The Three-Rivers/Shawinigan region has a long naval history as it is located at the intersection of the St. Lawrence and St. Maurice Rivers. These rivers were once major gateways that have seen many a boat go by. It is also in this region that the first manufacturing of boats made of composite (a process imported from Europe) took place with Doral boats being the best known of the lot.

Founded some 15 years ago and now located in the former St. Maurice Boats shop, Quessy Canoe has grown to become a major player on the Canadian canoe manufacturing scene and the three men at the helm of the company are on an expedition and have no intention to stop paddling.