Trois-Rivières Airport

Aeroport de Trois-Rivieres (YRQ) sits on the northern edge of Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, roughly 5 kilometres from the city centre. The airport serves the Mauricie region with a single asphalt runway and a compact terminal building. It functions primarily as a general aviation facility, handling private aircraft, charter flights, and occasional medical transports. Scheduled commercial service is limited—seasonal flights may operate, but most passengers fly out of larger airports in Montreal or Quebec City. The airport is open limited hours each day, with the busiest periods typically on weekday afternoons, particularly around 3 pm on Mondays and 12 pm on Tuesdays through Thursdays.

Getting There

Aeroport de Trois-Rivieres is located at 1000 Rue de l'Aéroport, easily reached by car from downtown Trois-Rivieres via Rue des Forges and Chemin de l'Aéroport. The drive takes about 10 minutes. From Autoroute 40, take exit 186 and follow signs for the airport. Parking is available on-site in a dedicated lot that is free for short-term stays. Wheelchair-accessible parking spaces are marked near the entrance. Public transit options are limited; the local bus service may not run directly to the airport. Taxis are available from the city centre—expect a fare of around $15-20 CAD. Ride-sharing services like Uber operate in Trois-Rivieres but may have limited availability during early mornings or late evenings. For those flying private or charter, the airport does not have a dedicated shuttle service, so arranging ground transport in advance is recommended. Bicycle racks are available for the enterprising traveller arriving on two wheels.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Aeroport de Trois-Rivieres is small and functional. On arrival, passengers walk directly from the aircraft to the building—no jet bridges or airside buses. Security is minimal; there is no permanent screening checkpoint for general aviation, though charter flights may require screening before departure. The waiting area has a few rows of chairs and a small counter for check-in. A public toilet is available, and it is confirmed to be wheelchair-accessible. The same applies to the entrance and the car park. There are no restaurants or shops inside the terminal. Vending machines may or may not be present; bring snacks and water if needed. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried—staff are known to be helpful and can provide local flight information. Wi-Fi is not publicly advertised, so have offline maps ready. The terminal building is open only during operating hours, which vary. For departures, arrive at least 30 minutes before a scheduled charter flight; for private aircraft, coordinate with the base operator. Overall, expect a straightforward, no-frills experience focused on getting you in and out efficiently.

Aeroport de Trois-Rivieres (YRQ) and Trois-Rivieres

Trois-Rivieres itself is worth understanding beyond the airport. It is one of Quebec's oldest cities, founded in 1634 as a fur trading post. The name refers not to three distinct rivers but to the Saint-Maurice River, which splits into three channels where it meets the Saint Lawrence. The city sits on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence, roughly halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. Its economy has historically been driven by pulp and paper mills, with companies like Kruger and Cascades maintaining operations here. Today, Trois-Rivieres blends industrial heritage with a growing cultural scene. The old town—Vieux-Trois-Rivieres—features narrow streets, historic stone buildings, and the Place d'Armes square. The Ursulines Museum, housed in a 17th-century convent, showcases religious art and early settler history. For outdoor enthusiasts, Parc de l'Île-Saint-Quentin offers beaches, hiking trails, and a bird sanctuary just minutes from the airport. The Mauricie region is also a gateway to La Mauricie National Park, about 45 minutes north, known for its lakes and forests. Visitors often come for business related to the forestry, manufacturing, or hydroelectric sectors. Others pass through on road trips between Montreal and the Gaspé Peninsula. The airport's role, while small, supports corporate travel, air ambulance services, and flight training. For the traveller arriving by private aircraft, Trois-Rivieres offers a genuine slice of Quebecois life without the tourist crowds of larger cities. Local restaurants serve classic poutine, tourtière, and sugar pie. The city's cultural calendar includes the Western Film Festival and the Trois-Rivieres en Blues festival. Understanding this context explains why someone might fly into YRQ: convenience for regional business, access to outdoor adventures, or a stopover on a broader Quebec itinerary. The airport is not a major hub, but for those who use it, it is a reliable entry point to a distinctive corner of Canada.

Practical Information

Aeroport de Trois-Rivieres is not open 24 hours. Confirmed open days and times should be verified through the airport's website: https://www.idetr.com/fr/aeroport-de-trois-rivieres. A phone number is available for inquiries: +1 819-377-4382. Based on traffic patterns, the airport is busiest on Monday at 3 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday at 12 pm, and Thursday at 2 pm—these afternoons may see more arrivals and departures. The terminal offers wheelchair-accessible entrance, car park, and toilet facilities. No other amenities are confirmed. For fuel services, contact the fixed-base operator (FBO) in advance. Local pilots should note that the airport has a single runway (05/23) and no instrument landing system, so operations are weather-dependent. For all travellers: call ahead to confirm that the terminal will be open during your planned arrival or departure times. If you are on a charter flight, your operator will handle logistics. One concrete piece of advice: bring a paper map or download offline Google Maps of the Trois-Rivieres area before landing—cell reception is generally good, but having a backup ensures you find your way to the city without relying on in-terminal Wi-Fi.