Lanaudière is bursting with activities and attractions to discover during the summer season. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, cultural discovery or relaxation, our region is sure to seduce you without spending too much.
We present you with a selection of affordable and charming activities to explore Lanaudière and share memorable moments without breaking the bank. Ready to discover the hidden treasures of Lanaudière on a budget? Here are our suggestions!
OUTDOOR
A real must-see in the region, the outdoor offer is accessible to all, and we boast several affordable options for enjoying it in Lanaudière.
The Matawinie regional parks group together 5 parks (Sept-Chutes, Chute-à-Bull, Lac Taureau, Forêt Ouareau and Sentier National) where you can go hiking, biking, paddleboarding, hebertism, climbing and even caving. Admission is $9 per adult and $4 per child (aged 6 to 17). A family pass is also available for $20 (2 adults and 2 children). An annual pass, allowing unlimited visits to all 5 parks, is also available for $75 per person or $150 per family. Equipment rental is also available at extra cost, but if you have your own equipment, this is a great affordable way to enjoy nature and breathtaking scenery.
Admiring waterfalls and cascades is another activity that promises grandiose spectacles at low cost. Among our suggestions is the Chutes-Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles park. Access is FREE for residents of Sainte-Béatrix, Saint-Jean-de-Matha and Sainte-Mélanie. For others, admission is $10 per adult and $7 per child. To see Rawdon's famous Dorwin Falls, you'll need to pay only for parking, so it'll cost you only $15 to get there, regardless of the number of passengers in your car. The Chutes du Calvaire regional park in Mandeville is FREE for everyone!
Birdwatching is a free activity for all wildlife enthusiasts. Many species are easy to spot in the region, and there's NO COST. Don't hesitate to consult our blog post for our best addresses.
Our cycling tours allow you to criss-cross the region and discover all its secrets! Most of our bike paths and circuits are accessible FREE OF CHARGE, allowing you to pedal through the region while taking in the magnificent scenery and many attractions. Discover them HERE.
To discover all the outdoor activities available in the region, click HERE. To find out all about our offers and packages, don't hesitate to consult our special section.
CULTURE
Who said culture wasn't accessible to the budget-conscious? Certainly not us! Many museums, cultural events and heritage tours are accessible FREE of charge at low cost. The Musée d'art de Joliette opens its doors for FREE every first Sunday of the month. The cost is only $25 per family for other days, and $15 during the transition periods for the various exhibitions, which take place around 3 times a year. Joliette residents can visit the museum FREE of charge at any time with proof of residency.
The Gilles Villeneuve Museum is a great way to learn more about the famous F1 driver, without blowing too big a hole in your budget. Admission is $12 for adults and $27 for a family of two adults and two children. FREE for children under 6.
The Maison Louis-Cyr offers a wide range of low-cost activities. Escape games, virtual reality, virtual tours - there are plenty of options for sharing memorable moments with family and friends. Prices range from $15 to $25, depending on age and activity.
The Centre d'art Diane-Dufresne, located in Repentigny, welcomes visitors for FREE during regular exhibitions, and for less than $10 per person (FREE for under-18s) during major summer and winter exhibitions.
You can also visit the Maison Rosalie-Cadron in Lavaltrie for $7, and the Maison de la Nouvelle-Acadie in Saint-Jacques for only $5 per adult.
Other FREE cultural activities include a visit to the Île-des-Moulins museum complex, which brings together three historic buildings housing permanent and temporary exhibitions: the Maison Bélisle, the Bureau seigneurial and the Moulin neuf. You can also stop off at the Chapelle des Cuthbert, in Berthierville, to admire the various exhibits.
In addition, many musical, cultural and festive events take place in the region during the summer. Most of them offer FREE access to the site, but there is a charge for on-site activities. So you can take advantage of them without having to reach into your pocket. To consult our calendar of events, click HERE.
ACCOMMODATION
As we all know, accommodation is often the most expensive part of planning a trip abroad. But there are ways of getting by at a good price.
Camping is undoubtedly the most affordable option for sleeping away from home. We have several sites ready to welcome you with your tent, trailer or RV. Check out the list HERE.
You can also split the cost of cottage rentals by bringing one or two additional families together to share the cost. It's a great way to create lasting memories. A stay with friends or other couples is also a good idea for a more affordable vacation. Find the cottage of your dreams HERE.
Our experienced hotels, inns and accommodations regularly offer offers and packages that are well worth your while. The HERE section is regularly updated, so please check back often.
Bonjour Nature is also an excellent option for smaller budgets, thanks to the Lanaudière en bus program, which offers discounts of over 25% on certain stays.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
It's getting harder and harder to get out and about as a family on a budget, but promise we've got family-friendly activities in the Lanaudière region.
Familizoo and the Complexe Atlantide water park are a great option for families. Less than $25 per adult to admire a wide variety of animals, that's a price you won't find anywhere else in the province. As for the slides and numerous activities at Complexe Atlantide, rates are no more than $50 per adult and $35 per child.
Arbraska promises hours of fun in the trees for less than $48 per adult and $38 per child. Its Adventure Passport program is also valid in the 4 other parks (Rigaud, Laflèche, Mont-Saint-Grégoire and Chauveau) and offers very attractive discounts!
The Grand Labyrinthe de Lanaudière, from Ferme Guy Rivest, is a must-see in the region, and an excellent low-cost option! Adults (14+) will get in for under $10, and children aged 3 to 13 for just $5. FREE for children under 2.
To consult our complete section of family activities, click HERE.
AGRITOURISM AND CATERING
Quebecers love to eat well, and Lanaudière products deserve to be showcased. It's easy to make great finds without losing your shirt.
Our Goûtez Lanaudière! gourmet tours are undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover the region's producers at a low price. You can visit the companies on 5 well-thought-out tours that will also allow you to discover the region. Of course, you're welcome to make a few purchases on the spot or take some home, but you're free to take these tours for FREE. It's a great activity to do as a couple, with friends or family, to meet local producers and learn more about the region. Plan your itinerary now!
Our restaurateurs also go to great lengths to attract a wide range of customers with varying budgets. From snack bars and microbreweries to family restaurants, creameries, cafés and bistros, you'll find affordable options at every one. Don't hesitate to check out the social media sites of the businesses that catch your eye - it's the best place to make sure you don't miss out on any special offers.
As you've seen, Lanaudière is brimming with affordable activities and attractions to make the most of your stay. You'll be amazed by the richness and diversity of our region, which is sure to charm you...at a small price!
