Rimouski is a city located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec, Canada. It is situated at the mouth of the Rimouski River on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River.

 

Rimouski was founded in 1696 by Sir René Lepage de Ste-Claire, who moved his family there from Île d'Orléans. The city grew over the centuries and today has a population of 48,664 as of 2016. 

 

Rimouski is home to several notable institutions, including the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), which has granted over 50,000 diplomas since its establishment in 1969.  The city also hosts the Cégep de Rimouski, the Institut Maritime du Québec, and the Music Conservatory. 

 

Rimouski has an active cultural life, hosting festivals like the Festi Jazz International since 1982.  The city is also known for its natural attractions, such as the Parc National du Bic, where visitors can see various wildlife, including harbour seals, grey seals, and white-tailed deer. 

 

The Rimouski Airport serves the city, the regional Mont-Joli Airport, and passenger rail service on the Canadian National Railway. During summer, a ferry operates across the St. Lawrence River between Rimouski and Forestville. 

 

In 1950, Rimouski suffered a devastating fire known as the "Red Night," which destroyed 319 houses but did not kill anyone. The city has since been rebuilt and is thriving as an important regional center of eastern Quebec.

 

History of Rimouski, Quebec, Canada

Rimouski, Quebec, was founded in 1696 by Sir René Lepage de Ste-Claire, who moved his family there from Île d'Orléans. The name is likely derived from a Micmac meaning "land of the moose."

 

Lepage held the seigneurie of Rimouski until 1790 when it was sold to Quebec City businessman Joseph Drapeau. The "Maison Lamontagne," built in 1750 for Marie-Agnès Lepage, is one of the oldest half-timbered houses in Quebec and is located in what is now Rimouski-Est.

 

In 1950, Rimouski suffered a devastating fire known as the "Red Night." In it, 319 houses burned down. The fire originated in the Price Brothers Company yard and quickly spread across the Rimouski River, pushed by strong winds. Despite the extensive damage, no lives were lost.

 

Today, a boulevard, park and monument at the western entrance of Rimouski bear the name of founder René Lepage. The city has rebuilt and grown to a population of 48,664 as of 2016, serving as an important regional center in eastern Quebec.

 

Geography of Rimouski, Quebec, Canada

Rimouski is located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of eastern Quebec, Canada, at the mouth of the Rimouski River on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River estuary. The city lies on a hillside that slopes gently toward its deepwater port, sheltered by the Île Saint-Barnabé.

 

The Rimouski River watershed covers an area of 117,000 hectares, with the study area encompassing 72% of the total watershed. Forests dominate the region.

 

Rimouski enjoys a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, rainy summers. The city's geographical location at the mouth of the Rimouski River contributes to its natural beauty and appeal.

 

Rimouski is served by the municipal Rimouski Airport and the regional Mont-Joli Airport, located 35 km to the east. The city also has a passenger rail service on the Canadian National Railway and a ferry service across the St. Lawrence River between Rimouski and Forestville during the summer months.

 

Demographics of Rimouski, Quebec, Canada

Rimouski, Quebec, had a population of 48,935 as of the 2021 census and a population density of 144.3 people per square kilometre. 

 

The city's population is predominantly French-speaking, with 97.8% of residents having French as their mother tongue. English is the next most common mother tongue at 1.2%, followed by smaller percentages of Arabic, Spanish, and Swahili speakers. 

 

In terms of age distribution, 6,975 residents (14.2%) are 0-14 years old, 29,150 (59.6%) are 15-64 years old, and 12,810 (26.2%) are 65 years and over. The largest age groups are 60-69 (8,340 residents) and 70-79 (5,860 residents). 

 

Regarding country of birth, 45,670 (93.3%) of Rimouski's population were born in Canada, with the next largest groups being Europe (720 residents) and Africa (590 residents). 

 

Rimouski has a relatively stable and aging population, with French as the dominant language and a strong representation of older age groups compared to the national average.

