TERREBONNE (Québec)

HISTORICAL TERREBONNE

Considered as one of the heritage districts in Québec, the City of Terrebonne is merely twenty minutes away from Montreal. The city is also the entry point of tourists and locals traveling to the southern region of Launaudière. Visitors who want to witness the rural life of Canada can come and see seigneurial buildings from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The city also celebrates cultural heritage through festivities and sports events. Tourists are welcomed with lots of parks, theatres, cultural sites, resorts and many more!

HOW IT BEGAN

The city of Terrebonne is made up of three founding districts namely Terrebonne, Lachenaie and La Plaine. These districts used to be separate cities but in 2001, they were merged to form the current City of Terrebonne.

The district of Lachenaie is located along the northern shores of Mille-îles River, opposite the Rivière des Prairies. The now suburban was previously a farming village and it was also the first settlement of European colonists. The district was then called “La Chesnaye” (1673) and was under seigneur Charles-Aubert de La Chesnaye. In 1855, it was named Saint-Charles-de-Lachenaie. The name was shortened to “Lachenaie” in 1972. In 1734 and 1735, the first church and manor (respectively) in Lachenaie were constructed under the orders of Abbot Louis Lepage de Ste-Claire.

In the 1830, parts of Mascouche, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Saint-Lin and Terrebonne comprised the district of La Plaine. The economy of this city grew when a rail system was established and in 1877, Saint Joachim was founded, which was renamed “La Plaine” in 1920. Another road to an economic growth is through the collaboration between the lords of Terrebonne and Lachenaie. A road that joins the two cities was built and was called “chemin de la Grande Ligne”. This is now known as boulevard Laurier.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT...

╣Association des artistes en arts visuels de Terrebonne (AAAVT). This is the place to go if you want to see Terrebonne’s artistic side. This museum, located at 455, rue Théberge, displays the creative works of local artists. They also hold symposiums, exhibitions and September’s Artist’s Week.

╣Église Saint-Charles-Borromée. It is a church built in the 1680s. Unfortunately, it was heavily damaged by fire but was rebuilt in the 1960s. It is located at chemin Saint-Charles and you can call the presbytery at 450 471-3940 should you want to visit. Église Saint-Joachim is also an old church rebuilt in 1970. It is located at boulevard Laurier (the road that joined Terrebonne and Lachenaie, now Route 337). If you want to know how it felt to live in eighteenth-century Terrebonne, the best place to visit is the Vieux-Terrebonne (Old Terrebonne). This district houses the Île-des-Moulins Historic Site near the Mille-Îles River.

╣Fleurs et Délices. This bed of organic plants like edible flowers and herbs is situated minutes away from the Old Terrebonne and can be accessed through the Autoroute 640 exit 35 towards Des Entreprises boul. Discover a new way of eating healthy. The garden also sells “fleurises” or candied flowers, carnation jellies, bee balm vinegar and more organic products. The garden is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am to 5pm (during mid-June to mid September). It is open Wednesdays to Fridays from 10am to 6pm (during mid-September to mid-June). It is best to give them a call before coming because schedule changes happen without notice.

╣Club de Golf Terrebonne Golf Course. It opened in 1965 and is now a semi-private golf course. It has an 18-hole facility, which will surely challenge any golfer. It also has 30 tees driving range and 36 regulation holes. It is located at 3555 Martin Ch.

╣Club de Golf de La Cote Golf Course. It is another place where you can practice your swing. This semi-private golf course is located at 3435 Cote Terrebonne. It was opened in 1976 and it has been offering the visitors an 18-hole course, 40 tees driving range and 18 par 3 holes. Other golf courses are Golf du Boise Lachenaie Quest at Ch du Coteau and Club de Golf Le Mirage at Chemin Martin.

╣trans-Terrebonne cycling paths. Are you up for a challenge? Then this is the place for you. This 41.1-kilometer stretch of road will take you to a nature trip. You will forget how long you have been stepping on those pedals. This is also a great way to tour around the city. A map will be provided with the listing of several attractions. Be sure to gear up!

╣L'Oeufrier. Are you thinking you need a heavy breakfast to fuel up for a day of adventure? You would definitely want to go to this place located at 1705 Ch Gascon. They serve hefty meals made only from the freshest and finest produce. They offer breakfast for business gatherings and small groups like your family and friends. They also give special offers: buy a breakfast at regular price and get your second plate (of equal or lesser value) free!

╣Marc Thorpe Guiding Service. If you want a fishing expedition, it will guide you in an experience of a lifetime, and they are not just about catching some muskies. They offer various packages to suit your budget and time. You can go for four days (or more) and have a trophy catch (and release). They do say this package is a bit tiring but the reward is well worth it. This package costs about $550 Canadian dollars per day for one or two anglers. This includes guiding, lodging and meals. The 2-3-day package is around $600 Canadian dollars per day for one or two anglers, which proves to be the most convenient for tourists (and short-term travelers). It is inclusive of meals, lodging and guiding as well. You can also opt for a one-day angling experience. The price is the same, although this will not include lodging. A day to catch a fish might be a doubtful choice because it will depend greatly on weather conditions; however, Marc Thorpe Guiding Service will do everything they can to make your stay worthwhile You do not have to worry about transportation because they will provide one. A cab will be waiting for you at the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport in Montreal. It is suggested that you arrive on the night before your first fishing day and leave on the last day of fishing. Since you are outdoors, it is best to dress appropriately. During Summer or Spring, wear something comfortable like jeans and shorts. You also need to bring rain gears and jackets. During fall and winter, pack your winter clothes like snow pants, warm boots and gloves.

TOURISTS SHOULD KNOW

Are you thinking you need a heavy breakfast to fuel up for a day of adventure? You would definitely want to go to L'Oeufrier at 1705 Ch Gascon. They serve hefty meals made only from the freshest and finest produce. They offer breakfast for business gatherings and small groups like your family and friends. They also give special offers: buy a breakfast at regular price and get your second plate (of equal or lesser value) free!

If you love a city that has a bunch of outdoor activities that will make you swim and sweat, Terrebonne is a great place to explore. This city may be geared towards an urban community but it never forgets the environment and its history.