Since 2013, Fière la fête has been an educational, festive, family-friendly, and inclusive event. A unique opportunity to celebrate diversity in the Eastern Townships!
The 2025 edition of Fière la fête takes place from September 8 to 14 under the theme "United in adversity, united in pride." Because no matter the adversity our communities face, it is together that we will fight to remain proud," says Roxanne Paquin-Saikali, President of Fierté Sherbrooke Pride.
While Fière la fête is primarily conceived and created by and for LGBTQ+ communities, it is also an event in which allies can participate to expand their knowledge of the realities experienced by our communities or simply to take part in the celebrations.
Because, after all, everyone should take part in the celebration!
From September 8th to 11th, the program features a series of diverse cultural, community, political, and social activities aimed at the diverse members of the LGBTQ+ community.
For the final weekend, we promise action, including FIERCE NIGHTS.
Friday, September 12, 2025
10:30 PM to 3:00 AM
At Boquebière, 50 Wellington Street North, Sherbrooke
A bold first collaboration between Le Zèbre and Vanity, inviting you to a night where the dancefloor will burn with ferocity, style, and raw energy. FIERCE NIGHTS is an immersion into the world of DJs, go-go, and ballroom, where bodies vibrate, styles are expressed, and the party becomes a statement. Three exceptional DJs will rock the night. Electrifying dance performances from two powerful figures in the go-go and ballroom scene. For tickets, click THIS LINK.
The event will conclude with the Diversity March.
Sunday, September 14, 2025
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Departure from the Entrepreneurship Headquarters (80 Wellington Street South, Sherbrooke)
"Let's make ourselves heard: our pride cannot be ignored!" proclaim the organizers.
The Diversity March invites people of sexual and gender diversity and their allies to join together and march through downtown Sherbrooke, flags in hand! It's time to take up space, celebrate the breadth and diversity of communities, and shine! The march will be led by the Mixbus, which will end with a show not to be missed.
Community Day From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The Community Day is open to all, free, and perfect for spending a pleasant day with family, friends, or even meeting new people. This year, we have a ton of activities planned for you at Entrepreneurship Headquarters!
For the full program, click here: https://fierelafete.com/programmation/
Glenn Crawford was the instigator of the Build Our Bank and LGBT Village initiatives in the famously reserved capital since starting the volunteer-run project in 2007. While he has recently stepped down as president of The Village, making room for new ideas from successor Ian Capstick, Crawford has left an indelible mark on a town where there wasn’t a lot of consensus about creating a gay village.
Born out of town hall meetings about the reconstruction of Bank Street, the idea of designating the stretch between Wellington and Gladstone as The Village was about “trying to get a sense of belonging and place, where people feel they can be themselves, have access to services, fool around and shop,” Crawford says. “Gradually a lot of LGBTQ organizations have coalesced into this area… Forming The Village was a natural progression.” When he started fundraising and participating in public advisory committees five years ago, Crawford came up against both the veiled homophobia of a local business improvement association, as well as criticism from the LGBT community that the project was coming 10-20 years too late.
“People were asking Why do we want to create a ghetto? A lot of that criticism comes from people who are out [of the closet],” Glenn says with his typical incisiveness, “from people who have the relationship, two dogs and friend circle. I don’t need a Village either! It’s for people who are struggling in suburban or rural areas; it can be for everyone.” And as a child of the sleepy, inaccessible suburb of Kanata – “not an easy place to grow up gay” – Crawford speaks from experience. Like most LGBT people in any Village in any major city anywhere, the urban geographic bubble exists as much for townies as it does for people who have moved there to escape the stifling places they come from.
And lest you think that Crawford’s project was for commercial reasons alone, it may seem counterintuitive that he’s not a shop-keeper himself, but rather a website and graphic designer who lives just off Bank and works part time in a local gallery. “There’s a social aspect to it. Taking pride in who you are and finding a sense of value in there being a community,” which for him includes keeping the subsidized housing in the area, and watching out for condo development that could “force out the funkier elements.”
“It’s [about] putting roots down; people say it’s 20 years too late, but for me it’s just in time,” Glenn concludes. Echoing a theme that has emerged in everything from architecture to sociology, he adds that “The online world is not the same as having a real community. I worry about that, about younger generations, they’re not valuing the sense of community.”
So maybe when you walk by the “We Demand” mural that The Village commissioned on Gladstone and Bank Streets, you might get a sense of what that community looks like and is for, and clap your fairy hands for Glenn Crawford.
Photo by Noreen Fagan
Long renowned throughout the 20th century for shipbuilding, when large vessels would depart to transport timber overseas, Shippagan also saw significant growth in its fishing industry, ultimately becoming New Brunswick's most important fishing center.
