Lévis is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, opposite Quebec City, in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of southern Quebec, Canada. With a population of over 150,000, it is the region's main urban, business, and manufacturing centre.

 

Lévis was founded in 1647 and was formerly known as Aubigny. The city's name was changed in 1861 to honour François Gaston, Duke de Lévis, who commanded the French forces in Canada after the death of the Marquis de Montcalm during the British siege of Quebec City in 1759. 

 

The city has undergone significant growth and development. The merger of several neighbouring communities in 2002 increased its population to over 149,000 by 2021.

 

Lévis is an industrial centre with diverse industries, including foundry and machine-shop products, lumber, tobacco, and furniture. The city has dry docks capable of accommodating large ships, and it is also home to several major manufacturing facilities.

 

Lévis offers numerous recreational spaces and facilities, including over 250 parks and green spaces, bike paths, and outdoor and indoor recreational facilities such as pools, tennis courts, golf clubs, and skateboarding sites.

 

The city is connected to Quebec City by the Quebec City-Lévis Ferry and the Société de transport de Lévis, making it easy for residents and students to move around. 

 

UQAR and the Association générale des étudiants et étudiantes du campus de Lévis—AGECALE also offer a carpooling platform to encourage environmentally sustainable behavior.

 

Lévis, Quebec, Canada, is a vibrant city with a rich history, diverse economy, and strong cultural and recreational offerings. Its proximity to Quebec City and the St. Lawrence River makes it an attractive destination for locals and tourists.

 

History of Lévis, Quebec, Canada

Lévis is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, opposite Quebec City, in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of southern Quebec, Canada. The city has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with evidence of human occupation dating back to 10,000 BP. Here is a brief overview of the history of Lévis:

 

Early History

The area was first inhabited by First Nations and prehistoric Indigenous peoples due to its ideal location at the confluence of the Chaudière and St. Lawrence rivers. Archeological sites reveal evidence of human occupation dating back to 10,000 BP. 

 

Some historians theorize that Pointe-Lévy could have been one of the main centres of Native American population development in what became the province of Québec.

 

French Settlement and British Occupation

In 1636, the seignory of Lauzon was founded on the eastern part of this territory. Over the years, other seignories were established near the St. Lawrence River. Pointe-Lévy was primarily developed as an agricultural domain, with several landowners controlling their part of the land in a medieval feudal system.

 

In 1647, Guillaume Couture became the first French settler installed by Quebec City. Couture served as the first Administrator, Chief Magistrate, Captain of the Militia, and member of the Sovereign Council. He was widely considered a hero among colonists in New France.

 

During the Seven Years' War, British General James Wolfe established a camp in Pointe-Lévy and laid siege to Quebec City. The siege succeeded, and Quebec fell to the British. During this time, Pointe-Lévy served as the main encampment of the British army in the Quebec area.

 

Name Change and Industrial Development

In 1861, the community's name was changed to Lévis in honour of François Gaston, Duke de Lévis, who commanded the French forces in Canada after the death of the Marquis de Montcalm during Wolfe’s siege.

 

Lévis became an industrial centre, with dry docks equipped to accommodate the largest ships. Major manufacturers include foundry and machine-shop products, lumber, tobacco, and furniture. 

 

The city's Lowtown, between high cliffs and the river, is occupied chiefly by railroad yards and wharves; its Hightown, atop a steep incline, is largely residential.

 

Modern Development and Mergers

In 1989, Lévis merged with the industrial city of Lauzon, and in 1990, it combined with the town of Saint-David-de-l'Auberivière. 

 

In 2002, Lévis took in the cities of Charny, Saint-Jean-Chrysostome, Saint-Nicolas, Saint-Rédempteur, and Saint-Romuald, as well as the parishes of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Pointe-de-Lévy and Sainte-Hélène-de-Breakeyville. 

 

The municipalities of Pintendre, Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon, Desjardins, and Chutes-de-la-Chaudière were also merged into the city.

 

Geography of Lévis, Quebec, Canada

Lévis is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, opposite Quebec City, in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of southern Quebec, Canada. The city covers an area of 497.00 km² (191.89 sq mi), with 10% urban, 48% farmlands, 36% forests, and 6% wetlands. 

