Exploring the Saint Lawrence River

The Saint Lawrence River was first explored by Jacques Cartier in 1534.  Samuel de Champlain was responsible for establishing the first settlements along the river beginning with Quebec City in 1608. We had traveled southwest on the St. Lawrence from Sorel to Montreal and now will return down river toward Quebec City. Departing the sheltered marina in Montreal, the current was visible as we entered the main channel.   

The Current Was Visible as We Entered the Channel

Sorel, an Industrial Town at the Confluence of the St. Laurence and the Richelieu Rivers

Current on the St. Lawrence travels northeast from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Ocean, not affected by tides until Trois Rivieres, our first stop on this mighty river. 

Pont (Bridge) Laviotte at the Approach to Trois Rivieres

The Marina at Trois Rivieres

Each village along the bank has a large and beautiful cathedral visible for some distance. 

Cathedral at Vercheres

Cap St. Michele

 

 

Cap de la Madeleine

Cathedral Point Au Piuseaux

The storied Richelieu Rapids was evident as we approached.  It is a location where the channel narrows forcing the water through a narrow passage and causing it to speed up.  Rocks and boulders were visible at the edge of the channel and the topography of the river bank began to rise as well. 

The Change in Topography as we Approached Richelieu Rapids

Exposed Boulders At the Edge of the Channel

Swirling Waters of the Richelieu Rapids

Just beyond the Richelieu Rapids a man-made harbor was visible with high rock jetties to protect it from the river’s strong current.  Entering into the harbor we tied up for the night near a town called Portneuf. 
 

A Man-Made Harbor at Portneuf

Commercial Traffic Passing Close to the Harbor

Encountering commercial traffic is quite common on this busy waterway and when these big freighters are fully loaded they push an amazing amount of water.  

Approaching Traffic Heavily Loaded

A Large Bow Wave is Created by These Vessels

A Cool Rag to Keep Hali Cool, It Was a Very Hot Day!

The cliffs on each side of the river continued to rise as we neared Quebec City.  Soon we reached the twin Bridges just upriver from Quebec City.  The first, the Laporte Suspension Bridge, reportedly the longest suspension bridge in Canada and the second, the Pont de Quebec, is said to be the longest cantilever designed bridge in the world with 1800 feet between piers.

The Twin Bridges

The Range Markers Assist Ships to Stay in the Channel

Soon Cap Diamont was visible with the extraordinary Chateau Frontenac perched atop. 

Beautiful Quebec City

We proceeded to the marina, the entrance of which is guarded by a lock.  Once through the lock, we entered the marina, excited to explore beautiful Quebec City.

The Bridge is Open to Allow Access to the Lock and the Marina Beyond

Entering the Port of Quebec Marina