After a span of 30 years, Canadiana Village has reopened its doors to the public. This iconic 19th-century village, known for its original buildings and antique treasures from the era, used to be a popular attraction in Quebec back in the 1980s, functioning as an open-air museum until 1996.
Since taking ownership of the village in Rawdon, Quebec, in the Lanaudière region six years ago, Thibault Chamot and his wife Charlotte Winterhalter have been steadily working on renovating and revitalizing the site with the aim of re-establishing it as a tourist destination. Chamot mentioned that upon their arrival, many buildings required extensive refurbishment, with some structures merely facades left over from movie sets decades ago.
Thanks to a grant from Tourisme Québec, the couple has been able to accelerate the restoration process, blending modern elements like sophisticated lighting and a multi-channel sound system into the traditional pioneer village setting. The funding of $2.3 million, awarded through the PARIT provincial tourism recovery program, was announced by Quebec Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau in June after recognizing the international appeal and tourism potential of the attraction.
The vision for Canadiana Village goes beyond being a mere museum; the goal is to provide visitors with an immersive and interactive experience. This summer’s program includes a unique show by local performers Cirque Alfonse, a renowned family circus troupe from Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, showcasing traditional Lanaudière culture through acts like log rolling, axe juggling, acrobatics, and comedy.
Over the past couple of years, the village has gradually reopened to the public, expanding from weekend shows to a robust schedule of events, including circus performances and seasonal markets. The long-term plan is to establish a year-round calendar of activities to engage visitors throughout all seasons.
Looking ahead, Chamot and Winterhalter aspire to honor not only the historical charm of the village but also its legacy as a film location. By incorporating innovative lighting and sound elements, they aim to transform the space into an immersive environment that sparks visitors’ creativity and imagination.
In line with this vision, plans are in place for a live light and sound show launching in January to provide guests with a unique and participatory experience rather than just a passive viewing spectacle.