History of Chicoutimi, Québec, Canada

History of Chicoutimi
Chicoutimi was an important staging point on the route that 17th-century Indigenous hunters took to sell their furs in Tadoussac, and in 1676 New France authorities built a trading post here.

Settlement
Chicoutimi was an important staging point on the route that 17th-century Indigenous hunters took to sell their furs in Tadoussac, and in 1676 New France authorities built a trading post here. Peter McLeod, Jr, founder of the present city, built sawmills on the du Moulin and Chicoutimi rivers (1842-43), which were acquired by William Price in 1852 and operated until the early 20th century.

Development
The town's wholesale and retail trade expanded because of its role as a maritime (1875) and railway (1893) terminal. In 1898 the Compagnie de pulpe de Chicoutimi opened its first pulp mill here, which grew rapidly until the paper industry crisis of the 1920s, and the economic collapse of 1929 forced its closure. Prosperity returned with WWII, when many unemployed found work in the... Read MORE...

1873 - Chicoutimi
CHICOUTIMI, the chief town of the co. of Chicoutimi, Que., situated on the south side of the River Saguenay, 75 miles from its mouth, and 85 miles from St. Paul’s Bay. It contains, besides the county buildings, a church and a convent, about a dozen stores, and several large mills. Ships load here with timber direct for foreiga ports. Pop. 1,393.
Lovell's gazetteer of British North America; J. Lovell; Montreal, 1873

1906 - Chicoutimi
Chicoutimi, the chief town and an outport of the co. of Chicoutimi, Quebec, on the S. side of the river Saguenay, 90 miles above its mouth and at the head of navigation. It is on the Quebec and Lake St. John R. Ships load here with timber direct for foreign ports. Chicoutimi is the seat of a bishop, and has a Roman Catholic cathedral, college, sailors’ hospital, and convents. Pop. in 1901, 3826.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

In 1925 the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa, later Alcan) built the aluminum smelter that gave rise to Arvida on the plain between Jonquière and Chicoutimi.
Arvida (from the name of Arthur Vining Davis, then president of Alcoa) was a fine example of a legally incorporated company town.
The Canadian Encyclopedia

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Chicoutimi:
1. La Pulperie de Chicoutimi - Musée régional
Start your Chicoutimi adventure at La Pulperie de Chicoutimi, a regional museum housed in an old pulp mill. Explore the history and culture of the region through exhibitions on art, history, and heritage. Don't miss the outdoor sculpture garden and the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum.

2. Parc de la Rivière-du-Moulin
Nature lovers will appreciate a visit to this stunning park, which features hiking trails, bike paths, and picnic areas. You can also rent a kayak or canoe to paddle along the river and soak in the scenic views.

3. Saguenay Fjord National Park
Just a short drive from Chicoutimi, Saguenay Fjord National Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike the various trails, take a boat tour of the fjord, or go whale watching to spot beluga whales and other marine life.

4. Village Québécois d'Antan
Step back in time at this living history village, where you can experience life in Québec during the 19th... Read MORE...