The ferry service in Masson was launched in 1939 by Eugène Séguin, who bought the Montebello / Lefaivre ferry service. At the time, this ferry, equipped with gates, held three vehicles and cost .50 cents per crossing.
In 1947, Mr. Séguin's son-in-law, Eugène Bourbonnais, took over the running of the Montebello ferry.

The first eight-car metal ferry was built in 1960, a first for the region. Three years later, Hector Bourgeois and Eugène Bourbonnais became partners and bought the Masson-Cumberland ferry.
In 1968, Maurice, Eugène Bourbonnais' son, quit his job as police officer for the Sûreté du Québec, bought his father's shares in the company and began the day-to-day running of the ferry service.

In 1969, a second ferry was added to the fleet to accommodate the growing demand. Business was booming. In 1975, Maurice bought Hector Bourgeois' shares in the business and became sole owner.

1977 marked another milestone, as a third ferry is added to the fleet. Passengers drove on one end of this ferry and off the other end, thereby speeding up operations on the ferry. That same year, Les Ateliers Maurice Bourbonnais Ltée was launched. This second business specialized in building and maintaining ferries.

The installation of an air bubble system in 1982 made it possible to operate 24 hours a day, throughout the year.

With its five ferries, two ice breakers and more than 50 employees, Traversiers Bourbonnais proudly offers faster and more efficient service than ever before.

The business has always been and remains a family-run enterprise. Maurice's two sons, Alain and Luc, have been working alongside their father since they were teenagers and have contributed significantly to the success of this growing company. We'll just have to wait and see if Maurice's grandchildren will wade into the family business!


Traversiers Bourbonnais
105 Fer-A-Cheval
Gatineau, Quebec  J8M 1L8
Phone: (819) 986-8180
Fax: (819) 986-7834
Email: info@traversiersbourbonnais.com