Located in the vicinity of the river and facing Quebec City, Lévis offers exceptional panoramic views. It is the main urban, business, and manufacturing centre of the Chaudière-Appalaches region. With a population of over 150,000, Lévis is known for its economic and social vibrancy.
See also : Programs offered at the Lévis campus >>> (in French)
Lévis, cradle of the Desjardins movement, whose head office is one of the largest regional employers, hosts about 40 cooperatives, positioning it as a “city of cooperation.” Currently, Lévis is experiencing unprecedented territorial and demographic growth. The development of commercial centres and the presence of a technology park further stimulate its economy.
Students are also key to the community’s vitality. Each year, over 30,000 students enroll in education programs of all levels offered in Lévis. Established in the city since 1980, UQAR welcomes over 3,000 students each year at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
A city that abounds in natural spaces for outdoor activities
Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière and the bike paths forming the Parcours des Anses (cove circuit) along the St. Lawrence River are prime examples of such spaces near the downtown area. A number of sites offer exceptional views of the Quebec City fortifications, the buzzing harbor and aquatic activities, the bridges linking the banks of the river, and of the Île d’Orléans.
Lévis’ nature includes
- over 250 parks and green spaces
- large urban parks and dozens of community parks
- Over 60 neighbourhood parks with play areas for children
- Cycling networks of Lévis: 6 courses, 300 km
In addition, local residents can enjoy the numerous facilities of the three boroughs of Lévis (Chutes-de-la-Chaudière-Ouest, Chutes-de-la-Chaudière-Est, and Desjardins), which include
- a dozen outdoor and indoor pools, including a multifunctional aquatic complex (2019)
- over 40 tennis courts
- nearly a dozen major golf clubs
- a dozen skateboarding and BMX sites
- an alpine ski school and several cross-country ski areas
- more than 60 synthetic and natural soccer fields
- more than 70 skating and hockey facilities including 5 arenas
An environment where arts and culture flourish
The city’s most remarkable architectural assets include the Vieux-Lévis sector which features a concentration of heritage buildings and places. Visual arts and a variety of shows are strongly highlighted:
- Grands Feux Loto-Québec fireworks
- The Lévis Symphony Orchestra
- The Anglicane performance hall
- The Festival Jazz etcetera Lévis festival
- The Festivent hot air balloon festival
- The Hit The Floor dance competition
- Village en Arts
- Francofête
- Lévis Forts National Historic Site
- Etc.
Transit
The Quebec City-Lévis Ferry and the Société de transport de Lévis make it easier for residents and students of Lévis and the surrounding area to move around. They provide easy access to City of Lévis services and to Quebec City tourist attractions. In addition, in order to encourage the academic community to adopt environmentally sustainable behavior and reduce the use of private vehicles for single-person trips, UQAR and the Association générale des étudiants et étudiantes du campus de Lévis—AGECALE (Lévis campus general student association) offer a carpooling platform free of charge.