After thirty years, Canadiana Village has reopened to the public. The renowned 19th-century village, known for its original buildings and antiques from that era, was a popular attraction in Quebec during the 1980s before transitioning to a filming location until 1996.
Thibault Chamot and Charlotte Winterhalter, the current owners, have been gradually renovating the village in Rawdon, Quebec, in the Lanaudière region since acquiring it six years ago. Their aim is to restore it as a tourist destination.
Chamot expressed, “When we arrived, much renovation was needed. Some structures were merely facades from a movie made two decades ago.” Thanks to a grant from Tourisme Québec, the restoration project has been expedited, allowing the couple to enhance the pioneer village with modern features like elaborate lighting and a multi-channel sound system.
Quebec Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau announced the $2.3-million grant through the PARIT tourism recovery program, emphasizing the international appeal and tourism potential of the revamped attraction. Chamot acknowledged the significant impact of the funding, stating it accelerated the project significantly.
The vision for Canadiana Village is to offer a unique museum experience that immerses visitors in history rather than just observing it. This summer, the site features a special show by local performers Cirque Alfonse, showcasing traditional Lanaudière culture with acts like log rolling and axe juggling.
The village has been gradually reopening to the public, expanding from weekend shows to a full calendar of events, including circus performances and a Christmas market. Henri Tessier, a member of the Société d’histoire de Rawdon, shared insights on the Irish heritage of the region during the summer launch event.
Chamot and Winterhalter aspire to honor both the historical and cinematic legacy of the village. By incorporating innovative lighting and sound elements, they aim to create an interactive environment that stimulates visitors’ imaginations, transitioning the site from a film set to a dynamic tourist destination.