Trois-Rivières, QC

Named for the three river channels near the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Saint-Maurice rivers, Trois-Rivières hums with old-world charm. The city’s compact downtown, filled with brick façades and street art, feels like a place where time pauses just long enough to enjoy the moment, whether that’s sipping coffee near the port or wandering a riverside trail. Living here means balancing a relaxed rhythm with easy access to local shops, festivals, and quiet corners by the water. Trois-Rivières was founded in 1634, making it the second-oldest French-speaking city in North America. Famous for its history in the pulp industry, you may be inspired to put pen to paper in this "capital of poetry."

Trois-Rivières offers a walkable lifestyle with cozy neighbourhoods like Cap-de-la-Madeleine and Sainte-Marthe-du-Cap just a short drive from the city centre. You’ll find plenty of outdoor space to stretch your legs, including the sprawling Parc Laviolette and peaceful greenways that follow the shoreline. For students and culture-seekers alike, the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières adds energy to the city year-round. Locals celebrate summer with Les Délices d’automne, a food and wine festival that transforms downtown into an open-air kitchen each fall, filling the streets with music, scent, and colour.

Apartment communities range from low-rise buildings tucked into quiet residential streets to newer mid-rise options near the heart of town. Whether you’re looking for a one-bedroom with river views or something a bit more spacious, Trois-Rivières delivers an approachable rental market without the big-city pace.