Travel log

By Gaëtan Vaudry

During our brief stay of a few days in the city of Saguenay, we couldn’t help but stop at Café Cambio on Racine East Street four or five times. Firstly, to enjoy the atmosphere of this downtown Chicoutimi solidarity cooperative, and secondly, to savor affordable and healthy dishes that showcase products from various local producers.

As soon as Virginie Simard-Dufour starts talking about the products available at this fair-trade and organic micro-roastery founded in March 2005, her eyes light up. She speaks passionately about the tireless teamwork of 32 members, including 10 worker-members: “ Under the label, we embody a vision of a better world—one where farmers and workers sit at the negotiating table as equals ,” proudly notes the service manager, restaurant coordinator, and barista.

Café Cambio, a key gathering spot for students from the Chicoutimi CEGEP and the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), is also a venue for showcasing young Saguenay artists. The establishment regularly hosts art openings and intimate acoustic concerts of emerging music.

During my visit last November, I had the chance to enjoy some excellent dishes at this establishment, which was the brainchild of two young Montrealers and childhood friends, Guylaine Pelletier and Geneviève Demers. To start, I had a comforting mushroom soup, perfect for that time of year. I followed it with the spicy Bedi panini (Cajun-seasoned chicken, caramelized onions, spinach, mozzarella, and vegenaise), served with salad, corn chips, and salsa. For dessert, I enjoyed the daily special, all accompanied by one of their excellent fair-trade coffees. To my surprise, the bill for this delicious three-course meal was very affordable!

What also struck me during my first visit was their “Pay it Forward” concept, where customers can anonymously donate a soup or coffee to someone in need. Given the growing issue of homelessness in downtown Chicoutimi, this gesture of generosity is truly admirable and meaningful.

Café Cambio’s coffee and products are available at various points of sale across the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, including Chicoutimi, Jonquière, La Baie, Saint-Ambroise/Saint-Honoré, MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est, MRC Domaine-du-Roy, Bas-Saguenay, Saint-Fulgence/Sainte-Rose-du-Sacré-Cœur, Tadoussac, Les Bergeronnes, Les Escoumins, and even the Côte-Nord!

Café Cambio
414, rue Racine Est, Chicoutimi
418 549-7830
cafecambio.ca

Image+Nation, Canada's first LGBT2SQ+ film festival, has announced the jury and audience awards for its 36th edition. Many of these films and others were also available online during the festival. The organizers decided to extend the online program for an additional week until Sunday, December 3 at 11:59 PM.

 
This innovation in broadcasting a significant part of the programming, which began during the COVID pandemic, was so successful that it has been made a permanent feature, thereby attracting more followers and extending the reach throughout Quebec and elsewhere in Canada, at an affordable price and with various options.

This is how we were able to watch three of these excellent films, offering evocative subjects of raw realities, in addition to a group of Quebecois queer short films, from the comfort of our home using a hyperlink to project it at the day and time of our choosing.

To take advantage of this online extension, visit the website in the PROGRAMMING section.

- BIG BOYS

COREY SHERMAN
UNITED STATES / USA | 2023
Often sidelined for washboard abs, the "big boys" finally get their sweet and funny coming-of-age story, spiced with just the right amount of age-appropriate eroticism. When a "cousins-only camping trip" in California is infiltrated by a new "bear" boyfriend, a 14-year-old is confronted with both wild and hormonal dangers.

- The documentary OUT OF UGANDA

 
ROLANDO COLLA + JOSEF BURRI
SWITZERLAND | 2023
Under a cloud of legally and customarily sanctioned prejudices, we follow tormented queer refugees awaiting asylum, those risking their lives and livelihoods to protect them, and the antagonists themselves, who explain their hateful ideologies, all in the hope of finding a way out of today's hate-choked Uganda.

 
- OUR SON

BILL OLIVER
UNITED STATES | 2023
A star-studded cast led by the masterful duo Luke Evans and Billy Porter electrifies this poignant narrative about parenthood through pain. When an affair persists after 13 years of marriage for a drifting couple, new revelations tear apart an already fractured relationship and leave the fate of their son hanging in the balance.

