Project Background

Boréalis was founded in 2010 to commemorate Trois-Rivières’ pulp and paper era, which spanned more than a century—from 1899 to 2000. Through exhibitions and programming, the institution explores themes tied to the forest and industry, past and present, while highlighting moving, authentic stories drawn from lived experience. Hoping to make the most of its exceptional location at the confluence of the Saint-Maurice and Saint Lawrence Rivers, Boréalis called on La bande à Paul in the late 2010s to design an immersive cruise.

What La bande à Paul Brought to the Table

La bande à Paul accompanied Boréalis throughout the process—helping shape the concept, storyline, and graphic design of a new immersive cruise on the Saint-Maurice River. Their mandate extended to the creation of a visual identity, pontoon design, and signage elements that brought the experience to life. Envisioned as a seamless journey, the cruise invites passengers to connect with the region’s history from the moment they purchase a ticket to the moment they return to the dock. Along the tranquil route, carefully placed shoreline surprises and audio vignettes evoke key episodes of the past, making the voyage both contemplative and memorably unexpected.