After a hiatus of thirty years, Canadiana Village has reopened its doors to the public. This renowned 19th-century village, showcasing original structures and antiques from that era, was a popular attraction in Quebec during the 1980s, serving as an open-air museum until 1996.
For the past three decades, the village primarily functioned as a filming location for movies and TV shows. Thibault Chamot and his spouse, Charlotte Winterhalter, have been diligently restoring and upgrading the village in Rawdon, Quebec, within the Lanaudière region since acquiring it six years ago, aiming to revive it as a tourist destination.
Upon arrival, Chamot remarked on the significant renovation needed, highlighting that some buildings were mere facades from movies made two decades ago. Thanks to financial support from Tourisme Québec, the couple expedited the restoration process, infusing modern elements like intricate lighting and a multi-channel sound system across the park.
Quebec Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau disclosed the funding in June, emphasizing the international appeal and tourism prospects of the venture. The $2.3-million grant, facilitated through the provincial tourism recovery program PARIT, catalyzed the project, significantly accelerating its progress.
Chamot expressed gratitude for the assistance, acknowledging that without it, achieving the current state of the project could have taken a decade. The incorporation of sound and lighting elements enhances the visitor experience, transforming the village into an interactive and immersive historical attraction.
The village’s summer itinerary features a distinctive immersive performance by local entertainers Cirque Alfonse, a multi-generational family circus troupe from Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, located approximately 19 kilometers north. Their show, “Poule pas d’tête,” pays homage to Lanaudière’s traditional culture, showcasing activities like log rolling, axe juggling, acrobatics, and comedic acts.
Over the past two years, Canadiana Village has gradually reopened to the public. From a weekend showcase in 2020, the site expanded to host 12 shows last summer, including a Christmas market. This year, the schedule boasts 17 circus performances, a revival of the popular Christmas market, and efforts towards establishing a year-round event calendar.
Henri Tessier, a member of the Société d’histoire de Rawdon board, participated in the summer launch by sharing insights on the region’s Irish heritage from within one of the old farmhouses. Tessier fondly reminisced about the village’s past as a beloved tourist destination for families years ago.
Looking ahead, Chamot and Winterhalter aspire for the village to honor not only its historical context but also its cinematic legacy. By integrating cutting-edge lighting and sound technologies, they aim to create an enchanting environment that encourages visitors to actively engage their imaginations, transforming the space from a backdrop for film productions into a captivating experiential destination.