- The short films QUEERMENT QUEBEC 1

78 minutes
An annual celebration of Quebecois queer content: unique perspectives that prove, once again, that Quebec is a true hotbed of queer storytelling talent.

LES CROTTÉS
CÉDRIC GAILLARD DESROSIERS | CANADA | 2022 | 10 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
RIOPELLE WAS NON-BINARY
AIMÉ MAJEAU BEAUCHAMP | CANADA | 2023 | 6 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
I'M SORRY
FRANCIS PAPILLON | CANADA | 2023 | 20 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
BORN ON A SUNDAY MORNING
THIERRY SORLINI | CANADA | 2023 | 15 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
TEST SEQUENCE
ANNE GOLDEN | CANADA | 2023 | 5 MIN | WITHOUT DIALOGUE
SORRY MOM
SARAH LAJOIE-ASSELIN | CANADA | 2023 | 17 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
LES TERRAINS VAGUES
MARIE-ÈVE DROLET | CANADA | 2023 | 6 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.

The awarded films for the 36th edition

JURY PRIZE
FEATURE FILM: SILVER HAZE by Sacha Polak [Netherlands]
SPECIAL MENTION: LIUBEN by Venci Kostov [Bulgaria]
DOCUMENTARY: WHO I AM NOT by Tunde Skovran [South Africa]
SCRIPT: Olivier Peyon with Vincent Poymiro + Arthur Cahn + Cécilia Rouaud / ENOUGH WITH YOUR LIES by Olivier Peyon [France]
PERFORMANCE: Nathan Stewart-Jarrett / FEMME by Sam H. Freeman + NG Choon Ping [United Kingdom]
PERFORMANCE: Lily Gladstone / FANCY DANCE by Erica Tremblay [United States]

AUDIENCE AWARD
FEATURE FILM: FEMME by Sam H. Freeman + NG Choon Ping [United Kingdom]
DOCUMENTARY: ANALOGUE REVOLUTION: HOW FEMINIST MEDIA CHANGED THE WORLD by Marusya Bociurkiw [Canada]
SHORT FILM: I'M SORRY by Francis Papillon [Quebec] + BORN ON A SUNDAY MORNING by Thierry Sorlini [Quebec]

A Satisfactory Overview
For its 36th edition, the Montreal public had the opportunity to attend in-person screenings, round tables, events, and much more, while film enthusiasts throughout Quebec and Canada had the chance to view a carefully selected program online throughout the festival.

Featuring 175 films from across the globe, I+N36 proudly focuses on diversity in all its forms, showcasing masterfully created films from 27 countries, including South Africa, Bulgaria, Romania, Nigeria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, Denmark, Norway, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Iran, Ireland, Ukraine, Portugal, Brazil, as well as Germany, the United States, and locally in Quebec and Canada.
Now firmly established in its fourth decade of promoting LGBT2SQ+ culture, image+nation is delving into new queer stories, exploring their uniqueness/universality, while continuing to advocate for diversity, inclusivity, and the various intersectional aspects of queer voices and communities.

By Gaëtan Vaudry

Before arriving in the city of La Baie, I had not even heard of Jean-Jules Soucy. However, it wasn't long before I was introduced to this artist, the pride of the entire Saguenay region. Born in 1951 in La Baie, where he has always lived and worked, he earned a Bachelor's degree in the teaching of visual arts from the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) in 1976. A diligent worker, he showcased his work both in Quebec and internationally.

In 1993, Jean-Jules Soucy exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Montreal, presenting Stressed Carpet, a piece composed of 60,000 liters of folded milk cartons, collected from all over Quebec! But it was in 2000 that the artist made significant waves when he unveiled the Pyramid of Ha! Ha! in La Baie. This installation was made up of 3,000 traffic signs, commemorating the Saguenay Flood of 1996.