It's no surprise that each year, Shippagan invites friends to celebrate at the New Brunswick Fisheries and Aquaculture Festival, which draws thousands of visitors. Today, it's the peat bog exploitation industry that is experiencing significant growth in the town and regional economy, creating hundreds of jobs.
The University of Moncton operates and manages a campus here, where hundreds of students from various regions and abroad complete programs such as a Bachelor's in Sustainable Development and Coastal Zones, Information Management, Nursing, Technology, Information and Leadership, as well as Diplomas in Business Administration and Health Sciences, among others.
Located slightly off the beaten path, about 15 km from Highway 11 which connects Caraquet, the regional capital, to Tracadie-Sheila, the town of Shippagan offers an abundance of outdoor activities, whether it's camping, kitesurfing, sailing, cycling, sea swimming, or simply relaxing on sandy beaches.
Situated between Saint-Simon Bay and the channel of Chaleur Bay leading to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Shippagan presents magnificent landscapes that can be discovered through its numerous cycling circuits and the shoreline trail that runs behind downtown. Additionally, the Acadian Peninsula Véloroute provides access to the entire Peninsula and features rest areas along its route.
Shippagan houses the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre. Beautiful aquariums showcase the rich collection of fish and invertebrates from the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Several grey seals are also on display, and visitors can touch seafood and other marine creatures.
The Haut-Shippagan area features a truly unique resort destination: Cielo Glamping. Guests can sleep in fully equipped domes, complete with a terrace and spa, offering direct access to the bay. It's one of the premier spots to disconnect while fully embracing everything nature has to offer. Come share a meal at its Hub where the chef prepares dishes using local ingredients, enjoy coffee from the roastery, or savor a local beer.
They say that a people or community's future depends on knowing its history. If that's true, a visit to the Acadian Historical Village in Blanchard, near Caraquet, is a must for anyone interested in the history of Acadia and its people.
From June to September, the Village showcases the daily life of Acadians from 1770 to 1949, thanks to some forty historical buildings brought to life by costumed, bilingual interpreters. This vast open-air museum also offers a hotel and a restaurant, in addition to activities and entertainment.
Located in the heart of the Village, the Château Albert Hotel offers 14 rooms and is a replica of the Château Albert, built in 1907 in Caraquet. The rooms respect the historic character, with a few minor details. Enjoy the tranquility of yesteryear in a modern setting. A buffet breakfast is offered to guests.
During a visit to the Historical Village, you can also treat yourself to a snack or a delicious meal. The Village Café-Bistro is a 40-seat family restaurant with a terrace, near the Village entrance. It offers a menu of Acadian dishes and contemporary cuisine staples, as well as a selection of specialty coffees. Open from June 6 to September 16, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
La Table des Ancêtres is housed in the historic Dugas house. The 30-seat restaurant offers traditional Acadian dishes, in addition to the best sugar pie in the region. Discover the delights of yesteryear served with love, just like at Grandma's, from June 6 to September 16, 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
The 2024 season has started since June 6. Season passes are available for visits all summer long, for the whole family. The Acadian Historical Village identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly (homosympa).
Acadian Historical Village
villagehistoriqueacadien.com
506.726.2600
5, rue du Pont
Bertrand, NB E1W 0E1
Nothing seems to dampen the enthusiasm of entrepreneurs Sébastien Després and Heather Wright (photo), the owners and shareholders of Shediac Wonderland. After the Auberge Le Griffon, the Moque-Tortue restaurant, and the Adorable Chocolat café-chocolaterie, they are now embarking in 2024 on the revival of the Neptune drive-in theater, its canteen, and have become concessionaires of the Parlee Beach canteen at Pointe-du-Chêne Provincial Park.
The announcement of the drive-in reopening on May 17 received positive feedback from the community and the region. “This addition to our collection of Alice in Wonderland-inspired establishments will keep its historic name (Neptune) while adopting the imaginative fantasy that has made Shediac Wonderland renowned, our company that oversees all these establishments,” say Sébastien and Heather. In this spirit, the drive-in and beach canteens will be named Morse et Marteaux.
The drive-in and Parlee Beach canteens will be called Morse et Marteaux
A Wood-Fired Meat Smoker
Additionally, Sébastien Després dreamed of a Texan-style meat smoker to supply his Moque-Tortue and Adorable Chocolat kitchens. After visiting numerous places that used such a smoker, he decided to build his own with one of his artisan-handymen. Installed at the drive-in canteen from May, it will be used to smoke wood-fired chicken and beef, which will be served at both canteens as well as in his two Shediac restaurants.
This type of equipment sells for around $30,000 in specialized businesses. The Acadian entrepreneur plans to use the experience of this first model to produce a second one that will be mobile and used to offer smoked meat barbecues from fall 2024. He already has orders for such activities at major events.
