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Rivière-du-Loup

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Overview

Rivière-du-Loup is a city of 20,000 people (as of 2021) on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Southeastern Quebec. It has many historical buildings. It is a regional centre th

Wikivoyage guide · 15 sections

▸Introduction310 chars

▸Understand467 chars

Bureau d'Information Touristique, 189, Boulevard de l'Hotel-de-Ville, ☏ +1 418-862-1981, toll-free: +1-888-825-1981. Early Oct to late June: M-F 08:30-12:00 and 13:00-16:30; late June to mid-July: daily 08:30 to 18:00; late July to Aug: daily 08:30-19:00; early Sep to late September: M-F 08:30-16:30 and Sa Su 11:00-16:00; late September to early Oct: M-F 08:30-13:00 and 13:00-18:30, Sa Su 11:00-16:00. Tourist information in English and French. (updated Apr 2019)

▸History1,068 chars

The city was named after the nearby river, whose name means "Wolf's River" in French. This name may have come from a native tribe known as "Les Loups" or from the many seals, known in French as loups-marin (sea wolves), once found at the river's mouth.

Rivière-du-Loup was established in 1673 as the seigneurie of Sieur Charles-Aubert de la Chesnaye. The community was incorporated as the village of Fraserville, in honour of early Scottish settler Alexandre Fraser, in 1850, and became a city in 1910. The city reverted to its original name, Rivière-du-Loup, in 1919.

Facts

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage

Media

From Wikipedia864 words

Introduction

For other uses, see Rivière-du-Loup (disambiguation). City in Quebec, CanadaRivière-du-LoupCityDowntown Rivière-du-Loup FlagSealLocation within Rivière-du-Loup RCMRivière-du-LoupLocation in eastern QuebecCoordinates: 47°50′N 69°32′W / 47.833°N 69.533°W / 47.833; -69.533Country CanadaProvince QuebecRegionBas-Saint-LaurentRCMRivière-du-LoupSettled1850 as FraservilleConstitutedDecember 30, 1998Government • MayorMario Bastille • MPBernard Généreux (C) • MNAAmélie Dionne (C)Area • City138.40 km2 (53.44 sq mi) • Land83.74 km2 (32.33 sq mi) • Urban20.17 km2 (7.79 sq mi) • Metro543.02 km2 (209.66 sq mi)Population (2021) • City20,118 • Density240.2/km2 (622/sq mi) • Urban19,081 • Urban density945.8/km2 (2,450/sq mi) • Metro30,025 • Metro density55.3/km2 (143/sq mi) • Pop 2016-2021 3.1% • Dwellings10,045Time zoneUTC−5 (EST) • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)Postal code(s)G5RArea codes418 and 581Highways A-20 (TCH) A-85 (TCH) R-132 R-191 R-291Websitevillerdl.ca Rivière-du-Loup (French pronunciation: [ʁivjɛʁ dy lu]; 2021 population 20,118) is a small city on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec. The city is the seat for the Rivière-du-Loup Regional County Municipality and the judicial district of Kamouraska. It is one of the largest cities in Bas-Saint-Laurent.

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Between 1850 and 1919, the city's anglophone population grew dramatically. Most of them left the region by the 1950s. 1% of the population still speaks English as its first language.

In autumn of 1950, Rivière-du-Loup was the site of a nuclear accident. A USAF B-50 was returning a nuclear bomb to the USA. The bomb was released due to engine troubles, and then was destroyed in a non-nuclear detonation before it hit the ground. The explosion scattered nearly 100 pounds (45 kg) of uranium (U-238).

▸By car513 chars

Rivière-du-Loup is 200 km northeast of Quebec City (about two hours drive) at the junction of Autoroute 20 and Autoroute 85 / Route 185. Autoroute 20 is part of the Trans-Canada Highway between Longueuil and Rivière-du-Loup, enabling travel east from Montreal and Quebec City. Autoroute 85 (freeway) and Route 185 (non-freeway, being gradually replaced by Autoroute 85) is also part of the Trans-Canada Highway and enables travel from Atlantic Canada including Moncton in the adjacent province of New Brunswick.

