For a cultural hike

Discover the history of this place, no matter where you are.

In Petite Nation, you can also experience the culture from a distance. Through 24 captivating episodes , explore the region’s past, from the Weskarinis to today’s “gosseux.” To learn more, a series of 79 videos, organized into 12 themes, offers an immersive look at the stories and traditions of the Petite Nation and Lièvre valleys.

Historic tours to explore

Several trails and interpretive paths invite you to discover the area in a different way. As part of a long hike along La Route des Zingues in Duhamel, discover the history and geology of this vast region. Several villages offer heritage tours; a must-see stop is undoubtedly the new Singer Trail , inaugurated in 2025. The trail invites you to walk where the Thurso Nation Valley Railway (TNVR) once ran; this route offers an immersion in the region’s industrial heritage through a series of interpretive panels

Exhibition centers and museums

Want to slow down, no matter the weather? The museums and exhibition centers in Petite Nation open the door to rich and accessible discoveries. At the Manoir-Papineau National Historic Site, immerse yourself in the world of Louis-Joseph Papineau and let yourself be guided through his daily life. In Saint-André-Avellin, the Pioneers Museum brings the past to life through artifacts, photos, and vintage machinery. Over at the Centre d’exposition Napoléon-Bourassa, the exhibits change with the seasons, while La Fouinerie showcases local craftsmanship. In Plaisance, the Centre d’art populaire du Québec showcases authentic creations by Quebec artists

Art galleries and studios

Every open door leads to a different world. You step inside, take a look around, and sometimes strike up a conversation. Behind every piece of art lies a creative process, a journey, and a passion. It’s often these simple, genuine encounters that leave the deepest impression. Before you go, be sure to check the opening hours or make an appointment. Carole Lavigne, a painter, creates works inspired by nature, filled with light and emotion. At the studio of Juan Manuel Vásquez, each painting becomes a sensitive exploration of the soul, where colors and shapes express themselves poetically. Want to see more? Set out to discover the galleries and studios.

In Montebello, discover Marie-Jeanne Potelle, a woodworker specializing in woodturning. Near La Shed Qui Tourne, ceramicist Suzanne Ryan creates her pieces in a warm and creative atmosphere.

A nighttime cultural tour at Omega Park

For your cultural hike, stop by Omega Park is well worth the detour. This is where Oniro, a nighttime walking trail conceived by artist Michel Lemieux. Along a trail of about one kilometer, 17 light and sound installations come to life in the forest, recounting the journey of Oniro, a young wolf separated from his pack. Projections, original music, and the voices of storytellers (including Guylaine Tremblay, Vincent-Guillaume Otis, and other familiar Quebec voices) transform the night into a poetic and immersive experience, both family-friendly and contemplative.

Want to move from observation to creation?

Let your creativity run wild

TheSolart Art Studio & Gallery offers courses in ceramics and sculpture, with personalized instruction. At Wööl – Wool Emporium, textile techniques are explored through immersive workshops. In Thurso, the Studio Libérez vos couleurs also offers activities to explore your creativity in a free-spirited and accessible atmosphere.

Art Along the Way

What’s surprising is that culture isn’t limited to exhibition halls; it can also be discovered outdoors, throughpublic art. In Val-des-Bois, a striking mural , created with spray paint by Maria-Rosa Szychowska, tells the story of the Lièvre River, the Highfall Dam, and the log drives of yesteryear. In Ripon, the Ensemble naturellement gave rise to an open-air art trail, where eight works blend into the landscape and can be explored freely throughout the seasons.

Take the time

The cultural hike to slow down and savor the moment. In Saint-André-Avellin, Kîsisam Patisserie is a vibrant spot where Indigenous culture comes to life through unique northern flavors, blending tradition with contemporary creations, all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.