History of Chicoutimi, Québec, Canada

Chicoutimi is a borough in the city of Saguenay, located in the province of Québec, Canada. Nestled in the picturesque Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, Chicoutimi is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural surroundings. The area has a history rooted in the fur trade, with indigenous peoples like the Montagnais and the Innu originally inhabiting the region.

In the 17th century, European fur traders and missionaries began exploring and settling in the area. Chicoutimi's development accelerated with the construction of the Hudson's Bay Company's trading post in the early 19th century. The community grew as a hub for forestry, logging, and pulp and paper industries, becoming an essential part of Québec's economic landscape.

What was ultimately to become the centre of the borough of Chicoutimi was first settled in 1676 as a French trading post in the fur trade. At that time, the Saguenay and Chicoutimi rivers had been used for centuries by the Innu. The name Chicoutimi means 'the end of the deepwater' in the Montagnais. Chicoutimi trading post was in operation until 1782.

The city of Chicoutimi was officially incorporated as a municipality in 1845 by Peter McLeod, a Métis timber contractor, who had built a sawmill there in 1842. It was designated in 1855 as the seat of Chicoutimi County and in 1878 as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chicoutimi.

With the arrival of the Canadian National Railway in 1893, the local pulp and paper industries expanded, particularly in mechanical pulp production. The Chicoutimi Pulp Co. was founded in 1896 and backed by French-Canadian investors. By 1910 the Chicoutimi Pulp Mill became the biggest producer of mechanical pulp in Canada.

Over the years, Chicoutimi has evolved into a vibrant urban center while maintaining a connection to its historical roots. The cityscape features a blend of modern amenities and historic landmarks, offering residents and visitors a unique blend of past and present. With its scenic landscapes, including the Saguenay River and surrounding forests, Chicoutimi remains a charming destination in Québec.



Saguenay was formed on February 18, 2002, by amalgamating the cities of Chicoutimi, Jonquière, La Baie and Laterrière, along with the municipalities of Lac-Kénogami and Shipshaw and part of the township of Tremblay.

Arvida is a settlement of 12,000 people in Quebec, Canada, that is part of the City of Saguenay. Its name is derived from the name of its founder, Arthur Vining Davis, president of the Alcoa aluminum company.