Explore the ruins of North America's first industrial ironworks, a National Historic Site where furnaces roared from 1730 to 1883. An expert Parks Canada interpreter brings this extraordinary piece of New France history vividly to life.
What to expect
Parks Canada interpreters guide you through the remains of the blast furnace, the forge complex, and the workers' village that once housed over 100 families in the wilderness north of Trois-Rivières. Interactive demonstrations of period iron-casting techniques and first-person costumed interpretation make the colonial industrial world startlingly tangible. The forested site along the Saint-Maurice River is beautiful in its own right, with trails connecting the key structures. Few visitors realise this was once the most technologically advanced site in all of New France.
Good to know
Located approximately 8 km north of the Old Port — a short taxi or rideshare trip (about 15 min). Allow 2–2.5 hours. Book Parks Canada admission online or pay on arrival; summer months can be busy so morning visits are recommended. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the outdoor archaeological paths.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Troisrivieres — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.