Lanaudière is a huge playground for lovers of the great outdoors, gourmet discoveries and culture. And this summer, we're adding a host of new activities to the region's already tempting offering!
Here are 10 new things to discover this summer, 10 more reasons to choose Lanaudière for your summer vacation!
1. A NEW REGIONAL PARK IN SAINT-CALIXTE
Who would have thought that one day, an old stone quarry would become a new paradise for outdoor enthusiasts? And yet, that's exactly what the Kilkenny Regional Park, scheduled to open in Saint-Calixte in 2025, promises.
This vast 13 km² territory is like a breath of fresh air. Hiking trails in summer, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter, two magnificent lakes, a gently meandering river, and over 100 animal species to observe. It's not just a park... it's a living ecosystem.
2. AUBERGE DE LA MONTAGNE COUPÉE TO BE RENOVATED
Starting this spring, the Auberge de la Montagne Coupée will embark on a major renovation project. We're talking about a $3 million investment to enhance the comfort of its rooms, suites and common areas. Yes, even the dining room - that famous room where you may have once enjoyed a gourmet meal with a breathtaking view - will be completely transformed. The opening is scheduled for May 2025, so start dreaming now... and get ready to fall (again) under the mountain's spell.
3. NEW AT FORÊT Ô CASCADES
Starting this spring, three new 4-season cabins will open just off the Ouareau River at Forêt Ô Cascades. With their modern A-Frame look, these original accommodations will sleep up to 6 people. The cabins will be equipped with solar panels. Comfort, eco-consciousness and a view of the river, it sounds ideal! And that's not all. This summer, Hôtel UNIQ returns for a 2nd year with its 10 immersive glamping units, perfect for unwinding without compromise.
4. THE RETURN OF CANADIANA VILLAGE
Canadiana Village, with its backdrops worthy of a Québécois western, piques curiosity. Renowned for hosting numerous film shoots, this unique historic site is set to reopen to the public in autumn 2025. But in the meantime? You'll soon be able to spend the night! Two immersive accommodations will soon be available for rent: a charming tiny house and an outfitter's tent. And to add a touch of magic to the experience, Cirque Alphonse is coming to the village in August with 12 performances of their travelling show “Broche à foin”. Expect to encounter acrobats between two century-old buildings, laughter in the barns and an atmosphere worthy of another century.
5. THE GARDENS OF MAISON ANTOINE-LACOMBE LIGHT UP!
In Saint-Charles-Borromée, a new lighting project promises to delight the eye... and the senses. Starting in September, the gardens of the Maison Antoine-Lacombe will come alive at dusk thanks to an immersive illumination system that will transform the paths into a veritable digital art trail. Walking under the trees, surrounded by light, in an immersive setting that moves, glows and gives you a unique experience. A multi-sensory experience that blends nature, culture and technology, all in a place already steeped in history. With this innovative illumination, the City of Saint-Charles-Borromée aims to make the Maison Antoine-Lacombe a cultural landmark in the MRC de Joliette. And it's well on the way to becoming a new favorite in the Lanaudière region.
6. THREE DAYS OF MUSIC AT THE MÉLO FESTIVAL
Repentigny gets in on the action with the very first edition of the Mélo Festival, from June 6 to 8. For its very first edition, the festival is lining up a line-up of heart-stopping artists: Charlotte Cardin, Michel Rivard, Matt Lang, Loud, Milk & Bone... and many others to discover on stage. A weekend that promises to be the talk of Lanaudière, filled with music, emotion and good times.
7. A NEW HUMOR FESTIVAL IN JOLIETTE
From August 22 to 24, get ready for sore cheeks (and maybe even sore abs). It's the very first edition of the Festival du rire de Joliette, and we can already tell you one thing: it's going to be funny. Very funny. On the menu: three evenings of galas with renowned comedians, just what you need to end the summer on a high note... and laughing. But the festival isn't just about the stage. Spontaneous shows and lively performances will also be taking place throughout downtown Joliette
8. NEW CHALETS AT LAC TAUREAU
On March 1, three new fully-equipped mini-chalets made their debut at the Parc régional du Lac Taureau. Comfortable little cocoons for 4 to 6 people, nestled just 2 km from the reception area... but light-years away from stress. Access by car, direct access to the lake, beach and hiking trails.
9. NEW AT DÔMES ST-CÔME
If you've always dreamed of sleeping under the stars... without sacrificing your fluffy pillow, Dômes St-Côme is likely to become your new favorite spot. Two new units will be added this spring, with reservations scheduled to open in summer or fall 2025.
10. THE GAÉTAN ROY FARM IS 20 YEARS OLD
To mark this anniversary, the Gaétan Roy Farm in Lanoraie is innovating this spring with a new feature that promises to brighten up your season: pick-your-own tulips, offered for the very first time. And that's not all! At the end of summer, it's the turn of annual flowers and sunflowers to steal the show.
