Trois-Rivières is situated on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice. It takes its name from the three channels that form the Saint-Maurice River at this spot.

Stroll along the city's main street, Boulevard des Forges. This area is several blocks long and located in the heart of the Old City. View the century-old buildings now housing a great variety of cafés, restaurants, clubs, bars, and shops. During the summer months, the area is regularly closed to traffic to accommodate various festivals and events. Trois-Rivières is officially the "National Poetry Capital of Quebec"; numerous plaques displaying poetic verses are installed across the centre of the city, and its International Festival of Poetry (held each year in the first week of October) honours this title.