Boréalis, center for the history of the paper industry

Boréalis, a museum of memory, presents the exhibition Transformations. From yesterday’s mills to tomorrow’s forests, journey into the heart of the pulp and paper industry that shaped the history of Trois-Rivières and Quebec. Through a redesigned, immersive path, experience the authenticity of the century-old building while discovering this epic that left its mark on generations of people and landscapes.

A museum of memory, Boréalis tells the history of the pulp and paper industry differently—from mill to forest.

A MUSEUM OF MEMORY THAT TELLS HISTORY DIFFERENTLY: HERE, THE PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY COMES TO LIFE Founded in 2010 to preserve the memory of Trois-Rivières’ pulp and paper epic (1899–2000), Boréalis offers exhibitions and activities exploring themes, from past to present, related to industry and the forest. It highlights the authentic and moving stories of the heroes of this adventure that shaped generations as well as the urban and forested landscape. After several months of renovation, in 2024, Boréalis presents Transformations, its new permanent exhibition. JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF THE PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY In a self-guided and immersive path, travel back in time to meet the key figures of this remarkable epic. Inside the former CIP (Canadian International Paper) filtration plant, visitors confront the harsh realities faced by workers of the previous century. Next, explore the technological and environmental challenges of an industry in constant evolution. From mill to forest, through memories of the past and visions of the future, become privileged witnesses to a world shaped by Transformations. Throughout the journey, the century-old building’s authenticity—revealing testimonies, artifacts, interactive challenges, striking sets, and river views—makes the visit a multisensory, moving, and thought-provoking experience. For the permanent exhibition Transformations, Boréalis was awarded the “Excellence 2” prize by the Société des musées du Québec (SMQ). HISTOIRE SUR L’EAU CRUISE Located at the confluence of the Saint-Maurice River and the Saint Lawrence River, the museum offers visitors, in summer, a unique museum experience on the water. One-of-a-kind, Histoire sur l’eau is an immersive cruise where, through an audio track, the river comes alive to tell its story. Through this narrative, punctuated with testimonies, five themes are explored: the pulp and paper industry, log driving, Indigenous presence, recreational activities, and ecosystem changes. A contemplative experience, rich in memories and emotions. For this cruise, Boréalis was awarded, in 2024, the “Cultural and Tourist Enterprise” prize by the Trois-Rivières Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and in 2025, nominated in the “Contribution to Regional Economic Development” category of the 45th Mercuriades by the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ).