The history of the Wendat people is woven into the fields, lakes, and mountains of the continent, from Georgian Bay to the mouths of the Saint Lawrence. A people of farmers and hunters, seasoned warriors and skilled diplomats, democrats and outstanding merchants, the Wendat, known as the Hurons by the French, earned the respect of all the peoples they encountered in the eastern part of the country for centuries. Though the pandemic, brought unknowingly by the French, disrupted our ancient civilization, which once counted more than 40,000 individuals at the time of Champlain, the fire of the Wendat people was never extinguished.
Proud inheritors of this civilization that guided the destiny of Northeastern North America for centuries, the community settled in Wendake in 1697, on a site initially known as Roreke. Nestled along the banks of the Akiawenrahk River (Saint-Charles), the village is situated away from the former Wendat city and capital of Stadacone, which became Quebec, and provides easy access to the customary activity territories, the Nionwentsio. The Wendat developed a dynamic and prosperous living environment there, which remains contemporary and open to its surroundings from yesterday to today, while drawing from its roots. Children of Donnaconna, Sastaretsi, Hatironta, and Kondiaronk, the Wendat invite you to discover the history of the country as it has never been told to you before!
MISSION
A non-profit organization, active since August 2006, Tourisme Wendake was set up by the Council of the Huron Wendat Nation, with the intention of:
- To promote tourism and all related activities;
- To take all actions and take all steps to improve the current tourism and cultural context in the Huron-Wendat community of Wendake;
- To promote the Native culture in all its forms or guises.
Tourisme Wendake is located at 40 Bd Bastien, Wendake, QC G0A 4V0 Bastien.
ANIMATED VILLAGE ? WENDAKE WELCOMES YOU!
The heart of the Huron Wendat beats at the rhythm of the Kabir Kouba Waterfall, a natural site of rare beauty, which presents, as the seasons go by, an awe-inspiring scene, continually renewed. Why be astonished when, as soon as 1697, the Huron Wendat established, in this location, their village. A path, starting on the side of Place des Nations, gives access and allows to hear the roar of the gushing water and become captivated by the exceptional natural location of this canyon of 42 metres deep.
Old Wendake offers a different light on the planning and architecture: all the houses face towards the South-East, presenting their fa?ade to the back of the neighbouring house. A patrimonial journey was created; it allows visitors to discover its oldest houses.
The Notre-Dame-de-Lorette chapel is certainly “the” jewel of Old Wendake. Rebuilt a few years after the fire of 1862 according to the plans and architecture of the first church of 1730, it contains treasures that recall the faith of the Wendake Christian community, still very much alive today.
The architecture of the Aroüanne and Tsawenhohi houses bears witness, in their own way, to the Huron-Wendat Nation’s adaptation to a way of life different from that of the original inhabitants.
At all times, the Huron Wendat were good craftsmen and great trades people. he tradition is still carried on today. They will greet you with pleasure in their moccasins, snowshoes, leather and other businesses. The welcoming sense of the Huron Wendat is legendary.
The traditional Site “Onhoü Chetek8e” will have you discover the way of life and history of the Hurons from yesterday to this day.
Enjoy a gastronomic experience in selected restaurants offering dishes prepared with game meats and the three sisters (corn, squash and beans), the staple vegetables of the traditional Huron diet, accompanied by banique.
