On the Saint Lawrence River, Trois-Rivieres expects its first international cruise ship calls this year with Fred. Olsen and Saga Cruises. The Balmoral will be calling on Sept. 20, followed by the Quest for Adventure on Sept. 26.

First settled permanently in 1634, today Trois-Rivières hosts music, dance and poetry festivals, as well as a racing street event. In 2009, Trois-Rivières was designated as the 2009 Cultural Capital of Canada.

The Trois-Rivieres Grand Prix is a three-day event which typically runs in early August with the Firestone Indy Lights, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, other stock cars, sports cars and other open wheel cars.

Nearby is the La Mauricie National Park for hiking, kayaking or canoeing.