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Summer Trip – Discovering Rouyn-Noranda

It’s summer, and the season means discoveries, vacations, road trips, and adventures. To mark the occasion, we’re introducing you to Rouyn-Noranda through a variety of attractions that will delight art and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as history buffs. Best of all, they are accessible to everyone: families, couples, solo adventurers, and wanderers.

Whether you’re from Abitibi-Témiscamingue, other regions, or just across the Ontario border, here are some attractions that will help you appreciate Rouyn-Noranda from various perspectives!

The Musée d'art de Rouyn-Noranda

To immerse yourself in a captivating artistic universe, the Musée d’art de Rouyn-Noranda (MA) is the perfect place for a unique cultural adventure! With over 2,000 works and a multidisciplinary artistic program, the MA shapes a northern identity that is as unique as it is strong.

Currently, two exhibitions will blow your mind. The first, "Under the Northern Lights: What Light!" transports you to a world where northern light dances with the seasons. The second, "Mixed Sounds," is a collective exhibition that examines sound traditions through contemporary performances, starting with the sound chaos of Port-au-Prince to imagine the sounds of tomorrow.

But that’s not all! After feeding your mind, you can recharge at the museum's café with a delicious selection of drinks and treats in an inspiring setting. Do you have little explorers with you? Head to the family area where kids can have fun with games, creative activities, and relaxation corners. To ensure you don’t miss out on this exceptional experience, take advantage of the free guided tours that will reveal all the secrets of the exhibited works.

Actuellement, deux expositions vont vous en mettre plein la vue. La première, « Sous les aurores boréales : Quelle lumière ! », vous transporte dans un monde où la lumière nordique danse avec les saisons. La seconde, « Sons mêlés », est une exposition collective qui examine les traditions sonores à travers les performances contemporaines, en partant du chaos sonore de Port-au-Prince pour imaginer les sons de demain.

Mais ce n’est pas tout ! Après avoir nourri votre esprit, vous pouvez recharger vos batteries au café du musée avec une délicieuse sélection de boissons et des petites douceurs dans un cadre inspirant. Vous avez de petits explorateurs avec vous ? Direction l’espace famille où les enfants peuvent s’éclater avec des jeux, des activités créatives et des coins détente. Pour ne rien rater de cette expérience exceptionnelle, profitez des visites guidées gratuites qui vous dévoileront tous les secrets des œuvres exposées.

The Magasin général Dumulon and RécréOsisko

To take a trip back in time and learn about the history of Rouyn-Noranda, the Magasin général Dumulon is the place to be! The permanent exhibition, "La ruée vers Rouyn", presents the birth of Rouyn and Noranda, as well as the excitement that reigned in the twin cities. Additionally, the guided tour with dynamic costumed guides-animators offers a unique immersive and historical experience: for one hour, you’ll be transported back to the early 1900s!

Be sure to check out the summer programming at the Magasin Général Dumulon, as the site hosts various festive activities throughout the summer. For example, the Tam-Tams, an intercultural, gourmet, and musical gathering that promises a lively and friendly atmosphere, or the festivities for the celebration of its 100th anniversary.

Since the Magasin Général Dumulon is located on the shores of Lake Osisko and is surrounded by picnic tables, it’s the perfect place for an outdoor meal after your museum visit. Moreover, it is close to the RécréOsisko site, where you can rent bikes and watercraft for a pleasant tour of the lake. Take the opportunity to stop by the peninsula’s water games to cool off!

The pedestrian downtown

Head to the Quartier centre piétonnier, where everyone gathers to eat, drink, and have fun! This urban heart becomes a paradise for pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters during the summer season. After a wonderful day discovering Rouyn-Noranda, it’s time to settle downtown and stroll in a vibrant and welcoming environment.

Young and old alike will find something to enjoy. The area offers a safe space where children can play freely among the playful paintings that adorn the street while parents relax with an aperitif. Tired? Need everything to be nearby? Feeling a bit tipsy? No worries, accommodations are within walking distance.

Whether you’re solo, a couple, or with the whole tribe, the pedestrian zone is the perfect place for a gourmet break, window shopping, a terrace happy hour, or a stress-free dinner.

BaladoDécouverte

Do you want to get off the beaten path and discover Rouyn-Noranda at your own pace? BaladoDécouverte offers, with the Immersion Douce Rebelle project, interactive historical interpretation tours that allow you to dive into the past, present, and soul of the city through a variety of self-guided tours:

  • A Mine, A Town, and the Pioneers’ Path ;
  • Eye-Catching Art ;
  • The Happiness Index ;
  • The Rural World ;
  • Heritage Routes ;
  • The Citation Route.

With these, some of which include multiple circuits, BaladoDécouverte transforms your exploration of Rouyn-Noranda into a unique adventure spanning 6,484 square kilometers of fun!

Aiguebelle national park

For a nature escape alongside urban exploration: head to Parc national d’Aiguebelle, located about 45 minutes from Rouyn-Noranda. By exploring this protected area, you’ll discover a mosaic of landscapes, sometimes featuring calm lakes or raging rivers, sometimes valleys or imposing hills. Depending on the trails taken, you can climb a helical staircase, ascend a fire watchtower, and sit atop natural lookouts with exceptional views.

Additionally, you can go canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, and paddleboarding, allowing you to discover impressive aspects of the park's geology and geomorphology, such as 2.7 billion-year-old volcanic pillows, fault lakes, and a giant’s kettle.

Ultimately, Aiguebelle National Park offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from tent camping to rustic camps, and also includes ready-to-camp sites and cabins. After a day of fun and rejuvenation in nature, you can settle in for the night and let the calm of the forest lull you to sleep.

Certainly, there is something for everyone, and the expedition is worth the detour!

Rouyn-Noranda at your own pace

Whether you’re from Témiscabitibi or a visitor from afar, Rouyn-Noranda offers unforgettable experiences. Between vibrant art, historical heritage, stunning nature, and lively urban spaces, every corner of the Rouyn-Noranda area is an invitation to adventure and the creation of memorable vacation memories. So, get ready to explore, be amazed, and fully enjoy everything Rouyn-Noranda has to offer.

Enjoy your stay!

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