The St. Lawrence River, emblem of Canada

The St. Lawrence River is one of Canada's most emblematic natural monuments. The 1,197 km-long river flows through Quebec's three largest cities: Quebec City, Trois-Rivières and Montreal. Since the beginning of Quebec's history, the St. Lawrence River has played a key role in the development of the cities and the country. A major trade artery for Canada, it has developed in parallel with the Canadian economy.

The St. Lawrence River begins its course above Quebec City, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where the French archipelago of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon is located. As it flows south, it crosses the Quebec border and plunges into Lake Ontario, in Canada's Great Lakes region. The St Lawrence estuary is the largest in the world, measuring 48 kilometres wide and 370 kilometres long.

It was Jacques Cartier, the famous French explorer who discovered much of Quebec, who named the St. Lawrence River. He decided to give it this name because he arrived there on the feast day of Lorenzo of Rome. However, long before the Europeans arrived in Canada, the First Peoples had already named the river "the river that walks".

Later, the river was used as an artery for inland exploration of North America. The St. Lawrence is the direct connection between Quebec's two largest cities. As a result, it is an important commercial artery for the Quebec economy.

Tourists and Quebecers alike can enjoy an impressive array of activities on the St. Lawrence River.

Boat cruises from Montreal

From the trendy city of Montreal, AML organises surprising and enjoyable cruises. Brunch cruises, historical cruises, romantic dinner cruises, etc. There are cruises for all types of trips and travellers. You can rely on the reliable AML team to make sure you have an exquisite time. Find out about the different cruises departing from Montreal and the fares on the AML website.

Observe Canada's majestic whales

From Tadoussac on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, a number of companies offer you the magical experience of admiring whales. We set off with AML, which offers cruises of all kinds on the river. In the morning, you leave before 10 a.m. for a boat trip lasting around 3 hours.

As well as the magnificent scenery that northern Canada has to offer, you'll have the chance to see some majestic creatures: whales. From May to October, pods of humpback and blue whales come to refresh themselves in the waters of the St Lawrence. Find out more about cruise prices on the AML website.

Visit Île d'Orléans in Quebec City

In the north, near Quebec City, a small island 34 kilometres long floats in the St. Lawrence River. Accessible by boat or bridge from Quebec City, Île d'Orléans was one of the first territories conquered by European settlers. Here, time seems to have stood still. The stone houses of the era still stand proudly, and the native forest seems untouched by man's damage to nature. All around the island, you can go hiking, stop off at the island's pubs and restaurants, and even stay overnight in this atypical island setting.

Parc Saint-Quentin in Trois-Rivières for a peaceful day on the banks of the river

Trois-Rivières lies between Montreal and Quebec City. The city, which is slightly less touristy than its neighbours, is nonetheless a little Quebec gem, with museums, an interesting historical heritage and architecture that reminds us that Trois-Rivières was the second city to be colonised by Europeans.

As well as being an exciting city, Trois-Rivières boasts an impressive nature park on the St. Lawrence River. Set in a small archipelago, the island of Saint-Quentin is home to a nature park teeming with beaches, century-old trees and hiking trails. It's a place where Quebecers come to kayak, enjoy a picnic or admire the scenery. Admission costs $5.50.

Visit the three cities on the banks of the St Lawrence

If you're not keen on waterways and boat trips, the cities on the banks of the river are exceptional. Montreal is trendy, young and dynamic. Quebec City, the capital, is impressive and majestic, while Trois-Rivières is calm and restful, yet interesting.