In 2008, Jean-Jules Soucy received the Arts and Letters Council of Quebec Award for visual and media arts. 13 years later, his career was celebrated in his native region at the Order of the Blueberry ceremony, where he was inducted as a member. The Bay's pride's career has also been the subject of numerous documentaries and reports, notably the 1994 film Art is Not Without Soucy by filmmaker Bruno Carrière.

My reason for discussing the great Jean-Jules Soucy is that I had the opportunity to view the exhibition "What to Offer in Case of Water," presented by the Espace Séquence of the BANG Contemporary Art Centre in Chicoutimi. The exhibition features a selection of colorful and humorous works by the artist, who passed away in July 2022. These works, dating from the 1970s to the present, are available thanks to his sister, artist and scenographer Hélène Soucy, who began restoring them in the past year. I greatly enjoyed this vibrant exhibition. I discovered an artist with a sharp sense of humor, a master of wordplay. The exhibition is on display at the Centre BANG until December 23. A must-see!

Espace Séquence of the Centre BANG
132, East Racine Street, Chicoutimi
418 549-7830
centrebang.ca
jeanjulessoucy.net

By Gaëtan Vaudry

Stepping into the Fjord Distillery shop, nestled at the foot of the Monts-Valin, it's nearly impossible not to be charmed by the smiling and dynamic team. For the Bouchard family and their employees, each person who enters the shop is much more than just a customer. They are a partner in the family's success!

During my visit, the marketing manager – Frédérique Folly – eagerly introduced me to one of their most recent successes: a 1.75-liter cubitainer, featuring their famous KM 12 boreal forest gin. Not available at the SAQ, the ‘ginier’ of the Bouchard family, the first micro-distillery in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region, has been selling like hotcakes since its market launch. This is in addition to their maple gin and Sélection blueberry brandy, high-end products they are particularly proud of.

Finally, let me tell you about one of the top sellers since last summer: the Hilymoncello lemon liqueur, which gives nothing less than a second life to the lemons used by the company. I am referring to the recycled lemons from their original cocktail and ready-to-drink productions. A brilliant idea... that is bearing fruit!

There are numerous projects on the horizon for the creators of the Fjord Distillery. In the coming months, the management will unveil a series of new products that will undoubtedly continue to enhance the company's reputation for many years to come.

It's worth noting that at the Fjord Distillery, the forest and the family are at the heart of the business. The team is committed to improving year after year in terms of sustainable development, in order to leave a positive mark on their customers and the environment.

The Fjord Distillery
48, Chemin de Price
Saint-David-de-Falardeau
418 673-1012
distilleriedufjord.com

By Gaëtan Vaudry

Upon the announcement of my visit to Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, the well-informed promptly provided me with a list of the finest dining spots not to be missed in the region. Among them was the table at the O'Batillage restaurant, offering exquisite local cuisine within the Auberge des Battures in the town of La Baie. Chef Étienne Trottier ensures a local supply that introduces us to the best of the boreal forest and regional producers. Even though we were in the low season of November, the team at O'Batillage welcomed us wonderfully. For my part, I was treated to a three-course meal, starting with smoked salmon from La Boucanerie d’Henri. Beyond this salmon, which I believe is the best in Quebec, the dish included a Frambleu coulis (from Domaine Le Cageot), cucumbers, flaxseed oil (from Ferme Tournevent), capers, raspberries, and puffed wild rice. An unmissable starter!

For the main course, I chose the seafood pasta featuring fresh tagliolini (La Prod LP) in Mornay sauce, Matane shrimp, Prince Edward Island mussels, Iles-de-la-Madeleine scallops, white fish, and sea lettuce. A generous portion that satisfies hearty appetites. Of course, we always save room for dessert, and I was tempted by an excellent crème brûlée. I could not have made a better choice!

Experiencing the restaurant at Auberge des Battures is certainly a delight for the taste buds, but it is equally pleasing for the eyes. Throughout my substantial meal, the establishment, managed by Mr. Éric Civel, offered me an unparalleled view of the Saguenay Fjord. A feast for all your senses.

