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On Friday, December 2nd, a few players of tourist
attractions in Argenteuil
met at the MRC offices to participate in a study commissioned by the ATL
(Laurentian Tourist Association). The aim is to define what the
region has to offer and how to increase the visibility of the many
attractions available. The round-table discussion included
representatives from, the town of St. André d’Argenteuil, Park Carillon
with its heritage center, the Argenteuil Museum, the Lachute Airport,
B&B À la Claire Fontaine and Route des Arts.
MRC Argenteuil has put together a comprehensive list of
attractions. The list reveals some of the best kept secrets in the
Laurentians, and quite a few gems that even local residents are not
aware of.
Argenteuil, offers annual events and festivals such as the winter
Marathon, Route des Arts open studio tour, Cammac music camp summer
concerts, Country Fair, antique-car exhibit, family festival, and summer
theatre. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, ice fishing, ski-doo, sugar
parties, river rafting, snow-shoeing, cross country ski, hiking and
biking trails, horseback riding, animal farm visits, group-dinners in
countryside settings, a visit to a Buddhist temple, golf or mini-golf,
public beaches, stroll in a farmers market, visit a monastery with
prize-winning locally produced cheese, stop at fresh produce stalls, and
stay at friendly inns, Bed & Breakfast, rental cottages or camp grounds,
and even take a flight from the Lachute airport for a magnificent
bird’s-eye-view of the region.
Despite the fact that the area has a lot to offer year-round,
there are three major obstacles. The region is far from the main
highways and tourist information centers; there are no large-size hotels
to attract corporate business, and the attitude of the local residents
who wish to keep the quiet, serene life-style of the region. However,
these factors should probably be looked upon as
positive.
Argenteuil offers its own pastoral characteristics which are “off the
beaten track” and rather different than those offered by the major
tourist centers. This is something that local tourism players should
capitalize on. There is a lot to do to improve the situation. To start
with, the local players should form partnerships that offer planned
vacations and even create liaisons with
neighbouring
regions. It is also hoped that this initiative by the Laurentian Tourist
Association will lead to increased support of Argenteuil as a
favoured tourism destination.
Colours
and dimensions artwork may be slightly different from the original.
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