After 30 years, Canadiana Village is now welcoming visitors once more. The historic 19th-century village, known for its original structures and antique items from that era, was a popular attraction in Quebec in the 1980s and functioned as an open-air museum until 1996.

For the past three decades, Canadiana Village has primarily served as a filming location for movies and television shows. Thibault Chamot and Charlotte Winterhalter, the current owners, have been gradually restoring the village in Rawdon, Quebec, located in the Lanaudière region, since taking over six years ago with the aim of reestablishing it as a tourist destination.

Upon receiving a grant from Tourisme Québec, the couple expedited the renovation process, reviving the pioneer village while incorporating modern elements like sophisticated lighting and a multi-channel sound system across the park. The funding, announced by Quebec Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau in June, was granted through the PARIT program, recognizing the site’s potential appeal to international tourists.

Chamot expressed gratitude for the assistance, emphasizing that the project’s progress would have taken much longer without the support. The village’s revival aims to offer visitors an immersive museum experience rather than just observation, with plans for a year-round schedule of events.

As part of this effort, Cirque Alfonse, a local multi-generational circus group from Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez, will present a unique show called “Poule pas d’tête,” showcasing traditional Lanaudière culture with log rolling, axe juggling, acrobatics, and comedic performances.

The gradual reopening of Canadiana Village over the past two years has seen an increase in shows and events, with plans for a diverse range of activities throughout the year. The village’s historical significance and its role as a film set will be honored, with the addition of lighting and sound technology to enhance the visitor experience and encourage imaginative engagement.

Looking ahead, Chamot and Winterhalter envision Canadiana Village as a space where visitors can not only relive history but also create their own narratives through interactive light and sound displays.