 

Economy of Rimouski, Quebec, Canada

Rimouski is a major center for oceanographic research and marine sciences. The city is home to the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), with over 600 global researchers working at its marine science institutes. The city's strategic location on the St. Lawrence River estuary and access to the Atlantic Ocean makes it an important maritime research and technology hub.

 

The education and health sectors also drive the city's economy. UQAR, the Cégep de Rimouski, and the Music Conservatory are major employers, as are the region's health services, which employ over 8,000 people. Other large employers include telecommunications company Telus, which has 1,400 employees, and several other companies with 700-1,000 workers.

 

Rimouski has a vibrant small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) economy, with many industries employing 50-200 people. Key sectors include agribusiness, biomass exploitation, forestry technologies, sustainable development, environmental industries, and new information and communication technologies.

 

The city's traditional industries, such as lumber and pulpwood, and manufacturing products like mattresses and carpeting, remain important parts of the local economy. Rimouski is a regional transportation and service hub for the lower St. Lawrence and Gaspé regions.

 

Rimouski has a diverse economic base anchored in education, research, health care, telecommunications, and a range of SMEs, allowing it to thrive as a regional center in eastern Quebec.

 

Education in Rimouski, Quebec, Canada

The Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) is a public university founded in 1969 that has granted over 50,000 diplomas. UQAR is a major oceanographic research and marine sciences center, with over 600 global researchers working at its marine science institutes. The university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across various disciplines.

 

The Cégep de Rimouski public college provides pre-university and technical programs. It includes the Institut Maritime du Québec, which offers maritime studies and technology programs. The Cégep de Rimouski has an enrollment of over 3,000 students.

 

Rimouski is also home to the Music Conservatory, which provides music education and training. The city also has other educational institutions, such as the Centre de Formation Rimouski-Neigette, which offers vocational training, and the Paul-Hubert High School.

 

Rimouski's strategic location on the St. Lawrence River estuary and its strong research capabilities in marine sciences make it an important educational hub, attracting students from across Quebec and beyond to its universities, colleges, and specialized institutes. The city's education sector is a major driver of its economy and regional influence.

 

Transport System in Rimouski, Quebec, Canada

The transportation system in Rimouski, Quebec, Canada, includes the following key elements:

 

Public Transit:

• Citébus is Rimouski's public bus system, with three regular routes serving the central urban area.
• Rimouski also has a taxibus system organized into five zones and colour-coded lines to cover other populated areas of the city.
• Paratransit services are provided for residents with disabilities and are managed by the Société des Transports de Rimouski.

 

Intercity Transportation:

• Rimouski is served by Orléans Express, Quebec's main intercity bus carrier, which has a network extending from Montreal to the Gaspé Peninsula.
• The city has a passenger rail service on the Canadian National Railway line that connects to Quebec City.
• A seasonal ferry operates across the St. Lawrence River between Rimouski and Forestville during summer.

 

Air Travel:

• Rimouski is served by the municipal Rimouski Airport and the regional Mont-Joli Airport, which is located 35 km to the east.

 

The Société des Transports de Rimouski oversees the city's public transit services, while Transport Canada provides regulatory oversight and support for the region's broader transportation infrastructure.

 

Rimouski has a diverse and well-developed transportation network to serve the needs of residents and visitors. It leverages a mix of public transit, intercity connections, and air travel options.

 

Living in Rimouski, Quebec, Canada

Rimouski, Quebec, offers residents a high quality of life with a diversified economy, strong education and research sectors, and natural beauty. Here are some key points about living in Rimouski:

• As of 2021, Rimouski had a population of 48,935, with French as the dominant language (97.8% of residents). The city has an aging population, with over 26% aged 65 and above.
• The economy is driven by oceanographic research, marine sciences, education, healthcare, telecommunications, and a vibrant small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. Major employers include the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), Telus, and regional health services.
• UQAR is a major center for marine sciences research, with over 600 researchers working at its institutes. The university grants over 50,000 diplomas and enrolls close to 7,000 students annually, including many international students.
• Rimouski has a diversified transportation system, including public transit, intercity bus and rail, seasonal ferry service, and two airports serving general aviation and commercial flights.
• The city is known for its natural beauty, with attractions like the Parc National du Bic. Rimouski has an active cultural life, hosting festivals like the Festi Jazz International.
• Rimouski has rebuilt well since the devastating "Red Night" fire in 1950 that destroyed half the city. The city is seen as a great place to live with a high quality of life, attracting residents from larger cities like Montreal and Quebec City.

