Following the Church Steeples

Historically recognized as a very cosmopolitan city, Rouyn-Noranda boasts numerous places of worship, both past and present, from various religious denominations. Discover this rich and diverse religious heritage!

EXPLORE

The interactive guide from BaladoDiscovery shows you where to find the must-see points of interest and gives you access to audio clips. Archival photos and short texts enhance the presentations available on demand for each location.

ON SITE

A tour is offered, including a suggested itinerary. With your cell phone in hand, your guide locates you in real-time among the points of interest to discover. Plan for about 45 minutes on foot for the tour, excluding the last two points.

OPTIMIZED EXPERIENCE

Using the BaladoDiscovery mobile app is recommended, rather than the website of the same name. It allows you to preload tours before visiting. For an enhanced overall immersion, additional points of interest can be accessed directly from your interactive guide (in addition to the current tour). Simply select the See Around tool, available once the tour map is open (under the Options menu).

It is advised to do the tour by bike, except for the last two points which are further from the urban core and more accessible by car.

BACKGROUND

Long recognized as one of the most cosmopolitan cities, Rouyn-Noranda boasts numerous places of worship, both old and new, representing various religious denominations. Surprisingly, within the city limits, one can find, among others: a former synagogue, a Russian Orthodox church, a Ukrainian church, and even a Baptist church!

Attracted by mining discoveries starting in the 1930s, immigrants, particularly from Eastern Europe, came from all over and settled in the nascent mining town, participating in its social and community life. Since religion was central to the lives of the citizens at the time, it is only natural that they built places of worship that reflected their beliefs and affirmed a strong sense of belonging to their adopted land. Like the many immigrants who settle here, embark on an adventure and discover, by following the church steeples that dot the Rouyn-Noranda landscape, a truly remarkable calling card!

WANT TO DO THE TOUR BY BIKE BUT DON'T HAVE ONE?

For exploring with the wind in your hair, RécréOsisko lends bikes free of charge during the summer months. Their kiosk is located next to the Dumulon General Store at 191 Avenue du Lac.

Happy discoveries!

CREDITS

Produced by the City of Rouyn-Noranda, Community and Proximity Services

Information sourced from the religious heritage inventory work, conducted in 2022 by Paul Trépanier, heritage consultant.

Coordination: Élisabeth Carrier and Cédric Poirier

Design and writing for online publication: Kristopher Vandal

Traduction : Neighbours

Corrections: Geneviève Lemire-Julien

Audio clip recordings: Studio Adéquat

Audio clip narration: Guillaume Beaulieu

Circuit banner image: William B. Daigle and Rouyn-Noranda History Museum

This project is made possible with financial support from the Government of Quebec and the City of Rouyn-Noranda as part of the Cultural Development Agreement.