This town of 39,000 has its roots in the wood and metal working industries, and is the economic centre of the Bois-Francs region. The town is named for Queen Victoria and is appropriately dotted with pretty Victorian era houses.
The Arthabaska southern portion of the town was called the “place of bullrushes and reeds” by the natives, and many Victoria homes were built along Avenue Laurier Ouest. In 1859, Arthabaska became the judicial district of the township. This community was only superceded by Victoriaville after the turn of the 1900s.
Victoriaville Attractions
Économusée du cuir
Francs Sud,
Victoriaville (Québec),G6P 5W1
(819) 357-3138, Fax: (819) 357-3138
On the site of the village’s old cobbler’s shop, discover the expertise and techniques of leather craftsmen. See how raw leather is transformed into various goods. Open: June 1 to September 1, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm The remainder of the year, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 9 am to noon. Saturday afternoon and Sunday by reservation. Admission: Free. Group visits by reservation. Free for guided tours.
Lieu Historique National de la Maison-Wilfrid-Laurier et Pavillon Hôtel des Postes (Laurier Museum)
16, rue Laurier Ouest
Victoriaville (Québec),G6P 6P3
(819) 357-8655, Fax: (819) 357-8655
Visit the lovely home of Wilfrid Laurier (1896-1911)renowned Prime Minister of Canada. A permanent exhibition on Laurier himself along with temporary political exhibitions are on the first floor. Schedule : July to August : Monday to Friday 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday 1 pm to 5 pm ; September to June : Tuesday to Friday 10 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 5 pm, Monday closed. Allow 30 minutes, minimum.
A few minutes away is the Pavillon Hôtel des Postes (949, boul. Bois-Francs Sud), an imposing Second Empire building from 1910 where art exhibitions are presented.
Capilano Labonté
530, rang Nault
Victoriaville (Québec),G6P 7R5
(819) 758-3877,Fax: (819) 758-9386
Establishment specialized in the production of honey products. On-site sale of products.
Schedule: Year round, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Group reservations required.