After 30 years, Canadiana Village has reopened its doors to the public. The renowned 19th-century village, showcasing original structures and antiques from its era, was a prominent attraction in Quebec during the 1980s before operating as a filming location until 1996.
Thibault Chamot and Charlotte Winterhalter, who acquired the village in Rawdon, Quebec, six years ago, have been gradually restoring and updating it with the intention of reestablishing it as a tourist destination. Upon their ownership, they encountered a need for extensive renovations, as some buildings were merely facades from old movies.
A grant from Tourisme Québec facilitated the restoration project, allowing the couple to revamp the pioneer village while incorporating modern elements like advanced lighting and a comprehensive sound system across the park. The funding, announced by Quebec Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau, was granted through the PARIT program to support tourism recovery.
The objective is to offer visitors a unique museum experience where they can engage actively rather than passively observe. This summer, Canadiana Village will feature an immersive performance by local artists from Cirque Alfonse, showcasing traditional Lanaudière culture through activities like log rolling, axe juggling, acrobatics, and comedic acts.
The site has gradually reopened over the past two years, evolving from weekend shows to a full summer schedule, including a Christmas market. The long-term vision includes expanding events throughout the year to engage a wider audience. Henri Tessier, a member of the Société d’histoire de Rawdon, shared insights on the village’s historical significance and its heritage.
Looking ahead, Chamot and Winterhalter aim to celebrate both the historical and cinematic legacy of Canadiana Village. By enhancing the ambiance with lighting and sound effects, they hope to stimulate visitors’ creativity in an environment previously exclusive to film and TV productions.
In a bid to enhance visitor engagement further, a live light and sound show is planned for January, designed to encourage guests to craft their narratives through a blend of sound and lighting elements, fostering a more immersive and participatory experience.