▸By train514 chars

1 Rivière-du-Loup railway station (Gare de Rivière-du-Loup), 615 rue Lafontaine. (updated Aug 2020) Train operator:

VIA Rail Canada, toll-free: +1-888-842-7245. Operates train routes across Canada. (updated Mar 2022) Operates The Ocean route between Halifax and Montreal, including stops in Moncton and Sainte-Foy (near Quebec City. Operates three trips per direction per week. A shuttle between train stations in Sainte-Foy and in Quebec City is available for The Ocean trains, but must be reserved in advance.

▸By bus951 chars

Maritime Bus, toll-free: +1-800-575-1807, info@maritimebus.com. Operates intercity buses in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. (updated Apr 2022) It is possible to transfer at Campbellton, NB, which is a 4.5 km taxi ride from the bus stop in Pointe-à-la-Croix, QC. Service from Pointe-à-la-Croix to Rivière-du-Loup via Orléans Express (see below.)

Orléans Express, ☏ +1-450-640-1477, toll-free: +1-833-449-6444. Operates bus routes within Quebec and to Ottawa. (updated Apr 2022) Operates two trips per day in each direction between Quebec City and Rimouski including stops in Rivière-du-Loup and Trois-Pistoles. Same day transfers to and from Montreal are available via Quebec City. Same day transfers to and from Pointe-à-la-Croix, Gaspé, and Percé are available via Rimouski. Travel time to Rivière-du-Loup from Montreal is 5.25-6 hours, from Quebec City is 2.5-3 hours, from Rimouski is 1.5 hours, and from Gaspé is 9 hours.

▸By boat587 chars

2 Traverse Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon (Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon Ferry), 199, rue Hayward, Rivière-du-Loup, ☏ +1 418-862-5094. 100-car seasonal ferry, operating daily from Easter (March or April) to early January. The ferry crosses the St. Lawrence River between Rivière-du-Loup and Saint-Siméon (1 hour 5 minutes). The ferry has lunch counter, and during high season only has an on-board restaurant. Depending on the season, there are 2 to 4 round trips per day. $21/adult, $14.10/child (7-12), $19.10/senior (65+), free for children 6 and under, $49.90/vehicle (up to 6.4 m long).

▸By plane92 chars

3 Rivière-du-Loup Airport (YRI IATA). Charter and private aircraft only. (updated Apr 2019)

▸See789 chars

Musee du Bas Saint-Laurent, 300 Rue Saint-Pierre, ☏ +1 418-862-7547. Sep-Jun: Tu-Su 13:00-17:00; Jun-Aug: Daily 09:00-17:00. The museum has built one of the largest collections of old photographs in Canada: more than a dozen photographic collections, containing nearly 250,000 images. This major visual heritage mainly covers the first half of the 20th century. Topics such as transportation, daily life, events, architecture or public life are illustrated, as are the highlights experienced by the population of Eastern Quebec. The museum also has objects relating to the Euro-Quebec culture and some important collections of artifacts relating to the work of metal and wood. Adult $7, student $5, child under 12 free if accompanied, family $18 (plus applicable taxes). (updated Apr 2019)

▸Do1,220 chars

The city offers a number of outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, cycling and whale watching.

Parc des Chutes (Falls Park) (a few steps from Lafontaine Street). 33 m waterfall, 9 km of footpaths, a training circuit in the silence of the woods. In winter, a system of freezing rock walls is used for ice climbing activities. Two bridges provide access to both banks of the River. One is at the bottom of the waterfall, and the other at the top for a view of the fall. Parking is available at both entrances. (updated Apr 2019)

Ile aux Lievres, 8 km off Rivière-du-Loup (board the passenger boat, Le Petit Lièvre, at the Rivière-du-Loup Marina), ☏ +1 418-867-1660, toll-free: +1-877-867-1660. June-September. The island has a vast and diverse network of hiking trails (45 km) ranging in difficulty from novice to expert. Accommodation: inn ($195-265 per person including 3 meals, $160 for additional nights), cottages for 2-6 people ($200-375 per night), camping ($40 for up to 4 people per night, 3rd night is free), taxes extra. Round-trip boat crossing: adult $48, child 0-12 $26, taxes not included. (updated Apr 2019)

LNAH hockey. The Rivière-du-Loup 3L play at Centre Premier Tech. (updated Nov 2021)

▸Buy595 chars

The main shopping district is along rue La Fontaine between Laval and Ste. Anne.

