August 26, 1912, marked the start of a summer tradition in the provincial capital with the opening of Expo Québec, the city’s first major annual exhibition.

From the very outset, the event was a festive happening combining an agricultural fair, a commercial exhibition, and a big midway.

Want to learn more about the fascinating history of Expo Québec? Pick up a copy of the book L’Expo, plaisir et découvertes à Québec by Jean-Marie Lebel, published by Les Publications du Québec (in French only).

Background

1854

The first agricultural exhibition in Quebec City, the precursor to today’s event

1898

After switching back and forth between Quebec City and Montreal, the company that managed the Quebec City Exhibition eventually set up shop on the current-day ExpoCité site.

1912

Creation of the Provincial Exhibition Commission
Acquisition of the Provincial Exhibition land by the City of Québec
First edition of the Provincial Exhibition organized by the Provincial Exhibition Commission, subsequently an annual event