Thus, the menus at Moque-Tortue and the Adorable Chocolat café-chocolaterie will be modified to include smoked meat dishes. The second floor of Moque-Tortue will be freed from its sweet products kitchen to accommodate the meat preparation for all the establishments. Similarly, all sweet product production will be centralized in the Adorable Chocolat kitchen.
“The Neptune opportunity goes beyond just a drive-in accommodating 350 cars and screening films projected with an ultra-modern 4K projector. We saw it as the perfect opportunity to add equipment that will enhance the on-site dining offerings, as well as those of our other restaurants,” explains Sébastien Després.
An Anticipated Cinema Season
From May 10, the Neptune drive-in will welcome its first moviegoers in two years. This popular spot for several decades is already delighting many outdoor cinema enthusiasts, come rain or shine. Not to mention that evening activities are few in Shediac during the summer.
Visitors will enjoy quality sound technology via the FM band of car radios. Contracts signed with a dozen distributors will allow exclusive screenings of new releases as well as classic films that people love to rewatch during the peak tourist season. Occasionally, themed weeks will be presented, along with a big Halloween party at the end of the season. Moviegoers are expected to arrive early in the evening to enjoy the new culinary offerings while ensuring a prime spot for the screening starting after sunset.
Sébastien, Heather, and their children.
All these transformations in the Shediac Wonderland universe mean that the company will manage more than 75 jobs over the coming months. Moque-Tortue boasts a quality kitchen team that delights its owner and will allow for the creation of new dishes, such as meat pies, among others. For the Adorable Chocolat café-chocolaterie, preparations are underway to offer a bar service.
Sébastien Després explains that he is confident that 2024 will mark a major turning point for Shediac Wonderland. Is he worried about facing significant challenges? “If I can't be the best in the region at what I do, I don't do it,” he answers without hesitation.
Neptune Drive-In
neptunedrivein.ca
506 351-0367
691 Main Street
Pointe-du-Chêne (Shediac), E4P 4Z9
Cantine Morse et Marteaux
parcsnbparks.info
506 351-0367
Parlee Beach Provincial Park
45 Parlee Beach Road
Pointe-du-Chêne, NB E4P 8V5
Shediac Wonderland
thewonderland.ca
506 351-0367
By Gaëtan Vaudry
Ever heard of "glamping"? It's a blend of glamour and camping, offering eco-friendly lodging that immerses you in nature while providing the luxury and amenities of a hotel room. This is precisely what our friends at Exode en nature in Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, a municipality on the north shore of the Saguenay Fjord, deliver.
Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the delightful Vincent Fréchette, one of the four shareholders and an unexpectedly professional and passionate guide. He began by sharing the story behind their beautiful venture. Legend has it that Exode was the name of the first shareholders Vicky Maltais and Patrick Prévost's sailboat during their incredible Bahamas adventure. In the summer of 2020, Exode was stolen in the Bahamas, and the couple wanted to preserve this beautiful memory by naming their unique lodging center after it.
The Tranquility of a Nature Retreat
Exode en Nature boasts five uniquely original and tastefully decorated residences, echoing their Caribbean sea experiences with catamaran nets. Nestled in an enchanting 8.5-acre site beside the Pelletier River and at the foot of the Monts-Valin, they offer La Mélilot and La Baumier chalets, Myrica Yurt, La Thuya Dome, and Pod Le Sumac cottage. Each can comfortably accommodate two to four adults (up to six with a sofa bed), featuring standard amenities like a shower, bedding, dishes, Wi-Fi, and a propane gas stove. Don't miss the outdoor relaxation spaces by the stream, whose gentle flow enhances the tranquility of a stay in nature, complete with outdoor fireplaces and wood-heated Nordic spas!
Interestingly, the owners of Exode en nature happily welcome leashed pets: "We want people to have a memorable adventure in the heart of nature," says co-owner Vicky Maltais. "Animals under 50 pounds are welcome, as we understand how many of our guests wish to rejuvenate accompanied by their pets." And speaking of rejuvenation, Exode en nature is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway or a weekend with family or friends.
Activities for Every Taste
Adventure enthusiasts will find plenty to do at Exode en nature. In winter, within a few kilometers, you can enjoy snowmobiling, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, dog sledding, tobogganing, and even ice fishing. Note that all Exode en nature accommodations provide free snowshoes, inviting you to escape into the wilderness. In summer, the list extends to fishing in nearly 650 lakes, hunting, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, beach activities, golf, and of course, hiking.
Exode en nature represents the hard work of four members of this wonderfully welcoming family - Gabrielle Prévost, Vincent's partner, completes the quartet - all with one goal: to offer you a stay that meets your expectations.
Exode en nature
1516, Route de Tadoussac
Sainte-Rose-du-Nord
418 540-1455
exodeennature.com
By Gaëtan Vaudry
Tadoussac is arguably one of the most beautiful summer tourist regions in Quebec. However, this North Shore region is much quieter in winter. Fortunately, thanks to our friends at Chalets-camping Domaine des Dunes, it is possible to have very pleasant moments there, even in the winter season!
