Wendake - All who come to this stronghold of Huron-Wendat culture, experience the legendary hospitality of these proud First Nations' people The Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, a first-class boutique hotel, is a true architectural gem. Its longhouse-inspired design delights both guests and local residents. The northern gastronomy of its restaurant, La Traite—a multiple award-winner for the singularity of its fine dining—celebrates game meats, fish, terroir-harvested delicacies and the seasonings of the boreal forest. Annexed to the hotel, in a vast rotunda reminiscent of traditional smokehouses, the HuronWendat Museum preserves the nation’s memories and ancestral knowledge. Captivating guides, all First Nations members, walk visitors through the history of the Wendat people with passion. Several 'meet the First Nations' activities are offered year-round.
1
As for the Onhoüa Chetek8e traditional site, it is one of Quebec’s most authentic reconstructions of an Aboriginal village. Experience ancestral life through numerous workshops, ranging from the fabrication of a medicine ball to canoe outings, from myths and legends to archery. The charming chapel Notre-Damede-Lorette, along with its presbytery, is one of the reasons this Aboriginal community became part of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec. Built around 1730 and modelled after Santa Casa de Loreto in Italy, it includes a small sanctuary dedicated to St. Kateri Tekakwitha, a Mohawk pilgrim canonised in 2012. Guided tours of this historic monument are available, and a spectacular collection of religious items will be on display starting in June 2014. You can admire a truly torrential cataract, the Kabir Kouba Falls, from meandering hiking trails that run along the Akiawenrahk River and through the neighbouring woodlands. Observe a wealth of flora, along with fossils dating back more than 455 million years, as related in several local myths. Secteur Tourilli is a hunting and fishing site renowned for the diversity of its wildlife. Moose, bear and small game populate the forest, while speckled and red trout are found in the 52 fishing lakes that are popular day-trip destinations. Helicopter fishing packages are available through the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations. Wendake also offers magical events. At the annual Pow-Wow, drummers and dancers take part in traditional dance competitions. The event takes place throughout Wendake and includes open-air handicraft workshops, demonstrations of traditional know-how and tastings of authentic First Nations dishes. In the summer, the stage production Ozalik reinvents Aboriginal folklore with First Nations flair. Music, dance, theatre and circus performances conceptualise the circle of life and the sacred fire. There are several performances per week at the outdoor amphitheatre. Everyone who comes to Wendake will bring a bit of this community back home with them. A mere 15 minutes from Quebec City, it is one of those places we never forget.
1. Wendake
21 www.travelbag.co.uk