This text is part of the special notebook It’s Summer
Discover the built and intangible heritage through activities and summer getaways. Here is a selection of itineraries, historical sites and destinations that delve into Quebec’s past identity.
The path of round barns and covered bridges
The powerful charm of the Estrian landscapes is revealed just as much in its heritage buildings. To convince yourself, take the Round Barns and Covered Bridges Trail, a thematic route which tells, along the Townships Trail, a fragment of the architectural history of the Eastern Townships, in the Brome sectors. Missisquoi, Val-Saint-François, Coaticook, Haut-Saint-François and Memphrémagog. The built heritage is revealed there as in Ulverton: the Paul-Émile Giguère covered bridge is an identical replica of a bridge built in 1885, demolished in 1950 because it was considered dangerous, then rebuilt in 1994. It neighbors the famous Ulverton woolen mill, the industrial museum which traces the wool industry and textile trades in rural areas, which marks the mid-19th century. In Coaticook, towards Mount Pinacle, the round barn of Baldwin Mills, the largest of its kind in the region, has the particularity of being topped with an octagonal turret and covered with cedar shingles. These are just two examples of the fifteen or so exciting stages that punctuate this attractive circuit.
Manic-5
On the North Shore, the Manic-5 power station and the Daniel-Johnson dam are the pride of Quebec’s genius in terms of industrial infrastructure. Built in the heart of the Manicouagan valley and inaugurated in 1971, Manic-5 stands out as the Quebec symbol of an era of emerging prosperity and as a model of mega-construction on an international scale. A guided tour, inside and on the crest of the dam, at a height of more than 200 m, allows you to take in the full extent of the largest buttressed and multi-arched dam in the world, whose reputation has gone far beyond borders. of Quebec. The visit can also include a second power plant, Manic-5-PA (for “additional power”): these two power plants produce no less than 2660 MW and are located at 3e rank among the most powerful in terms of hydroelectric production in Quebec. Free visit from mid-June to the end of August. Mandatory reservation.
The City of Gold
In Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Val d’Or is the mining capital of Vallée-de-l’Or. Unique in Canada, this historic mining village invites visitors to literally immerse themselves in the history of the exploitation of one of the most profitable mines in the country. Symbol of the beginning of Quebec’s mining excitement at the beginning of the 20th centurye century, the City of Gold offers a descent almost 100 m underground to explore the galleries as well as a guided or self-guided visit to several historic sites – the mining village of Bourlamaque and old buildings – as well as exhibitions of historical. Guided tours offered from May 25
The Log Museum
Through period objects, old photographs and educational videos, this museum in Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, in Charlevoix, brings to life the extreme activity of the log drive, which consisted of transporting logs of wood through the major river arteries towards the major sawmills. Activities are also on the program for families, such as miniature raft making workshops. A beautiful tribute to the professional heritage of wood floating.
The Forges-du-Saint-Maurice National Historic Site
This exceptional mining site, witness to the first iron ore extractions which began in the mid-17th centurye century, is located on the banks of the Saint-Maurice River. Canada’s very first steel industry largely supported the development of the colony and its economic growth. Covering 60 hectares, the site includes remains of housing, forges, notably the blast furnace complex, and several industrial infrastructures. The tour route is dotted with interpretation panels. From June 15
The Presbytère cheese dairy
A small rural church dating from 1885 and a presbytery converted into a cheese dairy and maturing room: this is the original idea that Jean and Dominic Morin, originally from Sainte-Élizabeth-de-Warwick, had in 2005, and dairy farmers from father to son. Today, they produce internationally renowned cheeses, including the famous Louis d’Or, a firm cheese made from raw milk that has been praised many times in competitions. Every Friday in summer, a large tasting is offered to the public in a festive atmosphere on the cheese factory site. You can also purchase a complete platter and other local products at the cheese shop located in the general store. A remarkable reconversion of historical heritage which reflects on this community in Centre-du-Québec.
Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
Its location on the shores of Lac des Deux-Montagnes and Lac Saint-Louis made it, very quickly, a site devoted to the fur trade and then, from the beginning of the 20the century, at the resort. Today, you can still admire its residential houses, the church and convent of Sainte-Anne as well as its imposing presbytery near the canal of the same name. Built in 1843 to transport wood from the Outaouais, the canal propelled the growth of the community by encouraging trade and the arrival of vacationers, particularly from Ontario.
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