Early in the 16th century Basque whalers sailed into the estuary and lower reaches of the St Lawrence River and found the
shores inhabited by Iroquoian tribes.
In 1535 Jacques Cartier, in his quest for the Northwest passage to Asia, explored the St
Lawrence all the way to present day Montreal, and spent a harsh winter at the Iroquois settlement of Stadacona.
Quebec
City was founded in 1608 near this site and soon French settlements sprung up all along the fertile banks of the St Lawrence
River. The Brits may have defeated the French in 1759 and taken over Canada, the cities and villages along the river,including
Quebec City, still are very much French.
Just north of the city are the Montmorency Falls, an impressive waterfall
located immediately at the river.
The rushing waters of the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River have carved a deep and steep gorge near the
town of Beaupré. Called the Canyon Sante Anne the site provides spectacular views of waterfalls, cascades
and potholes, all accessable via suspension footbridges.
Baie St Paul is the hometown of Cirque du Soliel but is best
known for the colorful art galeries and musea along the Rue Saint Jean Baptiste.
North of Quebec City the St Lawrence
widens considerably and the only way to cross the river is by boat.
The ferry between Riviere du Loup and Saint Simeon covers
the distance of 27 km in about one hour during which you may see beluga whales and other wildlife.
