1

One of the Empresses at its dock in Québec, close to Louise Basin
1910
Port of Québec


Credits:
National Archives of Quebec, Québec

2

Because it had a maximum draught of 9.4 metres, the Empress of Ireland could not go upriver on the St. Lawrence beyond the port of Québec. At that time, large passenger liners could not go to the port of Montréal because of the depth of the maritime channel upstream of Québec (9 metres).

3

The port of Québec with view of Louise Basin and one of the Empresses at berth
1910
Port of Québec


Credits:
National Archives of Quebec, Québec

4

The Empress of Britain, the twin of the Empress of Ireland, at berth in Québec
1910
Port of Québec


Credits:
National Archives of Quebec, Québec

5

On May 28, 1914, the sailors cast off at 4:27 p.m. On board the passenger ship preparing to make its 192nd Atlantic crossing, there were 1,477 people. Captain Henry George Kendall was on his first voyage at the helm of the Empress of Ireland leaving Québec.

As for all ships greater than 30 metres in length, navigation on the river had to be done with a pilot assisting the captain. The presence of many islands on this course, the low depth of certain channels, the frequent currents and the great amplitude of the tides demanded constant attention.

As he had done for 8 years, pilot Adélard Bernier would guide the liner through the 157 nautical miles between Québec and Pointe-au-Père.

6

The Empress of Ireland in Québec
1910
Port of Québec


Credits:
National Archives of Quebec, Québec