Drummondville has a population of about 68,000 (2016), and is 109 km east of Montreal. The community was founded in 1815 right after the War of 1812 by Frederic George Heriot, who named it for Sir George Drummond, then Governor of Canada. Originaally, uit was the first military outpost on the Riviere Saint Francois, but early in the 1900s, Electric power dams on the Francois River and the Hemming Rapids created an infrastructure for the industrial growth of the town.
Official Websites:
Attractions
Pavillon Thématique Drummond
1425-B, rue Montplaisir, Drummondville, Québec, J2B 7T5
(Autoroute 20, sortie 181)
(819) 478-0245
Discover various aspects of Quebec culture at this multi-functional site. The Pavillon Thématique offers a range of activities throughout the year including the Antiques Show, Amateur Art Show, National Antique and Modified Car Show, and the National Antique Snowmobile Show. The Car Museum takes you back to the 1930s to 1950s. Relive the good old days through exhibits on trades, professions, textiles, cameras and bicycles. Open: June 24 to Labour Day, daily except Monday, 3 pm to 8 pm.
Village Québécois d’Antan (Pioneer Village)
1425, rue Montplaisir, Drummondville, Québec, J2B 7T5
(Autoroute 20, sortie 181)
(819) 478-1441, Fax: (819) 478-8155, Toll free: 1 877 710-0267,
The Village québécois d’antan, a unique historic site, recreates life in the 19th century (1810-1910) with over 70 period buildings featuring traditional crafts and trades people. Interactive theatre and music events are staged throughout the village. Regional cuisine and Quebec specialties are featured at village restaurants (reservations required). Off-season events include sugaring-off parties in March and April; the Wonders of Fall in October; and cross-country skiing and the Village of Lights in winter. And make sure you save time for the village crafts store. Open: June 1 to Labour Day, daily, 10 am to 17 h 30 pm (ticket office closes at 4 pm). Friday, Saturday & Sunday in September and October 2, 3, 9 and 10.
Galerie d’art l’Union-Vie du Centre culturel de Drummondville
175, rue Ringuet, Drummondville, Québec, J2C 2P7
(819) 477-5518, Fax: (819) 477-5723
Specializing in traditional and contemporary art, the Galerie d’art L’Union-Vie exhibits the work of local, regional, national and international visual artists. Presenting 14 to 16 exhibits a year, the gallery also has had an active educational component in place since 1989 offering various activities for children, adults and seniors. The gallery features an outside sculpture garden, and holds music recitals and meet-the-artist events. Open Year round, Tuesday to Sunday, 1:30 pm to 5 pm. Admission free.