Nourish your creative soul in the Laurentians and discover the local arts and heritage! While the region’s natural charm is hard to resist in the summer, the rich culture will take your stay to another level. Come and hang out in the streets of picturesque villages throughout the territory, or stop by that attractive art gallery showcasing the work of local artists. At museums, you’re invited to admire the most inspiring of eccentric creations in both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Also, make the most of your visit to dive into the fascinating history of the Laurentians, by exploring its heritage sites and heritage homes that reflect times of yore. In the Laurentians, culture is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. You might be surprised by all there is to offer!
An unforgettable revealble
Theatre lovers, take advantage of the quality and quantity of performance halls scattered across the region. There is a considerable selection of shows to choose from. Attend a grandiose concert, an unforgettable play, a comedy show, or a dance show, and admire the local creative and artistic talent. Take a look at the varied programming at Odyscène in Sainte-Thérèse, Le Patriote theatre in Sainte-Agathe, and Théâtre du Marais in Val-Morin. In Saint-Jérôme, Théâtre Gilles-Vigneault is presenting an interactive comedy show, Silence, on tourne! (Silence, We’re Rolling!), all summer long. Le Petit Théâtre du Nord, located in Boisbriand, is also presenting a summer play titled Grandeur minimale requise (Minimum Height Required). Immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the incredible performance halls in the Laurentians.
The arts at arm’s length
It’s such a joy to discover the Laurentians through its artists and its history. Soak up the creativity of artists and artisans by visiting art exhibitions! Located in Saint-Jérôme, the Musée d’art contemporain des Laurentides is presenting the collective exhibit Registre des savoir-faire (Registry of Know-how) until September 24, in addition to other permanent exhibits you don’t want to miss. For its part, the Centre d’art d’Argenteuil in Lachute is hosting Les journées de la Culture (Culture Days) from September 29 to October 1st. Check out the exhibit by sculptor Clode Pilote and fun cultural activities set up for the occasion. Until September 6, the Centre d’exposition de Val-David is showcasing two exhibits where materials and colour come together, À l’unisson (In Unison) by Isabelle Leduc and D’où est ce que tu sors? (What Do You Mean?) by Jean-Paul Riopelle. In Mont-Blanc, the Maison des Arts Saint-Faustin invites you to a collective exhibit for the 26th Annual Contest under the theme of space. Until August 26, vote for your favourite work from around 60! Lastly, the Centre d’exposition de Mont-Laurier is presenting the Destructeur de Mondes (Destroyer of Worlds)exhibit until September 6, where graphic novelist Denis Rodier will reveal the illustrations for his work titled La Bombe (The Bomb). Stay tuned; there are other exhibits planned for the fall!
Art in all its forms
Support the talent and creativity of local artists by stopping to admire the fruit of their labour. In a shop or at a craft event, make the most of your visit to take a piece of local Laurentian art back home. Val-David Village is renowned for being an unparalleled hub of arts and culture: wander through the village’s workshops during the 1001 pots (1,001 Pots) exhibit, which showcases the excellence of Quebec contemporary ceramics and its artisans. Also make sure to stop at Lolipop, a workshop in Val-David that makes handmade, blown-glass objects for the jewelry and fashion and design industries. Then, embark on an artistic bike ride through the Parc du Corridor aérobique between Morin-Heights and Amherst. There are six pop-up stations created from the work of land artists using a variety of art mediums. Finally, fill your head with beautiful melodies from the musical Sundays organized by the Centre musical Cammac in Harrington. On August 13 and 20, see a concert in nature with the option of savouring a delicious brunch.
Follow the course of history
Go back in time by diving into the rich history of the region, showcased in several Laurentian villages. Travel back to the 19th century with a visit to the temporary exhibit at the Manoir Globensky museum in Saint-Eustache, Visages des rébellions – Jean-Joseph Girouard, patriote portraitiste (Faces of the Rebellions – Jean-Joseph Girouard, patriot and portrait artist). Admire around 100 portraits of prisoners sentenced for high treason, produced in prison in 1838. A whole other side of the 19th et 20th centuries is presented in Saint-Sauveur at the Laurentian Ski Museum. There, learn more about the history of skiing and how it shaped Laurentian history. This summer, visit the temporary exhibit showcasing signs for past and present ski resorts in the region! Moving forward into the 20th century, in the streets of Sainte-Adèle, the home of two history tours: Sainte-Adèle and Mont-Rolland. There are two departures per tour every Saturday, led by a historical figure, each lasting 1 hour. A great way to discover the village through a different lens!
Laurentian heritage
Hit the road to discover all of the historic sites in the Laurentians. Visit one of the highest locks in Canada at the Carillon Canal National Historic Site in Saint-André-d’Argenteuil. Visit the museum on site and dive into the history of 19th-century voyageurs on the Ottawa River. Take the opportunity to have a picnic along the canal and enjoy the view! In Saint-Eustache, explore the streets of Old Saint-Eustache and visit the Légaré mill, a flour mill from 1762 that is still operational! Go for a visit on September 16 and 17 during the Festival de la galette, a festival that showcases the history and heritage of the region. Further north, climb the Calvaire d’Huberdeau for a panoramic view of the Rouge Valley and surrounding areas. A leading pilgrimage site, the summit features 27 statues at least 2 metres tall! Do you want to explore the roads in the North? The Route du Lièvre Rouge crosses 16 municipalities in the Antoine-Labelle RCM to present the history of the region and its residents. With such a vast territory, the Laurentians have countless stories to tell!
En route for a voyage in time through the region
Walk in the footsteps of early settlers on the Route des Belles-Histoires. One of Quebec’s official tourist routes, it is an invitation to don your historian hat and travel back in time to the beginnings of forestry, farming, and tourism in the Laurentians. From Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier, along Route 117 and the P’tit Train du Nord Linear Park, follow Curé Antoine Labelle’s ambitious colonization project from the end of the 19th century. Visit museums, heritage train stations, historic monuments, and explore the many historic tours along the way. Pack your bags, and, map of the Route des Belles-Histoires in hand, discover the history of the Laurentians!
Lend an ear to the Belles-Histoires
Throughout your adventure on the Route des Belles-Histoires, discover even more history by downloading the BaladoDiscovery mobile app. Based on true stories, the audio guide follows you along the path to colonizing the Laurentians while painting a portrait of its forest, farming, and tourism development. The interactive BaladoDiscovery map also provides information upon request and lets you see your location in real time in relation to the points of interest, regardless of whether you follow the recommended itinerary. Over forty points of interest are described by audio capsules, enhancing your journey in the footsteps of Curé Labelle and other pioneers of the region. Let them tell our stories and guide your discovery of the rich heritage in the Laurentians!
For all tourism-related questions: info-tourisme@laurentides.com or call: 450 224-7007 | 1 800 561-6673..