 

Rimouski offers a vibrant regional center with strong education, research, healthcare, and SME sectors while maintaining a high quality of life in a scenic coastal setting. The city's French-speaking character and aging population are notable aspects of its demographics.

 

Healthcare in Rimouski, Quebec, Canada

Rimouski has a well-developed healthcare system centered around the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux du Bas-Saint-Laurent (CISSS), which serves a population of 200,000 across the region.

 

The CISSS operates 42 points of service in Rimouski and the surrounding area, employing nearly 7,500 staff, including 580 doctors, dentists, and pharmacists. In addition to providing general healthcare and social services, the CISSS participates in therapeutic clinical research across various medical fields, such as oncology, rheumatology, cardiology, and microbiology. 

 

Rimouski is home to several hospitals and outpatient care centers that offer a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, maternity care, pediatrics, and specialized treatments.  These facilities are well-equipped to serve the healthcare needs of Rimouski's population and the broader Bas-Saint-Laurent region.

 

The city's strong education sector, anchored by the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), also contributes to its healthcare capabilities. The university is involved in medical research and training programs. 

 

Rimouski has a robust and comprehensive healthcare system centred around the CISSS, with a network of hospitals, outpatient clinics, and research capabilities that cater to the needs of residents in the region.

 

Tourist Places in Rimouski, Quebec, Canada

Here is a summary of the key tourist places and attractions in Rimouski, Quebec, Canada:

 

Parc National du Bic

• This national park offers stunning coastal scenery, hiking trails, camping, and opportunities to see wildlife like seals and moose. It's one of the top attractions in the Rimouski region.

 

Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse

• The second tallest lighthouse in Canada, the Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse, offers beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River estuary. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and surrounding historic buildings.

 

Musée de l'Empress of Ireland

• This museum explores the history of the RMS Empress of Ireland, an ocean liner that sank in 1914 near Rimouski, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. It displays artifacts recovered from the wreckage.

 

Sous-marin Onondaga

• Visitors can tour this former Canadian submarine, which is now a museum and historical site in Rimouski.

 

Beauséjour Park

• A large urban park in downtown Rimouski has walking trails, gardens, and recreational facilities.

 

Lepage Park

• A riverside park named after Rimouski's founder, René Lepage, with views of the St. Lawrence.

 

Rimouski's strategic location on the St. Lawrence River estuary provides access to various natural, historical, and maritime attractions that draw visitors to the region. The city is a hub for exploring the Bas-Saint-Laurent area of eastern Quebec.

 

Local Food of Rimouski, Quebec, Canada

Rimouski, Quebec, offers a variety of local food options, including:

 

Poutine

• Chef Fred Poutinerie is a popular spot serving traditional poutine made with fresh cheese curds and gravy.

 

Maple Products

• Le Saint Sirop specializes in maple products, offering maple syrup, maple butter, and maple taffy.

 

Crêpes

• Entre Deux is known for its sweet and savoury crêpes made with local ingredients.

 

Fried Chicken and Pizza

• Poulet Frit Grand-Ma Express / Pop's Pizza serves fried chicken and pizza, which are popular local fast food options.

 

Fine Dining

• Arlequin is a highly-rated fine dining restaurant in Rimouski, offering contemporary French cuisine.

 

Other notable local food establishments include:

• Le Lotus, a restaurant serving traditional Quebecois fare
• Macaronibar, a restaurant specializing in macaroni dishes
• Party Pizza Sur B.b.q, a pizza place that also offers barbecue

 

Rimouski's local food scene features a mix of casual poutine and pizza joints, maple syrup producers, crêperies, and upscale restaurants serving regional French-Canadian cuisine. The city's location on the St. Lawrence River also provides access to fresh seafood.

 

You can also check the information regarding Montreal, Quebec