Rouyn-Noranda: My Pride

BY Anne-Marie Belzile

I love to welcome people, friends and family, to my home in Rouyn-Noranda. I'm proud to welcome them during one of our famous events: the Festival des Guitares du Monde, the Festival de musique émergente, the Festival du cinéma international, and so on. And in winter, at the Fête d’hiver.

Outdoor activities in Rouyn-Noranda

There's a lot to do outdoors in the Rouyn-Noranda area, with many Rouyn-Noranda must-sees for nature lovers.

Here are my favorites:

• tree climbing and mountain biking at Parc-Aventure Joannès;
  hiking;
• climbing and swimming at Collines Kékéko;
• stroll or read a book at the Parc botanique «À Fleur d’eau»;
• excursion à pied ou en canot au parc national d’Aiguebelle.

If we're outside, we'll be having supper around the fire, eating toasted marshmallow, with our noses in the stars, just before going to sleep in one of the rustic camps, or even at the campground. This is often where friends from the big city finally unwind. It always puts a proud smile on my face! In winter, I love snowshoeing on the Sentiers des Collines d’Alembert. Parc national d’Aiguebelle is also a must in winter, with its multicolored icefall. These activities are some of the Rouyn-Noranda must-sees you shouldn't miss.

A recipe for happiness to share

To make sure my visitors understand the environment I come from, I like to take them on a tour of the Magasin général Dumulon or the Indice du bonheur audio tour, which are also Rouyn-Noranda must-sees. I reconnect with our roots, witness how my city is evolving, and I'm proud to see it happen.

Eating and drinking

Speaking of happiness, it's a pleasure to let my gang experience the city's rich cultural life. The Musée d'art de Rouyn-Noranda offers a wide range of programming, and Écart organizes all kinds of super original events.

I like to say that, in proportion to our population, we have a remarkable number of good restaurants here. So I enhance my visitors' stay with a succulent meal at Olive et Basil, Horizon Thaï, Pizzé or Le Cellier. These eateries are also among the best Rouyn-Noranda must-sees for food lovers.

I don't drink beer, but I know that those who do will find something to their liking at Le Trèfle Noir craft brewery. I also enjoy game nights at Café-bar l'Abstracto. On the day after a night out, I like to invite people to have breakfast at the Saint-Exupéry.

Basically, I like to share the moments that make my life great…

Did I say that I was proud?