Get Ready for Rural Quebec

Celebrate the province's rich culture with this series of upcoming events that are perfect for RVers.

by

Words by Steve Fennell

The summer of 2022 is the first time in approximately two years that many events have taken place across Canada in full swing. The July 1 and the Civic Holiday weekend events have come and gone and there are several more still to come.

Quebec has an insightful history, a rich culture, and interesting regions, each one ready to offer a different experience. One of four provinces’ that belonged to the Dominion of Canada in 1867, Quebec has maintained its roots that are still recognized today, and its several events are just one way to experience its interesting heritage.

What’s exciting about its series of upcoming events is they can round out your summer RV experiences and even extend time on the road well into the fall. Most are also hosted in interesting rural communities, providing further enjoyment with your trailer or motorhome. Some even have designated camping packages for added convenience.

Try a Sensory Experience

If you visit the outdoor mecca of Mont-Tremblant, all members of your family will enjoy the Tonga Lumina, a multimedia-based event in the heart of the area. Open from June 17 - Oct 9, the adventure begins by ascending to the trailhead via a chairlift in the evening. A designated path leads through forests, clearings and streams, which are illuminated and enhanced by animated creations based on creative light and sound productions.

The experience takes about an hour to complete and follows a themed story of a sleeping giant and “the last survivor of his kind to protect the fauna, the flora and the rivers.”

Produced by Montreal-based The Moment Factory, which has completed productions for mainstream musical artists and resorts - to name a few - the spectacle’s ‘stone-dusted’ trail is an easy 1.5 km (.9 mi) and takes about an hour to complete. You won’t be disappointed with the dazzling night-time displays and creations. www.tongalumina.tremblant.ca

Something Different and Unique

Held from August 24 - 28, the Festival Du bûcheux - or ‘woodcutter festival’ -  showcases activities and competitions you don’t normally experience every day. Hosted since 1981 in Saint-Pamphile, approximately two hours northeast of Quebec City, Festival Du bûcheux honours the province’s extensive and rich forestry industry.

There are wood cutting demonstrations and competitions, sawmill tours, a musical gala, dance evenings, a parade and even children’s entertainment. www.festivaldubucheux.ca

Explore Quebec’s Wild Side

The 54th edition of the Festival Western de St-Tite rodeo (the Western Festival of St-Tite) takes place September 9 - 18 in Saint-Tite, which is about an hour north of Trois-Rivière and 90 minutes northwest of Quebec City.

An internationally-renowned event that attracts approximately 600,000 over ten days, it offers several classic professional-level rodeo competitions including bronco and bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and more.

Additional highlights include a parade, live country music, and dance presentations, which are considered one of the largest gatherings of country dancing in Quebec. RV camping is available nearby. While there’s no cost for entry to the event, there are select paid activities. For more details visit www.festivalwestern.com.

Enjoy the Craft Beers of Quebec

Quebec has a long and significant brewing history.  It was where Canada’s first brewery was founded in the mid-1600s and approximately 100 years later, John Molson opened the doors to his brewery in Montréal, which is the oldest brewery in North America.

Like other Canadian provinces, Quebec takes a lot of pride in its craft beer creations and is celebrated annually at the Oktoberfest De Repentigny, located about 90 minutes northeast of Montreal. The 2022 event takes place September 9 - 11 in Lebel Island Park along the banks of the St.Lawrence River.

In its 15th year, the event is a great way to round out your travelling season or commemorate the fall by sipping, sampling and savouring the local craft beer. You can also enjoy the scheduled fair, gourmet vendors, and a comedy cabaret. There is even a family zone.

www.oktoberfestderepentigny.com

Discover Provincial Roots

La Balade Gourmande translates to the ‘Gourmet Stroll’ and is a perfect reason to hit the road from October 1-9 (weekends only). Held in the region of Victoriaville, the event consists of different tours to discover the region’s agricultural food producers, processors, and farmers' markets via six ‘routes’ and ‘tracks’ through rural communities.

For instance, choose the organized ‘Orange Route’ along Route 161 to Chesterville, Sainte-Hélène de Chester, Ham-Nord, Notre-Dame-de-Ham and Tingwick where you can savour fruits, craft beer, locally produced wine, and home-made maple syrup. It also consists of two farmer’s markets and local meat processors.

Other areas you can visit include (but are not limited to) Drummondville (the ‘Red Circuit’), the rural villages between Sainte-Elizabeth de Warwick, Sainte-Séraphine and Saint-Albert (the Green Route), as well as Warwick and Ting Wick (the Blue Track). You can also plot a personalized path by visiting www.baladegourmande.ca.

Another gourmet-themed event from October 8-9 is Les Comptonales, held in and around the municipality and village of Compton among the scenic Eastern Townships. Popular among locals and visitors alike, this is one of the most celebrated tourist agritourism events in the region and consists of six destinations.

A number of RV parks are available in the area and for more information be sure to visit www.comptonales.com.

Be sure to check out all of the events’ websites for more details or go to www.bonjourquebec.com before your visit.