 

The Saint Lawrence, Etchemin, and Chaudière rivers run through the city. The Chaudière River features a waterfall and a suspended bridge accessible from Autoroute 73.

 

Geography and Climate

Lévis is situated at the coordinates 46.75806°N 71.24028°W. The city has a total area of 497.00 km² (191.89 sq mi) and a land area of 448.07 km² (173.00 sq mi). As of 2021, the population density is 334.1/km² (865/sq mi).

 

The climate in Lévis is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature ranges from -8.9°C (16.0°F) in January to 20.1°C (68.2°F) in July. The highest recorded temperature was 33.9°C (93.0°F) on July 31, 1995, and the lowest recorded temperature was -37.8°C (-36.0°F) on January 31, 1985.

 

Demographics of Lévis, Quebec, Canada

Lévis, Quebec, Canada, is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, opposite Quebec City. The city has a rich history and a diverse population. Here are some key demographics of Lévis:

 

Population and Density

• Population (2021): 149,683
• Population density (2021): 334.1 people per square kilometre

 

Age and Gender

• Median age (2021): 47.0 years
• Male/Female ratio (2021): 1.1:1
• Age distribution (2021):
  • 0-14 years: 25,150
  • 15-64 years: 92,865
  • 65+ years: 31,670

 

Language and Mother Tongue

• Knowledge of official languages (2021): 146,235 people know both English and French
• English as mother tongue (2021): 1,475 people
• French as a mother tongue (2021): 141,470 people

 

These demographics provide a comprehensive overview of the population, economy, and lifestyle in Lévis, Quebec, Canada.

 

Economy of Lévis, Quebec, Canada

Lévis has a diverse and thriving economy with a mix of commercial, service, and industrial sectors.

 

Key Industries and Employers

• Lévis is home to several large employers, including Valero's Jean-Gaulin refinery, one of the largest in eastern Canada, Frito-Lay, and Davie Shipbuilding.
• The Desjardins Group, as well as its subsidiary Desjardins Financial Security, are headquartered in the city.
• More high-technology companies, such as Creaform (3D), have recently been established in Lévis.
• The city is a major agricultural business research and development centre
• Lévis has a significant industrial sector, with companies manufacturing goods including food, beverages, plastic and metal products
• The shipbuilding company Davie, founded in 1828, is the oldest and largest in Canada and builds ships for the Royal Canadian Navy

 

Commercial and Service Sectors

• Lévis' economy is largely based on its commercial and service sectors
• The city is home to the enclosed regional shopping mall Les Galeries Chagnon, which has 106 stores
• Many small businesses and entertainment venues have developed in Lévis over the last decade, transforming it from a Quebec City suburb into a small city

 

Economic Growth and Development

• Lévis has experienced unprecedented territorial and economic growth in recent years.
• The development of commercial centres and the presence of a technology park have further stimulated the city's economy.
• The city's strategic location, facing Quebec City across the St. Lawrence River, has contributed to its economic success.

 

Lévis has a diverse and thriving economy with strengths in manufacturing, technology, retail, and financial services. The city has experienced significant economic growth and development in recent decades, transforming it into a major urban and business centre in the Chaudière-Appalaches region.

 

Education in Lévis, Quebec, Canada

Lévis has a strong education system with a variety of schools and post-secondary institutions:

 

Primary and Secondary Schools

• The Commission scolaire des Navigateurs operates Francophone public schools in Lévis
• Several notable high schools include École Secondaire de La Seigneurie and Quebec High School.
• Collège de Lévis is a private high school with 979 students, 423 girls and 513 boys.

 

Post-Secondary Education

• Lévis is home to the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) campus, which attracts over 3,000 students each year.
• The Cégep de Lévis-Lauzon public college offers pre-university and technical programs.
• In 2021, 27.0% of the population had a university certificate or below the bachelor level, 23.4% had a bachelor's degree, and 25.3% had a university certificate above the bachelor level.

 

Lévis offers a range of educational opportunities, from primary and secondary schools to post-secondary institutions like UQAR and Cégep de Lévis-Lauzon. The city has a well-educated population, with a significant proportion of residents holding post-secondary degrees and certificates.