Restaurant O'Batillage / Auberge des Battures
6295, boulevard de la grande Baie Sud Saguenay, La Baie district
418 544-8234
https://obatillage.com

By Gaëtan Vaudry

Unnoticed, autumn advances swiftly, soon making way for winter. And with winter comes the ski season. I had the opportunity to meet a vibrant team at Valinouët, nestled in the heart of the Monts-Valin massif in Saint-David-de-Falardeau. Celebrated as one of Quebec's most sought-after mountains, Valinouët is gearing up to grandly celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. For the occasion, Stéphane Leblond and his marketing team are preparing a host of events to mark this significant milestone. Among these, there will be a mega vintage après-ski party, showcasing styles and colors from the 1980s, on the upcoming January 20th. The event will feature a DJ spinning popular hits from the era, raffles with numerous prizes, and much more!

Although the entire 2023-2024 season will be marked by the 40th-anniversary festivities, Valinouët is also hosting two other major events on February 24th and March 23rd, 2024: the mega family days. For these occasions, the Saint-David-de-Falardeau establishment will animate the days, still in vintage colors and styles, with mascots, DJs, and food trucks. Special rates will also be offered for these days. These will be announced soon on their official website.

Enthusiasts from across the province agree: there's no skiing quite like that at Valinouët. The absence of snow cannons makes all the difference. It's particularly for this reason that thousands of visitors from all corners of Quebec come to enjoy the numerous activities at Valinouët, from alpine skiing to all-terrain biking, extreme skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tubing, backcountry skiing, and the magnificent snow park.

Le Valinouët
181, Route du Valinouët
Saint-David-de-Falardeau
1 866 260-8254
https://valinouet.qc.ca

By Gaëtan Vaudry

According to Marie Lerdu, the lodging manager, the project to restore this 1960s motel was a bit of a wild idea. Nevertheless, this initiative has borne fruit, as today, the Auberge Camp de Base, located at the entrance to L'Anse Saint-Jean in the heart of the Bas Saguenay valley, has quickly become a true hub of village life.

In addition to efficiently managing the lodging aspect of the establishment (9 rooms, a dormitory, a communal kitchen, and several camping areas), the team at Auberge Camp de Base also offers a resto-bar highlighting local products, including meats and fish smoked on-site. After a few weeks of rest, the resto-bar team is back for the colorful winter season. On the menu, a complete tourist experience in the Bas-Saguenay area, in partnership with Mont-Édouard, Entre Chien et Loups, and Saguenay Adventures. Indulge in one of the excursion packages that connect you with 40 malamute dogs in the heart of the Fjord-du-Saguenay mountains, or enjoy essential days of alpine skiing, snowshoeing, Fatbike, and cross-country skiing.

Upon returning to Auberge Camp de Base, you can relax and enjoy a unique culinary experience, as the establishment is certified as a flavor ambassador by Zone Boréale, placing great importance on the origin of its local or regional products: "Although the place attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year, we have the reputation of being a social gathering place for village residents," shares Marie Lerdu. "The mix of tourists and our residents creates very warm evenings. That's why we've just made some renovations, allowing us to offer several themed evenings to our customers." In the coming months, Auberge Camp de Base will offer art openings, song performances, improvisation, and even board game nights.

Open from Thursday to Saturday starting at 4 PM, the resto-bar at Auberge Camp de Base invites you to its Holiday season party on the upcoming Saturday, December 16, starting at 6 PM. The group Les Quêteux du Lac-St-Jean will perform traditional call-and-response songs, accompanied by the experienced caller Ghislain Jutras. Tickets priced at $18 are available on site. The upcoming evenings' programming will be available through the official Facebook page of the inn: https://facebook.com/aubergelecampdebase.

Furthermore, the management of Auberge Camp de Base is delighted to participate as an official exhibitor at the European Christmas Market of Saguenay, held from November 30 to December 3 and from December 7 to 10 at Place du Citoyen in Chicoutimi. On-site, over 32 exhibitors, mulled wine, and hundreds of gift ideas, all in an enchanting and magical Christmas setting.

