-la-Madeleine offers different types of accommodation for all budgets.
This area is also connected to the rest of the city through public transport.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Notre-Dame-du-Cap Basilica
- St-Quentin Island
4. Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières area
The area around the Université du Quebec a Trois-Rivières offers a dynamic and youthful atmosphere, thanks to the many university students who live nearby.
The main campus of the Université du Quebec a Trois-Rivières is located in Sainte-Marguerite, a couple of kilometres west of the Old Town.
This area includes the University Stadium, the Trois Rivières Racecourse and the Moulin à vent de Trois-Rivières (a historic windmill).
Around here, you’ll also find entertainment venues, beer halls with live music, cafés, restaurants and lots of urban art.
Not far, you’ll find the Centre commercial Les Rivières, one of the most popular malls in town offering several shops, restaurants and attractions.
Being the city’s main university area, several bus lines connect the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières to the rest of the city and beyond.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Good area for family trips
- Cheap hotels
- Near the city centre
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