Connecting the two shores has been part of our daily lives for several decades. Long before today’s vessels, the crossing was made aboard much simpler barges, initially propelled by oars and later gradually equipped with mechanical systems.
A major turning point came in 1960 with the arrival of the Saint-Thomas, a steel ferry designed to carry multiple vehicles. Over the years, the service has continued to evolve to keep pace with changing travel habits and the growing needs of our customers.
In 1974, Rhéal and Nicole Deschamps took over the company. Two years later, it adopted the name Traverse Lefaivre-Montebello Ltd.
The arrival of L’Outaouais in 1989 marked another important milestone. Its design facilitated the passage of vehicles and allowed for larger vehicles to be accommodated. New docks were then put into service in 1990.
The succession continued over the years with Patrick and Guy Deschamps, then with Guy and his wife Sonya. Since 2021, Éric Sanscartier-Allard has been running the ferry service.
Behind these various milestones, the same commitment remains: to maintain a practical connection between Montebello and Lefaivre while adapting the service to the realities of each era.
Even with several decades behind us, our service continues to evolve with the needs of those who use it.
Today, our ferry between Montebello and Lefaivre welcomes pedestrians and cyclists as well as motorcyclists and various types of vehicles.
The ways we travel have changed, but our role remains the same: to create a convenient link between the two shores while maintaining a simple and personable approach.
Our history is part of our identity, but it’s today’s crossings that keep it alive.
Would you like to know our rates, plan your next crossing, or check some information before your trip? Contact us at 819 981-0566 or send us an email via the online contact form.