Auberge Camp de Base
5, rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste
L'Anse-Saint-Jean
https://aubergecampdebase.com

For some, it's the "end of the lake." It's also where it originates, with the Mistassini and Péribonka rivers flowing into it. The territory of the municipality of Dolbeau-Mistassini, in Lac-Saint-Jean, harbors several attractions for outdoor enthusiasts in all seasons, water sports, historical discoveries, and also blueberries, chocolate, and various gastronomic pleasures.

La Maison Gourmande is a must-visit, both for locals and tourists. In addition to producing a wide variety of breads prepared daily, it offers a shop with regional products and delicious pastries of the day, as well as dishes to take away or enjoy on site.

 
The bakery, co-owned by Jean-François Lambert and Francis Bouchard (photo above) since 2007 and renamed La Maison Gourmande, has continued the tradition of offering fresh, homemade products daily. They also strive to diversify the range, taking into account trends and customer demand. La Maison Gourmande has also been present in Alma since 2010 with a similar formula.

Like most businesses, the owners had to adapt over the past three years to the new realities arising from the COVID pandemic. "At first, it was a bit of a shock for everyone. Quebec paused, and we had to close our business for three weeks. It was hard to know where we were going," admits Jean-François Lambert.

 
The duo quickly rolled up their sleeves and made some changes to continue satisfying their customers. The "takeaway" formula, for both fresh products and cooked meals, quickly became a hit.
This formula worked so well that it remains in place. In Dolbeau-Mistassini, there's a restaurant corner where customers can have breakfast (sandwich formula) from 7 am, and lunch in addition to their counter purchases. La Maison Gourmande has about fifty seats in its restaurant section, divided into two areas. They offer a well-priced daily menu that varies from Monday to Friday, featuring soups, salads (and meal salads), hot dishes, and a variety of sandwiches.

  
"What makes us successful is the freshness of our products. And to achieve this day after day, you have to get up early. Baking is done overnight, and when we open the doors to customers, freshness is always guaranteed," explains Jean-François. La Maison Gourmande's products are also found in local groceries.

Over time and due to market evolution, the place has become a bakery-sandwich shop-pastry shop. For the two partners, this caters to a wider clientele and an ever-growing demand.

For both branches, about fifteen people are employed, including part-timers. "We're lucky so far, our team is stable and independent. It's a great, experienced team, and our people come to work with a smile. However, urgent needs for a replacement or to fill a more specialized position pose more challenges," admits Jean-François Lambert.

Bringing Quality Home
Sandwich lovers will be delighted with the many varieties of bread and fillings offered by La Maison Gourmande. The products are always fresh, and the menu varies according to the inspirations of the moment. Ham and brie croissant, tuna and alfalfa roll, generous croque-monsieur. The salads are fresh and colorful, and the soups can even make children forget the amount of vegetables they're sneakily consuming! For those in a hurry, the salmon, chicken, or meat pies are great time-savers, without compromising on meal quality.

 
For espresso lovers, café au lait enthusiasts, allongé aficionados, or simply good coffee connoisseurs, La Maison Gourmande is the quintessential spot in Dolbeau-Mistassini. For those who cannot make the daily detour to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee, it's possible to buy their ground or whole bean coffee directly from the store to recreate the recipe at home. There is a grinder on-site, allowing customers to grind the beans to their liking.

La Maison Gourmande
lamaisongourmandedolbeau.business.site
1708, boul. Wallberg
Dolbeau-Mistassini, QC, G8L 1H6
(418) 276-2039

Alma Branch:
240, rue Collard
Alma, QC, G8B 1M6
(418) 662-3279

A pioneer in LGBTQ+ cinema for 36 years, image+nation culture queer is committed to broadcasting, promoting, and showcasing LGBTQ+ life stories and experiences through films and media productions. This inclusive festival, the oldest of its kind in Canada, takes place over 11 days each year. It features award-winning films from both local and international filmmakers, with a focus on preserving the authenticity and diversity of LGBTQ2S+ voices.

