After a 30-year hiatus, Canadiana Village has reopened its doors to the public. The renowned 19th-century village, which boasts original structures and period antiques, was a prominent attraction in Quebec during the 1980s before transforming into a filming location until 1996.
Thibault Chamot and Charlotte Winterhalter, the current owners, have been diligently restoring and enhancing the village in Rawdon, Quebec’s Lanaudière region, since acquiring it six years ago. Their objective is to revive it as a tourist destination, addressing the deteriorations and outdated facades left from its cinematic past.
A financial boost from Tourisme Québec has propelled the restoration efforts, allowing the couple to preserve the historic village while incorporating modern amenities like sophisticated lighting and a comprehensive sound system across the premises. The $2.3-million grant, facilitated through the PARIT tourism recovery program, was announced by Quebec Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau in June, acknowledging the site’s international allure and tourism potential.
Chamot expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the drastic transformation the funding enabled in a fraction of the anticipated time. The revamped site aims to offer a unique museum experience that immerses visitors in history rather than merely showcasing it.
This summer, Canadiana Village presents an exclusive live show by local performers Cirque Alfonse, known for their traditional Lanaudière-themed act “Poule pas d’tête,” featuring log rolling, axe juggling, acrobatics, and comedic elements. The village has gradually reopened to the public over the past two years, expanding from weekend shows to a full calendar of events, including circus performances and seasonal markets.
Looking ahead, Chamot and Winterhalter aspire to preserve both the historical essence of the village and its cinematic legacy. By introducing innovative lighting and sound concepts, they aim to engage visitors’ imagination in a space previously reserved for film and television productions.
In line with this vision, a new interactive light and sound show is set to debut in January, offering guests the opportunity to craft their narratives through a blend of dynamic soundscapes and lighting effects.