Sometimes, all it takes is a simple walk to travel back in time. That’s exactly the feeling I had while taking part in Récits de berges, an activity offered by Boréalis along the trails of the Île Saint-Quentin. As a communications and marketing officer, I often get the chance to experience our activities from behind the scenes, but this one truly stood out.
A journey through time along the river
From the very first steps, the tone is set: bundle up, breathe in the crisp river air, and let yourself be carried away by the stories shared by our guide, Jean-Philippe Marcotte. If you’ve ever heard him tell stories around a Story telling by the fire or during the Tour de l’île, you already know how much passion and enthusiasm he brings to every activity.
Using archival photos and a viewing device, he walks us through the evolution of the Saint-Maurice River shoreline, from the 1960s to today. Each stop becomes a small window into the past. We learn how the riverbanks were used over the decades, how people gathered and lived around them, and just how central the river has always been to life in Trois-Rivières. And yes—even in the 1960s, people were already gathering on the beach at Île Saint-Quentin to enjoy the sun.
A lively and interactive walk
Ce que j’ai le plus apprécié de cette activité, c’est son aspect interactif. Jean-Philippe est un guide généreux et attentif, toujours prêt à répondre aux questions ou à écouter les souvenirs des participant.e.s. Lors de ma visite, certaines personnes ont même partagé leurs propres anecdotes liées à la rivière ou à l’Île Saint-Quentin, créant ainsi une vraie conversation collective.
Que vous soyez amateur.trice d’histoire ou simplement curieux.se d’en apprendre plus sur Trois-Rivières, est une activité à ne pas manquer. En famille, entre amis ou même en solo, c’est l’occasion parfaite de redécouvrir Trois-Rivières sous un nouveau regard, tout en prenant une bouffée d’air frais.
What I appreciated most about this activity was how interactive it felt. Jean-Philippe is a generous and attentive guide, always ready to answer questions or listen to participants’ memories. During my visit, some people even shared their own stories connected to the river or Île Saint-Quentin, turning the walk into a real collective conversation.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious to learn more about Trois-Rivières, Récits de berges is an experience not to miss. With family, friends, or even on your own, it’s the perfect opportunity to rediscover the city from a new perspective while enjoying some fresh air.
And one quick tip before you go: dress warmly!
And one quick tip before you go: dress warmly!
To get a better sense of the experience, check out my vlog about the activity.
* All the informations, details and vlog about the activity are in french.
