Canadiana Village, the 19th-century pioneer village in Rawdon, Que., has reopened to the public after nearly three decades operating largely as a film set. The site, known for its collection of original period buildings and antiques, aims to blend historic preservation with modern visitor experiences under new private ownership.
From tourist draw to movie backdrop and back
Once a major attraction in Quebec during the 1980s, Canadiana Village functioned as an open-air museum until 1996. For the past approximately 30 years, the site was used almost exclusively by film and television productions. Owners Thibault Chamot and Charlotte Winterhalter took over six years ago and have been renovating the site with the stated goal of reopening it as a destination for the public.
The couple say the property required substantial work when they arrived. Some façades were remnants from prior film shoots rather than fully restored structures. Their restoration work has focused on preserving genuine historic buildings and antiques while installing contemporary infrastructure to improve the visitor experience and support creative industries.
"When we arrived, all this street was in need of a lot of renovation. Some of the buildings were only a facade made from a movie like 20 years ago," said Chamot.
Public support and upgrades
In June, provincial support helped accelerate the project. Quebec Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau announced a grant from Tourisme Québec that enabled the couple to continue restoration and add modern touches, including elaborate lighting and a multi-channel sound system throughout the park.
The funding approval followed a second application by the owners, suggesting the project demonstrated a clearer plan or deliverables to the provincial tourism agency. The grant aims to preserve heritage assets while helping to re-establish the village as a tourism and cultural resource for the Lanaudière region.
What visitors can expect
The relaunch positions Canadiana Village as both a heritage site and a flexible production location for young independent filmmakers. The owners have emphasised their dual ambitions: to maintain and showcase original 19th-century artifacts and buildings, and to create a modern, accessible environment that supports storytelling and education.
- Location: Rawdon, Lanaudière region, Quebec
- Heritage assets: original 19th-century buildings and antiques
- Recent upgrades: lighting, multi-channel sound system, structural renovations
- Ownership: Thibault Chamot and Charlotte Winterhalter (owners since six years ago)
- Public funding: grant from Tourisme Québec announced in June by the Quebec Treasury Board President
Local impact and the region’s tourism landscape
The reopening matters for Lanaudière tourism and for Rawdon’s cultural economy. Heritage attractions can broaden the seasonal draw of a region, support local hospitality businesses and provide sites for cultural programming. By combining preserved historic buildings with modern visitor infrastructure, the village may attract both history enthusiasts and contemporary audiences drawn by film-related events and productions.
For young filmmakers, the village’s renewed access offers ready-made period settings that can lower production costs and provide training opportunities. The balance of preservation and practical use will be key to the site’s long-term viability, the owners have suggested.
Timeline at a glance
| Period | Role of Canadiana Village |
|---|---|
| 1980s | Major tourist attraction as an open-air museum |
| Until 1996 | Operated as an open-air museum |
| ~1996–2020s | Used primarily as a film and television set |
| Six years ago | Purchased by Thibault Chamot and Charlotte Winterhalter |
| June (this year) | Grant announced by Tourisme Québec; renovations accelerated |
Looking ahead
As Canadiana Village reopens, the owners will need to sustain conservation efforts while developing programming and marketing to attract visitors. The provincial grant provided a near-term boost, but long-term success will likely depend on visitor numbers, partnerships with cultural organisations and continued use by the film industry.
For residents and visitors to Lanaudière, the site’s return offers a revived window onto 19th-century life and a practical resource for contemporary storytelling. The reopening marks a new chapter for a site that has already played two roles in Quebec’s cultural life: tourist attraction and cinematic backdrop.
