Rimouski, a city in Quebec, Canada, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, at the mouth of the Rimouski River, this city is home to 48,664 residents (as of 2016). It is also the site of the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), the Cégep de Rimouski, and the Music Conservatory, making it a hub of education and culture.
The name Rimouski is believed to have originated from a Micmac word meaning "land of the moose". The city was founded by Sir René Lepage de Ste-Claire in 1696, who moved his family to Rimouski and held the seigneurie until 1790. Today, a boulevard, park, and monument at the western entrance of Rimouski bear the name of René Lepage.
One of the city's historical landmarks is the "Maison Lamontagne", built in 1750. It is one of the oldest half-timbered houses in Quebec and is located in what is now called the District of Rimouski-Est.
Rimouski is also known for the "Red Night" event that occurred on May 6, 1950. A severe fire broke out in the Price Brothers and Company yard, quickly spreading throughout the city and destroying 319 houses. Despite the extensive damage, no lives were lost in the blaze.
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 adds to its natural beauty and appeal.
As per the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Rimouski had a population of 48,935 living in 23,470 of its 24,849 total private dwellings. The city has a diverse population, with French being the mother tongue of 97.8% of the population.
Rimouski boasts a lively cultural scene, hosting festivals like the Festi Jazz International, the Grandes Fêtes du Saint-Laurent, and the Carrousel international du film de Rimouski. The city also hosts the Salon du Livre de Rimouski, the oldest event of its kind in the province of Quebec.
One of the main tourist attractions in Rimouski is the Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père, which features an exhibit on the RMS Empress of Ireland disaster and the Pointe-au-Père lighthouse.
Rimouski is served by the municipal Rimouski Airport and the regional Mont-Joli Airport. The city also offers a ferry service across the Saint Lawrence River and is a stop on the Nordik-Express line.
The Regional Hospital of Rimouski is the largest employer in the city and the region, offering a wide range of medical specialties and services.
Rimouski is twinned with Westmount, Quebec, Canada, since 1968, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