VIEW THE PROMO VIDEO
  
Returning in full force in 2023, after a spring segment featuring short films and a Pride - Advocacy segment in August during the Montreal Pride celebrations, the 36th autumn edition, from November 16 to 26, both online and in theaters, offers a range of productions from around the globe that will dazzle and engage the ever-growing and interested audience of film enthusiasts.

In addition to its significant international reach, I+N36 places a strong emphasis on its local and Canadian content, with remarkable contributions from festival favorites QUEERMENT QUÉBEC, MADE IN CANADA, and INDIGENOUS VOICES.

The in-theater screenings take place at Cinéma Impérial and Cinéma J.A. de Sève at Concordia University. Online screenings of selected films are available on the same day as the theater screening, starting at midnight the day after their theater showing, for a duration of 5 days after going online.

The 2023 program in theaters features around fifty films from various countries. The majority of these are also available online. Ticket sales begin on Wednesday, November 8.

Opening on November 16 at Cinéma Impérial, the festival presents MARINETTE. Marinette Pichon, the first French female footballer, and the first overall in France to sign a professional contract in the United States, is considered the first female football star in France. Yet, she remains largely unknown to the general public. Discover the extraordinary journey of this remarkable woman in a thrilling biopic, beautifully led by actress Garance Marillier.

Adapted from Marinette Pichon's autobiography (Never Give Up, 2008), Marinette revisits the journey of a pioneer in French women's football, who was one of the first high-level French athletes to come out as lesbian.

The closing event of the I+N36 festival (Saturday, November 25 | 19h | Cinéma Impérial) will be grandiose, featuring the world premiere of Venus Envy: The House of Venus Story, a narrative based on a group of world-renowned Canadian multidisciplinary artists whose mission is to spread joy while simultaneously sparking conversations about gender expression, long before the current discourse came to the forefront.

In conjunction with the festival, the Canada Media Fund presents at the J.A. de Sève theater on November 25 and 26, I+N x FMC/CMF: meetings with the creators behind the films and TV series that engage us and showcase our diversities on screen. This new initiative takes a step further in our mission of continuous discovery of queer artists who enrich our lives, to bring to light the multiplicity of contemporary Canadian experiences and voices, and to share it all with our audiences.

About image+nation culture queer
Image+nation aims to represent, protect, and prepare the current generation of queer audiovisual and media content creators and to foster empathy by sharing their stories with audiences in Canada and beyond, thanks to its new online initiatives.

 
Through its various productions, image+nation integrates queer stories into our daily lives in a meaningful and empowering way, exploring the unique and universal nature of these stories while supporting queer art and culture.

 
Through its new brand, image+nation culture queer will continue its virtual growth while returning to its earliest roots: presenting, broadcasting, and promoting queer culture in all its artistic forms. Offering the world stories and storytellers that reflect and bear witness to queer lives.

Image+nation has established a series of training and mentorship programs to fuel emerging content, like I+N Explore, inaugurated in 2016. Now entering its fourth decade of promoting LGBT2SQ+ culture, image+nation explores new queer narrative codes as well as the singularity and universality of these stories, while encouraging diversity, inclusion, and the many intersecting aspects of queer voices and communities.

The Image + Nation Culture Queer festival was created by Katharine Setzer and Charlie Boudreau, who still lead the event. Their team consists of technicians, advisors, and numerous volunteers who ensure its smooth operation.

Image + Nation Culture Queer Festival 2023
November 16 to 26
Cinéma Impérial and Cinéma J.A. De Sève
+ Online Screenings
PROGRAM and TICKETING
Tickets on sale from Wednesday, November 8.

In Greek mythology, he is the master and regulator of the winds. In a vast cavern, Aeolus keeps the winds and noisy storms chained and imprisoned, striving to escape. In Cap-Chat, Gaspésie, since 1994, people have been visiting the great Aeolus, one of the world's largest vertical-axis wind turbines.