Centre commercial Rivière-du-Loup, 298 Boulevard Armand-Thériault. M-W 09:30 to 17:30, The 09:30-21:00, Sa 09:00-17:00, Su 12:00-17:00. Shopping mall with about 64 shops and restaurants, including Giant Tiger discount store. (updated Apr 2019)

Marché Public Lafontaine (Lafontaine public market), Carré Dubé, rue Lafontaine. Mid-June to mid-Oct: every Saturday 10:00-15:00. Local produce and prepared foods. Local meats, maple products, honey, wine. Parking area facing 508 to 520 Lafontaine. (updated Apr 2019)

▸Eat746 chars

Resto-Cafe L'Innocent, 460, rue Lafontaine, ☏ +1 418-862-1937. Tu 11:00 - 16:00, W-F 11:00 - 21:00, Sa 08:00 - 21:00, Su 08:00 - 16:00. Fusion, vegetarian friendly, vegan options, gluten-free options. (updated Apr 2019)

Restaurant Le Saint-Patrice, 169, rue Fraser, ☏ +1 418-862-9895. M-F 11:30-14:00, 17:00-21:00; Sa 17:00-21:30; Su 17:00-20:00. Regional gastronomic cuisine. Lunch mains $15-23, 3-course meal $39. (updated Apr 2019)

L'estaminet Resto-pub, 299, Rue Lafontaine, ☏ +1 418-867-4517. M-W 07:00-23:00, Th 07:00-00:00, F 07:00-01:00, Sa 08:00-01:00, Su 08:00-23:00. Breakfast (waffles, pancakes, Benedictines, morning pizza), lunch and dinner (pizzas, steaks, burgers, salads). Mains $15-30, 3-course meal $19-22. (updated Apr 2019)

▸Drink141 chars

Pub O'farfadet, 298 boul. Armand Theriault. M Tu 07:00-21:00, W 07:00-23:00, Th-Sa 07:00-01:00, Su 08:00-21:00. Irish pub. (updated Apr 2019)

▸Sleep1,428 chars

Auberge Internationale de Rivière-du-Loup, 46, rue Hôtel-de-ville, ☏ +1 418-862-7566. Hostel affiliated with Hostelling International. Will arrange trips to some local parks. Internet access, laundry and meal service. $30 (dorm), $66 (double room, shared bath), $88 (family room, private bath); HI members receive $4 discount. (updated Apr 2019)

Motel Au Vieux Piloteux, 185 Rue Fraser, ☏ +1 418-867-2635, toll-free: +1-866-433-3330. Free Wi-Fi and parking, pool, non-smoking hotel, pets allowed (fee), wheelchair access, air conditioning, refrigerator in room. From $78. (updated Apr 2019)

Hotel Levesque, 171 Fraser St, ☏ +1 418-862-6927, toll-free: +1-800-463-1236. Free Wi-Fi and parking, pool, fitness centre, bar/lounge, spa, restaurant, air conditioning, refrigerator in room, family rooms. From $120. (updated Apr 2019)

Phare du Pot a l'Eau-de-Vie (Brandy Pot Island Lighthouse), 200 rue Hayward, ☏ +1 418-867-1660, toll-free: +1-877-867-1660. Mid-June through September. The three small islands of the archipelago support thousands of sea birds. Built on a rocky outcrop in 1861-1862, the lighthouse has been restored and turned into a cozy inn. Hiking is available trails once the birds have completed nesting in early July. No pets. Only three rooms, so booking is essential. Double $170-265 per person, single $210-285, includes boat trip, tour, dinner and brunch, access to the lighthouse. (updated Apr 2019)

▸Go next155 chars

Tadoussac and Saint-Siméon on the north shore are reachable by ferry.

The Atlantic Ocean is within reach via New Brunswick or from Québec's Gaspé Peninsula

[edit] The city was named after the nearby river, whose name means Wolf's River in French. This name may have come from a native tribe known as "Les Loups" ("The Wolves") or from the many seals, known in French as loup-marin (sea wolves), once found at the river's mouth. Rivière-du-Loup was established in 1673 as the seigneurie of Sieur Charles-Aubert de la Chesnaye. The community was incorporated as the village of Fraserville, in honour of early Scottish settler Alexander Fraser, in 1850, and became a city in 1910. The city reverted to its original name, Rivière-du-Loup, in 1919. Between 1850 and 1919, the city saw large increases in its anglophone population. Most of them left the region by the 1950s. Only 1% of the population still speaks English as its first language.[as of?] In fall of 1950 Rivière-du-Loup was the site of a nuclear accident. A United States Air Force B-50 was returning a nuclear bomb to the United States. The bomb was released due to engine troubles, and then was destroyed in a non-nuclear detonation before it hit the ground. The explosion scattered nearly 100 pounds (45 kg) of uranium (U-238).

