Nourish your creative soul in the Laurentians and discover its wealth of arts and heritage! Hang out in the streets of picturesque villages throughout the territory, and let the work of local artists draw you in to local art galleries. Museums showcase the most inspiring of eccentric creations in both permanent and temporary exhibitions, while heritage sites and heritage homes reflect times of yore, immersing you in the region’s fascinating history. Culture in the Laurentians is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Let yourself be surprised by its many facets!
Hit the road for a voyage in time through the region
Follow in the footsteps of early settlers in the region along the Route des Belles-Histoires. One of Quebec’s official tourist routes, it’s an invitation to don your historian’s 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, follow priest 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, drive through the history of the Laurentians!
Lend an ear to the Belles-Histoires
Elevate your historical immersion adventure on the Route des Belles-Histoires by downloading the BaladoDiscovery mobile app. Based on true stories, the audio guide is your travel companion along the path to colonization of the Laurentians, painting a portrait of its forestry, farming, and tourism development. The interactive BaladoDiscovery map also provides information on demand and lets you see your location in real time in relation to the points of interest, regardless of whether you follow the recommended itinerary. Audio capsules describe more than 40 points of interest to enhance 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!
Stroll through art galleries
Throughout the region, artists and artisans express their talents through a variety of art forms. Located in the heart of the bustling culture hub of Val-David, the Centre d’exposition de Val-David presents two summer exhibitions: Résonance Solo & Duo, which uses glass sculptures to showcase the four elements, and Lourd Silence, an artistic expression of systemic violence against women. In Mont-Blanc, the Maison des Arts Saint-Faustin will host the 18th edition of the collective exhibit titled Dada, starting August 31. Its provocative themes intend to trigger a reflection on current events, individuality, and community. On a more lighthearted note, the Centre d’exposition de Mont-Laurier’s Mascaret exhibition is an immersive experience which seeks to leave patrons in awe! Whether the goal is to provoke, to prompt reflection or simply a smile, the works are an entry point to a world that extends far beyond the Laurentians.
The creative breath of the Laurentians
The Laurentians are an infinite source of inspiration for artists! In Val-David, admire the work of ceramic artists during the 1001 Pots exhibition. Until August 18, discover a varied programme featuring tea rooms, pottery workshops, and jazz music. Music lovers, head to CAMMAC Music Centre in Harrington. In summer, the Musical Sundays concert series is a delightful programme designed to be enjoyed with a delicious brunch on the shores of MacDonald Lake. If visual arts pique your interest, the Centre d’art d’Argenteuil in Lachute brings patrons into contact with the human experience through two exhibitions: Fragments by Suzanne De Carufel and Mon Combat Pour l’Ukraine by Jean Kazemirchuk. The eccentricity continues at the Musée d’art contemporain des Laurentides in Saint-Jérôme. Until September 22, the Entrelacement(s) exhibition showcases one of the museum’s strengths: cultural mediation.
More than local history
Soak in the history of Laurentian villages! The Laurentian Ski Museum presents the development of holiday resorts around skiing. Located in the heart of Saint-Sauveur, it’s an opportunity to learn about the history of skiing in the Laurentians where it actually happened. Meanwhile, the City of Sainte-Adèle offers up its streets for more heritage discovery, with both a heritage tour and murals tour. To the south, the City of Sainte-Thérèse is celebrating its 175th anniversary. Festivities include a historic exhibition of the municipality’s past and secrets at Maison Lachaîne, until August 25. In Saint-André-d’Argenteuil, the Musée régional d’Argenteuil showcases the region, its pioneers, and its historical buildings through six themes. Looking for an unconventional way to discover heritage? D-Tour proposes a guided heritage bike tour of Mont-Tremblant. The perfect summer blend of adventure and history!
Back to the Laurentians
Take a deep dive into the history of the Laurentians through heritage sites across the region. Start your journey back in time with the Patrimoine culturel Vieux-Saint-Eustache. Visit the new, temporary exhibition at Manoir Globensky, Viens t’en fêter à ma manière, or learn more about traditional flour milling with a guided tour of the Légaré mill. Check out the store and discover the flavours of the mill through products made by the miller! In Saint-André-d’Argenteuil, soak up the fresh air along Carillon Canal National Historic Site. While you’re there, make sure to check out the 20-metre lock, or lounge under the sun on the famous red Adirondack chairs. Further north, the Calvaire-d’Huberdeau heritage site isn’t just a landmark religious tourism attraction in the region, with its 28 bronze cast iron statues; it’s also an incredible view of the Rouge valley. Lastly, end your adventure at the Ancienne-Pisciculture in Mont-Blanc. Discover the history of the site with an audio guide or through the museum. Plus, there are gardens and trails for you to enjoy the sun!
A warm welcome from performance venues and theatres
Lovers of the performing arts, the diverse wealth of concert halls scattered throughout the region is everything you’ve been looking for. There’s a wide variety of events to choose from: attend a grandiose concert, an unforgettable play, a comedy show, or a dance show, and fall under the spell of the Laurentians’ creative and artistic talent. Take a look at the diverse programming at Odyscène in Sainte-Thérèse, Le Petit Théâtre du Nord in Boisbriand, Théâtre Gilles-Vigneault in Saint-Jérôme, Théâtre Le Patriote in Sainte-Agathe, and Théâtre du Marais in Val-Morin. Immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the incredible performance venues in the Laurentians. Come one, come all to watch the curtain fall; there’s something for everyone!
For all tourism-related questions: [email protected] or call: 450 224-7007 | 1 800 561-6673.