 
In 2019, two Gaspésie enthusiasts, Benjamin Leduc and Benoit Bénéteau, acquired the vertical-axis wind turbine of Cap-Chat. A new young and dynamic management team is in place, bringing together diverse experiences. The ambitions of these promoters are significant for this project, which was nearly abandoned at one time, but is now undergoing complete revaluation and transformation. "Former wind research laboratory becomes a laboratory on the environment and renewable energy," explain its co-owners.

"I see the site as a unique industrial heritage in the world," Benjamin Leduc declared in an interview with Radio-Canada shortly after the acquisition. The site is intended for tourist purposes and presents the project as a monument dedicated to Quebec's technological heritage and is also an interpretation center on wind energy. The artistic and educational aspects around the theme of wind energy, omnipresent all around, are also being developed.

"Our concept is a bit like a research project of a research project," he explains, to demonstrate the unique and fascinating aspect of their commitment.

Located in the middle of an important wind farm in the region that adorns the plateaus at some distance from route 132 along the Saint Lawrence estuary, Éole is a relic from the beginnings of renewable energy research in Quebec. The 110-meter-high giant was an important step in the development of wind power. Anyone traveling in the area is surprised by the immensity of this large vertical ellipse that overlooks the landscape.

Built in the mid-1980s, Éole was decommissioned since 1993, following an unexpected strong wind that damaged the main bearing of the device, probably also due to the enormous weight of this structure. The power station was not in operation long enough to transition from experimental mode to the status of a modern electric power plant. The project launched by Hydro-Québec pooled resources from the National Research Council Canada (NRCC) and the Quebec Electricity Research Institute (IREQ) to develop these technologies in North America.

It is also important to understand that this experimental wind turbine, entirely made of steel, was erected at a time when the composite materials that characterize the blades of today's wind turbines were not yet available.

   
The two partners and co-owners wish to invest more in modernizing the tourist site. They see a lot of potential. In addition to knowledge transmission, they propose discovering the Éole site through various initiatives and playful activities. The site is intended to be a leading attraction for Gaspésie. "A place of wonder and discoveries," adds Benjamin Leduc. Beyond the technological and scientific aspect, the Éole Project also wants to capitalize on the growing interest in self-production of electric energy through small wind turbines. It will offer training and workshops for those interested in getting involved.

The visit to the Éole Project includes:
- Discovering the experimental energy plant built in the 80s.
- Entering the generator and seeing all its vestiges to understand its unique design.
- Explanatory panels on the history of Éole, wind power development, and current industry facts, along with a guide to answer all your questions.
- A panoramic viewpoint with a 360 view to admire the picturesque landscape of the Nordais wind park (first in Quebec) and its surroundings (Cap-Chat, the sea, and the Chic-Chocs mountains), as well as a closer view of the tower.

A Foundation to Ensure Its Future
Finally, let us mention the creation of the Fondation Éole, a new development tool for the project. It is an organization focused on the education of renewable energies and sustainable development. It will develop in a way to popularize and share new developments related to these current topics, all within a playful framework and a purpose of integration into community and cooperative initiatives.

Conferences, educational workshops, physical and digital documentation, research and development in energy, and community involvement are the vectors of progress for the foundation. It will provide tools for exporting and disseminating information, content, and vision beyond the physical boundaries of the site. Both will evolve in synergistic development in the coming years. The foundation will synthesize the information present on the site for national dissemination.

An Attraction for the Whole Family

The Éole Project welcomes visitors every year from June 15 to October 1, 7 days a week, from 9 am to 5 pm. A visit that will interest the whole family with its originality and related educational activities. Visitors can also have a picnic, walk through flowered trails, and a permaculture garden at the foot of Éole. The wind-themed souvenir shop at the reception and on the site offers local Gaspesian crafts and unique Éole products.

Éole Project
projeteole.ca
5, chemin du Cap
Cap-Chat (Québec) G0J 1E0
418 967-8812