After a hiatus of 30 years, the Canadiana Village has welcomed visitors once again. This 19th-century village, renowned for its original structures and period antiques, was a prominent attraction in Quebec during the 1980s, functioning as an open-air museum until 1996. For the past three decades, the village primarily served as a filming location for movies and TV shows.
Thibault Chamot and Charlotte Winterhalter, the current owners, have been gradually restoring and upgrading the village in Rawdon, Quebec, located in the Lanaudière region, after acquiring it six years ago. Their objective is to transform it back into a tourist destination. Chamot expressed, “When we arrived, much renovation was required. Some buildings were mere facades from a movie made two decades ago.”
With assistance from Tourisme Québec, the couple expedited the renovation project, reviving the pioneer village and incorporating modern amenities like sophisticated lighting and a comprehensive sound system across the park. Quebec Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau announced the $2.3-million grant from the provincial tourism recovery program, emphasizing the site’s international appeal and tourism prospects.
The village’s transformation aims to offer a unique museum experience where visitors can immerse themselves in history rather than passively observe. This summer’s program features live performances by local troupe Cirque Alfonse, showcasing traditional Lanaudière culture with log rolling, axe juggling, acrobatics, and humor.
The site has gradually reopened to the public over the past two years, expanding from weekend shows to 17 circus performances this summer along with a Christmas market. The owners aim to establish a year-round event schedule. Henri Tessier, a member of the Société d’histoire de Rawdon, highlighted the village’s historical significance and its role in preserving local heritage.
Looking ahead, Chamot and Winterhalter envision a village that pays homage not only to its historical roots but also to its film industry legacy. They plan to create an immersive environment using lighting and sound effects to inspire visitors’ creativity. A new live light and sound show is scheduled for January, designed to engage visitors in crafting their narratives through sensory experiences.