Demographics

[edit] In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Rivière-du-Loup had a population of 20,118 living in 9,482 of its 10,045 total private dwellings, a change of 3.1% from its 2016 population of 19,507. With a land area of 83.74 km2 (32.33 sq mi), it had a population density of 240.2/km2 (622.2/sq mi) in 2021.

Arts and culture

[edit] Notable events in the city include the annual Festival Vues dans la tête de... film festival. It is also the birthplace of Raymond Goulet, author of the first Quebec novel showcasing trans themes.

Infrastructure

[edit] Rue LaFontaine is an important commercial street in Rivière-du-Loup. Rivière-du-Loup is a traditional stopping point between Quebec City, the Maritimes and the Gaspé Peninsula. The Trans-Canada Highway turns south here, transferring from Autoroute 20 to Autoroute 85 and continuing southwards to Edmundston, New Brunswick. There is a ferry that crosses the river (fleuve St Laurent) to Saint-Siméon on the north shore. The city is also served by the Rivière-du-Loup Airport (IATA airport code YRI). The town can also be reached by Via Rail on the train named The Ocean, between Montreal and Halifax.

Media

[edit] Television[edit] Rivière-du-Loup is an unusual television market, as each of its stations has two transmitters in the city. The city's hilly terrain causes residents of the lower, western portions of the city to experience frequent signal dropout. That makes it all but impossible for a television station to serve the entire area with a single transmitter. Accordingly, each station in the city has both a primary transmitter and a "nested" low-power rebroadcaster to serve viewers in the western part of the city who cannot receive the primary signal. Until August 2021, the city was served by Canada's only triple-stick operation, in which all three of its licensed stations are owned by the same company, Télé Inter-Rives. This would be pared down to a twin-stick following the closedown of CKRT-DT in August 2021. OTA virtual channel (PSIP) OTA actual channel Vidéotron Cable Call sign Network Notes 9.1 9 (VHF) 4 CIMT-DT TVA Maintains low-power rebroadcaster on UHF channel 41 29.1 29 (UHF) 5 CFTF-DT Noovo Maintains low-power rebroadcaster on VHF channel 11 Defunct station: OTA virtual channel (PSIP) OTA actual channel Vidéotron Cable Call sign Network Notes 7.1 7 (VHF) 10 CKRT-DT Ici Radio-Canada Télé Maintained low-power rebroadcaster on VHF channel 13 Rivière-du-Loup is a mandatory market for digital television conversion; Télé Inter-Rives converted all of its transmitters to digital prior to the deadline of August 30, 2011. Unlike most larger cities in Quebec, Rivière-du-Loup has no local Télé-Québec outlet, though Rimouski's CIVB-DT is available on the Vidéotron system in Rivière-du-Loup. Following the closedown of CKRT-DT, Radio-Canada would be seen on Vidéotron from CJBR-DT Rimouski. Radio[edit] FM 89.5 - CJBR-FM-1, Ici Radio-Canada Première FM 90.7 - CBRX-FM-3, Ici Musique FM 103.7 - CIEL-FM, AC FM 107.1 - CIBM-FM, CHR FM 107.9 - CIBM-FM-1 (local CIBM rebroadcaster) Panorama of Rivière-du-Loup's skyline

Notable people

[edit] Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, had a summer home in Rivière-du-Loup. People born there include: Danielle April, artist Joseph Jean Benoit, 31st Canadian Surgeon General Leila Beaudoin, professional boxer Raymond Goulet, dancer and writer Nicolas Dickner, writer Dr. John McLoughlin, known as "the father of Oregon" Louis-Philippe Picard, member of the House of Commons of Canada Maurice Arthur Pope, soldier and diplomat Alex Belzile, professional hockey player Allan Sirois, professional hockey player Alexandre-Antonin Taché, first Archbishop of Saint Boniface