The tourist area of Lanaudiere

The area of Lanaudière, covering 13,543 square kilometers, is located between the Laurentides and Mauricie areas, and less than one hour's drive from Montreal.

More than half of the territory is not municipalized and the population is young and dynamic.

The territory is divided into 6 MRC's (Regional County Municipalities) and this last is more rural than urban.

What was the country of the furs became agricultural today, the ground of Lanaudière was one of the first to be cleared by French colonizers. A dozen seigniories were conceded along the river.

From 1665 to 1926, the Lords of Lanaudiere contributed, during 7 generations, to the defense and the development of the French colony of America, the country and the area.

The region became officially known as Lanaudiere on february 20, 1964.

One calls the area "Quebec Miniature", because, it gathers the principal characteristics of the Province of Québec.

If you have only a few days to visit Quebec, Lanaudiere is very indicated to you.

Astonishing landscapes

Initially, on the battures of the river, which extend on more than 60 km, where the marine birds play hapilly with backview of maritime circulation, you will observe flying herons on the way towards their surface of nesting located in the archipelago of the lake Saint-Pierre.

Then, you will see the piedmont Laurentien which reaches the paroxism of its beauty in autumn ( September and October ). The forest, which covers 11,000 suqare km, is tinted for the occasion of reds and orange trees, a true treat for the eyes.

The ecological reserve of "Tourbières-de-Lanoraie", the only one opened to the public in Quebec, is all yours to discover. Guides will make you discover an unusual flora such as carniverous plants (in season).

Farther north, there are lakes with plenty of fish as well as outfitters dissimulated in its large forest extents. The Lanaudiere forest landscape is enchanced by numerous rivers, water-falls and cascades. Vast spaces remained wild and it is possible to directly water brook, fall or lake. The beaver is particularly active on this territory. At sunset, the wolves start their night laments, which torture your imagination.

Accommodations

Move! Breathe! Relax!

Adventure tourism is very popular in the area of Lanaudiere.

Snowmobiling, dogsledding, ATV, canoeing, canoe-camping and snowshoeing are all possible and available at different outlets in the area. For those who would prefer to be pampered, there are many Health Spas Centers.

During winter :

For down-hill skiers, some mountains have vertical drops of 305 meters. You can also slide down the mountains on tire tubes.

The cross-country skiing network is particularly well structured. Several centers offer all services and well-kept trails.

The reputation of Lanaudière's snowmobile activities is established worldwide. A trail-map is available at the Tourist Association.

During winter, the Assomption river in Joliette becomes a skater's paradise, 9 km long; the longest in the province of Québec. A hiking trail and a cross-country trail are laid-out along the river-bank (free).

During summer :

A brochure titled "Lanaudière à Vélo" is available from the Tourist Association and a 6 stage-300 km circuit is offered.

Camping is widely developed on this territory and the beauty of the scenery and its inhabitants hospitality is surely there for something!

There are public beaches in the central and northern areas of the region and the unspoiled beaches scattered all over the Taureau territory have, to this day, won over most of their visitors.

Golfing enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that several golf clubs were born these last years.

To your marks... ready... go !

Each year, the maski-Courons International of Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon gatners valorous sportsmen and women for a foot-race, walk and in-line skating.

Mmm...

The best market-gardening grounds in the province of Quebec are found here, in Lanaudière; consequently, the agricultural sector thus occupies a dominating place in the economy of the area. The biological culture gains in popularity. The region offers also a strong concentration of maple syrup producers (520 producers).

Well worth discovering are the special local foods prepared by the region's chefs. For instance, wild boar sausages, tender and mouthwatering lamb, goat's milk cheese to be savoured very slowly, and maple butter (sinful treat!). All of these are a must when one visits Lanaudiere.

Do you recognize these names?

Gilles Villeneuve, the Formula 1 racing car driver who died tragically during a race in Belgium, was born in Berthierville. A museum, named after him, and its thematic exhibits recall the pilot's career and try to establish a link between Gilles and his son, Jacques, who has also been a car racing star.

Céline Dion, the world-famous singer, is a native of this beautiful part of the country.

Pierre Bélanger is the master-craftsman of the famous "ceinture fléchée" (finger woven sash) still proudly worn today during Québec's Winter Carnival. Located in the village of Sainte-Marcelline, "La Maison de la Ceinture Fléchée" holds a permanent exhibition devoted to the work of Pierre Bélanger.

Louis Cyr, the world's strongest man and circus member also comes from this region. You will discover the life of this incredibly strong man at the Musée-halte Louis-Cyr in Saint-Jean-de-Matha (free admission).

Sir Wilfrid Laurier was the first French-Canadian to become prime Minister of Canada (1846-1911). In Ville-des-Laurentides, the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Historic site commemorates the life and achievements of the illustrious person. Our ancestor's lifestyle is also depicted on location (admission fee).

Art and culture

Symphonic Lanaudière:

The outstanding acoustics of Joliette's Amphitheater combined with the attractive setting definitely contribute to the success of the International Music Festival of Lanaudière; the most prestigious classical music summer festival in Canada. From early July to the beginning of August, Joliette succumbs to the world's greatest symphonies.

19th century lifestyle:

The "île des Moulins" located in Terrebonne reveals several 19th century buildings, witnesses of that period's lifestyle (Free admission for the site. Admission fee for shows).