 

Transport System of Lévis, Quebec, Canada

The Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis) is the public transportation agency responsible for providing bus services in Lévis, Quebec, Canada.

 

Living in Lévis, Quebec, Canada

Lévis, Quebec, Canada, is a vibrant city with a rich history, diverse economy, and strong cultural and recreational offerings. Here are some key points about living in Lévis:

• Merged with Lauzon in 1989, Saint-David-de-l'Auberivière in 1990, and other municipalities in 2002 to form the current city

• Commercial and service sectors: Significant contributors to the economy
• Industrial sector: Manufacturing goods, including food, beverages, and plastic and metal products
• Shipbuilding: Davie Shipbuilding, founded in 1828, is the oldest and largest shipbuilding company in Canada

• Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR): Campus in Lévis with over 3,000 students
• Cégep de Lévis-Lauzon: Public college offering pre-university and technical programs
• Commission scolaire des Navigateurs: Operates Francophone public schools

• A park with a waterfall and suspended bridge
• Bike paths along the St. Lawrence River
• Various sites offer exceptional views of the Quebec City fortifications, the harbour, and aquatic activities.

• Ferrys Links Lévis to Quebec City
• Quebec Bridge and Pierre-Laporte Bridge connect western Lévis to Quebec City
• Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis) operates bus services

• Over 95% of residents speak French as their mother tongue

 

Healthcare in Lévis, Quebec, Canada

Lévis, Quebec, Canada, has a comprehensive healthcare system with several hospitals and medical facilities. Here are some key points about healthcare in Lévis:

• Centre Hospitalier de Lévis: A leading healthcare facility offering comprehensive medical services
• L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec: A major hospital with various medical specialties
• Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec: A specialized hospital for cardiology and pneumology
• Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval: A hospital affiliated with the Université Laval, offering various medical services

• Clinique d'Ostéopathie des Chutes: A clinic specializing in osteopathy
• Centre Medical St-Redempteur: A medical center offering various health services
• Lévis Research Center: A clinic for clinical research and medical trials

 

Lévis has a well-established healthcare system with various hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities.

 

Tourist places in Lévis, Quebec, Canada

Lévis, Quebec, Canada, offers a variety of tourist attractions and activities. Here are some popular places to visit:

• Old Quebec
• Quartier Petit Champlain
• Montmorency Falls
• La Citadelle de Québec
• Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
• Terrasse du Chevalier-de-Lévis
• Quai Paquet
• Marina De La Chaudiere Inc
• Chaudière Falls Park
• Aquarium of Quebec
• Mont Sainte-Anne
• Quebec City Town Hall
• Laval University
• Château Frontenac
• Quebec City Ferry

 

These are some popular tourist attractions and activities in Lévis, Quebec, Canada.

 

Local Food of Lévis, Quebec, Canada

Local food in Lévis, Quebec, Canada, includes various options. Here are some popular places and dishes:

 

Specialty Food

• La Petite Cabane à Sucre de Québec: Known for its maple syrup and other local specialties
• Fromagerie des Grondines & ses Amis: Offers a variety of cheeses and other local products
• Boucherie Jean Leclerc: A butcher shop with a wide range of meats and other local products

 

Bakeries

• Paillard: A popular bakery with a wide range of baked goods
• Café La Maison Smith Place-Royale: Offers a variety of baked goods and other local specialties
• Baguette & Chocolat: Known for its baguettes and chocolates

 

Restaurants

• Tora-Ya Ramen: A popular ramen restaurant
• Chez Gaston: Offers a variety of local specialties, including seafood and meat dishes
• Cochon Dingue: Known for its pork dishes and other local specialties
• GAO: Offers a variety of Asian-inspired dishes
• La Galette Libanaise: Known for its Lebanese cuisine
• Le Corsaire: Offers a variety of seafood dishes
• Le Don: Known for its French cuisine
• Chez Victor: Offers a variety of local specialties, including seafood and meat dishes.

 

Other Local Food Options

• Local markets: Lévis has several local markets where you can find fresh produce, meats, and other local products
• Farmers' markets: The city also has several farmers' markets where you can find fresh produce and other local products

 

These are some popular local food options in Lévis, Quebec, Canada.

 

You can also check the information regarding Laval, Quebec