Vieille Prison (Old Prison)
200 Rue Laviolette, Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 6L5, Canada
Step Inside One of Canada’s Oldest and Most Gripping Historic Jails.
The Vieille Prison de Trois-Rivières, or Old Prison, is one of the most intriguing and unforgettable attractions in the city. Constructed in 1822 and operating for more than 150 years, it is among the oldest preserved prisons in Canada. Today, the site functions as a powerful historic museum where visitors can experience firsthand what life was like behind bars in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its combination of authentic spaces, dramatic stories, and guided tours makes it a standout cultural experience.
What sets the Old Prison apart is its expertly led guided tours, some of which are conducted by former inmates. These tours provide a rare and candid perspective on prison life, sharing personal accounts, historical facts, and insights into the justice system of earlier eras. Visitors walk through the original cell blocks, isolation rooms, common areas, and administrative offices, gaining a vivid sense of the harsh conditions faced by prisoners.
The prison’s architecture and layout have been carefully preserved, offering a fascinating look at early correctional design. Narrow corridors, heavy iron doors, and dimly lit cells transport visitors back in time, creating a realistic and immersive atmosphere. Informational exhibits throughout the site highlight topics such as punishment methods, prison reform, famous inmates, and the evolution of Quebec’s correctional system.
In addition to its historical significance, the Old Prison is recognized for its educational value. School groups, researchers, and travellers with an interest in law and justice often visit to learn more about the realities of incarceration and the social issues connected to it.
