| The area of Lanaudière, covering 13 543 square kilometers, is located between the Laurentides and Mauricie regions, and is less than one hour's drive from Montreal.
More than half of the territory is not inhalseted and the population is young and dynamic. The territory is divided into 6 MRC's (County Regional Municipalities) and this last one 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 being cleared by French colonizers. A dozen seigniories were conceded along the river.
From 1665 to 1926, the Lords of Lanaudiere contributed, on 7 generations, to the defense and the development of the French colony of America, the country and the area. The region became oficially known as Lanaudiere on february 20, 1964. One calls the area "Miniature Quebec", because, with it only, Lanaudiere gathers the principal characteristics of the other areas.
If you have only a few days to visit Quebec, Lanaudiere is all indicated to you.
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Astonishing landscapes
On, the strands of the river, which extend for more than 60 km, the marine birds play hapilly with backview of maritime circulation, and you will observe in season flying herons on the way to their nesting located in the archipelago of the lake Saint-Pierre.
The piedmont Laurentien reaches the paroxism of its beauty in autumn ( September and October ). The forest, which adds up to 11 000 km square, is tinted for the occasion of reds and orange trees, a true treat for the eyes.
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The ecological reserve of "Tourbières-de-Lanoraie", the only one open 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 enhanced by numerous rivers, water-falls and cascades. Vast spaces remain wild and it is possible to drink wather directly from the brook or lake. The beaver is particularly active on this territory. When the sun goes down, the wolves start their night laments, which torture you imagination. |
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.
In the winter time :
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For down-hill skiers, some mountains have vertical drops of 305 meters. You can also race down the mountains on tire tubes.
The cross-country skiing network is particularly well structured. Several centers offer many services and well-kept trails.
The reputation of Lanaudière's snowmobile activities is knowed worlwide. A trail-map is available at the Tourist Association.
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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).
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In the summer time :
A brochure titled "Lanaudière à Vélo" is available from the Tourist Association and a 6 stage-300 km circuit is offered for those who love bicycling.
Camping is widely developed on this territory and the beauty of the scenery and its inhabitants hospitality surely is there for something!
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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 courses were born these last years.
On your marks... ready... go !
Each year, the maski-Courons International of Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon gathers valorous sportsmen and women for a foot-race,
walk and in-line skating.
Mmm...
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The best market-gardening grounds in the province of Quebec are found here, in Lanaudière; consequentty, the agricultural sector 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).
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| Well worth discovering are the special local foods prepared by the region's chiefs. For instance: wild boar sausage and tender, 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?
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- Gilles Villeneuve, Formula 1 racing car driver who died tragically during a race in Belgium was born in Berthierville. A museum named after him and it's thematic exhibits recalls the pilot's career and try to establish a link between Gilles and his son, Jacques, a new rising star in car racing.
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- Céline Dion, 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. You will discover the life and times 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). 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 et 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 a group of 19th century buildings, witness of that period's lifestyle (Free admission to site. Admission fee to shows).
Global Réservation: Lodging and accomodation, Lanaudière region
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