I love having people, friends or family visit me in Rouyn-Noranda. I’m proud to welcome them during one of our great events, like the Festival du DocuMenteur (a mockumentary event), Festival pyromusical Osisko en lumière, Festival des guitares du monde, FME or Festival du cinéma international. And, in winter, the Grand Prix international Snowcross or Fête d’hiver.
I like to head outside and participate actively and intensely in all of the activities and shows. A wide range of fresh-air activities are available around Rouyn-Noranda. My “musts”: the bike tour around lac Osisko with Vélo-Cité; zip-lining and mountain biking at Parc-Aventure Joannès; hiking, climbing and swimming at Collines Kékéko; strolling or reading in the garden Parc botanique “À Fleur d’eau”; excursions on foot or by canoe in the parc national d’Aiguebelle.
When we’re outside, we eat around the fire, stars twinkling in our eyes before we drift off and sleep in the wild – or in a campground. Often, that’s where my city-friends finally unwind. It makes me beam with pride! In winter, I adore snowshoeing the trails of the Sentiers des collines d’Alembert. The parc national d’Aiguebelle is another winter must, with its ice streams sparkling in multiple hues.
A happiness recipe to be shared
To make sure my visitors know what kind of place I grew up in, I like to bring them to the general store, Magasin général Dumulon. I reconnect with our roots, realize how my city has evolved, and I’m truly proud we’re here to witness it.
Speaking of happiness, it’s a real joy to take the gang out to experience the city’s thriving culture. The MA (art Museum) offers a schedule that’s full to bursting, L’Écart... lieu d’art actuel organizes all kinds of really unique events. Then there’s the theatre! I regularly go to plays at l'Agora des arts. I’ve also promised myself to go see Ma Noranda at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Noranda next summer.
I’ve brought many friends to see Les Volubiles improvisation show. Or the Huskies, our team in the Québec junior major hockey league. There’s nothing like a game between the Huskies and the Foreurs when friends from France come to town!
I also like to tell them that, population considered, we have quite a crop of fine restaurants. I round out my friends’ stay with a visit to Olive et Basil, La Muse Gueule, Cachottier, Horizon Thaï, Deuxparquatre and Pub Chez Gibb
I don’t drink beer, but I know those who do will find something to their taste at Le Trèfle Noir microbrewery. I’m also a fan of games night at Café-bar l’Abstracto. Mornings after a night on the town, I like to invite the gang for brunch with my friends Marc and Chantal at the Saint-Exupéry.
I guess I just love sharing everything that make life here such a joy for me...
I did say I was proud?
