After a hiatus of 30 years, Canadiana Village has reopened its doors to the public. The renowned 19th-century village, known for its original structures and antiques from that era, was a significant attraction in Quebec during the 1980s before transitioning into a filming location until 1996.
Thibault Chamot and Charlotte Winterhalter, the current owners, have been gradually restoring the village in Rawdon, Quebec, in the Lanaudière region since acquiring it six years ago. Their aim is to transform it into a tourist destination once again. Chamot mentioned the initial state of disrepair upon their arrival, with some buildings being mere facades from films made two decades ago.
With the assistance of a grant from Tourisme Québec, the restoration project was accelerated, allowing for the preservation of the pioneer village while integrating modern elements such as advanced lighting and a comprehensive sound system across the park. The $2.3-million grant, awarded through the PARIT provincial tourism recovery program, was announced by Quebec Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau.
Chamot expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the significant impact it had on expediting the project’s progress. He highlighted the immersive experience the revamped site aims to offer, moving beyond traditional museum visits to provide visitors with a living history encounter.
This summer’s program includes a unique performance by local artists Cirque Alfonse, a multi-generational circus troupe from Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, offering a traditional Lanaudière cultural showcase with activities like log rolling, axe juggling, acrobatics, and comedic acts.
The site has gradually reopened to the public over the last two years, expanding from weekend shows to a full schedule of events, including circus performances and a Christmas market. Plans are underway to establish a year-round event calendar for visitors.
Henri Tessier from the Société d’histoire de Rawdon shared insights on the historical significance of the village, emphasizing the importance of preserving its unique heritage and artifacts. Looking ahead, Chamot and Winterhalter envision honoring both the historical period and the site’s cinematic legacy by creating an immersive environment through innovative lighting and sound installations.
Their vision includes a live light and sound show scheduled for January, aiming to engage visitors in creating personalized narratives within the historical setting.