The Metis River Falls by Thomas Fenwick

Thomas Fenwick (1830-1905) was a Presbyterian minister in Metis and an artist of some talent. While ministering to the Presbyterians at Leggatt’s Point, he painted in his spare time. In the 1870s, his watercolours of the Metis Falls, the lighthouse in Métis-sur-Mer and entrance to the village were printed as lithographs in the Canadian Illustrated News and its companion publication, L’Opinion Publique, the most popular illustrated magazines available in Canada.

His view of the Metis Falls was printed with a brief article that described the falls: “Métis is a watering-place on the Lower St. Lawrence, about 90 miles below Cacouna. At present it is somewhat difficult of access, but when visitors can travel by the Intercolonial Railroad, there can be no doubt that will have a large population during the summer. It may be remarked in passing, that the cars will, in all likelihood, go as far down as Ste. Flavie – six miles distant – by next September. The falls of the Métis river – of which we give an autumn view – are about two miles from the St. Lawrence, and six from Little Métis, where those who come for sea-bathing stay. They are well worth a visit. Their height is about 150 feet, and in spring their breadth must be at least 200.”