Profile and Statistics

In a burst of inspiration, nature sculpted Rivière-du-Loup’s site like an amphitheatre, giving everyone a stunning view of the constantly changing river. Yet the St. Lawrence is not the only backdrop for life in Rivière-du-Loup.

 Bolstered by its strategic location at the crossroads of the highways to New Brunswick, Gaspésie and Québec City, Rivière-du-Loup is a major regional development hub. Named Canada’s top entrepreneurial city in 2016 by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, we have a dynamic, creative business community and proud citizens committed to encouraging their peers.

 In addition to its reputation as a pioneer in sustainable development policies, Rivière-du-Loup also serves as a model for hosting major events. After presenting the very first Provincial Finals of the Jeux du Québec in 1971, it is now preparing again to welcome young athletes from across Québec, fifty years later, in 2021. This will provide a golden opportunity for the city to capitalize on its recent sports facilities and many parks while promoting one of its cardinal values, the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

Wolf, are you there?

The origin of the toponym “Rivière-du-Loup” [wolf river] is attributed to three legends, which surprisingly have nothing to do with the howling forest mammal. Which one is true?

· A French ship named Le Loup reportedly was forced to overwinter in the river’s mouth around 1660.

· At the same location, Champlain met with an Indian tribe named “mahigans,” which means “wolves.”

· Seals, known as loups-marins [sea wolves], apparently gathered in great numbers at the river’s mouth. (And yes, this is the most likely explanation.)

Statistics Canada 2016 Census data