The history of the port of Québec
1535 to 1899: Anchored in Québec City’s economic development
1535
Jacques Cartier arrives in Québec City, called Stadacona by the Indigenous peoples living there.
1608
Samuel de Champlain founds Québec City. The port of Québec plays a major role in trade, including the fur trade.
1647
Pilots begin to be trained to sail on the St. Lawrence River.
1738
Québec’s natural resources spark the creation of shipyards.
1805
The Maison de la Trinité is created to regulate maritime traffic.
1815
A wave of immigrants, mostly from the UK, starts passing through the Port of Québec.
1821
The lumber market experiences a major boom, propelling the Port of Québec to third place in North America.
1829
Activities begin at Anse au Foulon, along the Promenade Samuel de Champlain.
1835
The first gold-headed cane is given, starting a tradition that continues to this day.
1858
The Commission du Havre de Québec is created to improve maritime facilities.
1875
The Maison de la Trinité is dissolved, transferring its powers to the Commission du Havre de Québec.
1888
The Louise Basin, named after the princess, opens.
1900 to 1999: The Industrial Revolution
1900
Manufactured goods mean that imports outpace exports for the first time.
1913
The iconic Bunge grain elevators, operated by G3, are built.
1914
The Port becomes an embarkation point during World War I.
1920
The Port shifts focus to grain exports, though it remains involved in the lumber market.
1930
The Port welcomes the transatlantic liner Empress of Britain.
1936
The Great Depression causes financial difficulties.
1953
Modernized infrastructure diversifies Port revenues.
1960
Deep-water wharves are built in Beauport.
1972
The Port sees record traffic.
1983
The Port becomes independent under the Québec Port Authority (QPA).
2000 to present
2000
The QPA focuses on the cruise market, attracting high-profile cruise lines.
2008
Waterfront sites are developed to celebrate Québec City’s 400th anniversary.
2012
The Port sees record traffic, with 25,000 cruise passengers in less than 48 hours.
2017
The Rendez-vous 2017 draws thousands of visitors in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary.
2018
A financial agreement of $15.5 million is reached to restore the Port’s infrastructure.
2022
Cruise Terminal 30 opens, as does the Port of Québec Oasis, North America’s first swimming area in a port.
The story of the Port of Québec continues!
The Port of Québec is thriving amidst considerable development potential, driven by the
dynamic entrepreneurial spirit of its management, successful collaboration with well-
known partners, and a strategic vision focused on sustainable development.
With these solid foundations, we know that the best is yet to come. We’re continuing to innovate, build strong partnerships, and pursue our commitment to a sustainable future for our port and the maritime industry as a whole, one that is conducive to environmental and socio-economic growth.