Located between the tourist village of Tadoussac and the famous Dunes (two huge marine sand terraces exposed by the last ice melt about 10,000 years ago), the Domaine des Dunes site, nestled in a birch forest, is simply enchanting. It offers both camping and chalet rentals that can accommodate up to six people, as well as the rental of a kamook and even a wooden tipi... nothing less! "We resume service in winter, to the delight of our customers," says co-owner Bernadette Roduit Bender, with a broad smile. "The experiences in kamook and tipi are done in camping styles, that is, with access to a sanitary facility with toilets and showers, washer and dryer, as well as a community room."
Several activities are available even in winter at Domaine des Dunes, including a highly appreciated welcome for snowmobile enthusiasts in the boreal forest, trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In summer, the region abounds with activities, including whale watching cruises, black bear observation, sea kayaking, marine mammal interpretation center, the region's fine dining, and much more.
Bernadette, who is joined by her daughter and son for all aspects of Domaine des Dunes, has worked very hard in recent weeks to welcome you this winter. During my short visit to Tadoussac at the end of November, the family was busy making final adjustments to welcome numerous clients for the beautiful winter season. Moreover, Bernadette and her team invite you to book your chalet, kamook, or wooden tipi for the holiday season before December 10th. They even promise a nice surprise!
Domaine des Dunes (Chalets-camping)
585, Chemin de la Rivière-du-Moulin-à-Baude
Tadoussac
418 235-4843
domainedesdunes.com
By Gaëtan Vaudry
Tadoussac is arguably one of the most beautiful summer tourist regions in Quebec. However, this North Shore region is much quieter in winter. Fortunately, thanks to our friends at Chalets-camping Domaine des Dunes, it is possible to have very pleasant moments there, even in the winter season!
Located between the tourist village of Tadoussac and the famous Dunes (two huge marine sand terraces exposed by the last ice melt about 10,000 years ago), the Domaine des Dunes site, nestled in a birch forest, is simply enchanting. It offers both camping and chalet rentals that can accommodate up to six people, as well as the rental of a kamook and even a wooden tipi... nothing less! "We resume service in winter, to the delight of our customers," says co-owner Bernadette Roduit Bender, with a broad smile. "The experiences in kamook and tipi are done in camping styles, that is, with access to a sanitary facility with toilets and showers, washer and dryer, as well as a community room."
Several activities are available even in winter at Domaine des Dunes, including a highly appreciated welcome for snowmobile enthusiasts in the boreal forest, trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In summer, the region abounds with activities, including whale watching cruises, black bear observation, sea kayaking, marine mammal interpretation center, the region's fine dining, and much more.
Bernadette, who is joined by her daughter and son for all aspects of Domaine des Dunes, has worked very hard in recent weeks to welcome you this winter. During my short visit to Tadoussac at the end of November, the family was busy making final adjustments to welcome numerous clients for the beautiful winter season. Moreover, Bernadette and her team invite you to book your chalet, kamook, or wooden tipi for the holiday season before December 10th. They even promise a nice surprise!
Domaine des Dunes (Chalets-camping)
585, Chemin de la Rivière-du-Moulin-à-Baude
Tadoussac
418 235-4843
domainedesdunes.com
By Gaëtan Vaudry
If you find yourself near Sept-Îles and are looking for an exceptional relaxation experience, you must stop at Spa Renaissance, a favored location offering a vast terrace with a breathtaking view of the water and the most beautiful sunsets.
This relaxation center offers a variety of packages to its clients, ranging from medical aesthetics to fitness, including relaxation, aesthetics, wellness, and much more. What sets Spa Renaissance apart from its competitors is that couples can receive treatments simultaneously, benefiting from very advantageous packages: "We indeed offer several package options that you can enjoy side by side," proudly states the owner Martin Carrier. "You can choose from several treatments: pedicure, manicure, facial, massage, hydrotherapy, neuro spa thermal sector, and much more!"
Another special feature of Spa Renaissance, located in the popular Hôtel Sept-Îles, are the tailor-made packages, which often include a variety of treatments, a gift card for the Bistro, and an overnight stay at the hotel. Spa Renaissance also offers two well-equipped training rooms, delighting many customers. A package that catches my attention is the Thermal Plus for $316, offering two three-hour accesses to the thermotherapy sector, a $50 gift card to the Bistro, and a double occupancy overnight stay at the hotel. Truly interesting! Additionally, I suggest inquiring about the Tropic and Havana packages, available until December 24th and perfectly fitting into a Christmas card, to offer your loved ones a special moment.
Spa Renaissance
451, avenue Arnaud, Sept-Îles
418 968-0606
sparenaissance.ca
