PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
50th Anniversary of Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook: A New Brand Image, a New Public Space, and a Year of Celebrations
Coaticook, September 9, 2026 – The Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook has officially kicked off its 50th anniversary celebrations with a tribute evening bringing together founders, partners, elected officials, employees, volunteers, and community members. The event highlighted the journey since 1976 while presenting several projects that will shape the organization’s next chapter.
“Fifty years is much more than a number. It is half a century of boldness, vision, and collective effort. Today, we pay tribute to all those who believed in this project from the beginning and who helped make the Park much more than a tourist attraction: a true symbol of our community,” said Jean-Yves Caron, Chairman of the Board.
A Gathering Place for the Community
Guests also had the opportunity to officially discover the new public space developed at the Park. This project includes a multifunctional building, a four-season multipurpose shelter, year-round accessible sanitary facilities, and eco-friendly landscaping.
“For 50 years, the Park has grown thanks to a community that identifies with it and brings it to life. With this new public space, we want to give back to this community a place that belongs to them, a place to gather, create memories, and continue writing our collective story. This is a legacy we leave for future generations,” said Caroline Sage, Executive Director.
Designed as a gathering place accessible to both residents and visitors, this space will enhance the Park’s four-season tourism offerings while strengthening ties between the organization and its community.
A New Image for the Decades Ahead
The Park unveiled its new brand image, a renewed identity that now brings together Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook and Parc Découverte Nature under a shared vision: one destination, two parks. Designed to better reflect the organization’s evolution and future ambitions, this new identity will accompany the 50th anniversary celebrations and the projects that will shape the coming decades.
A Book and an Exhibition to Preserve Collective Memory
The evening also featured the official launch of a commemorative book recounting the Park’s first 50 years. Written by Christian Caron, the book traces the organization’s history through memories, anecdotes, and the people who shaped it.
Guests also had the chance to discover “50 ans, 50 voix,” an immersive exhibition that brings together the stories of those who have helped build, sustain, and grow the Park over the decades. Created by Bain de Minuit with great sensitivity, this experience transforms memories, anecdotes, and testimonies into a touching immersive experience that celebrates the human richness behind the Park’s history.
“This experience will be accessible free of charge to all visitors and the entire population during our anniversary year. It is our way of sharing this collective heritage, as this story belongs to our whole community,” added Caroline Sage.
A Year of Celebrations Ahead
This evening marks the start of an anniversary program that will run until 2027. Announced activities include a day with 1976 prices, the return of Saturday Rendez-vous in winter, new community events, a renewed musical program, and a brand-new winter experience developed in collaboration with Moment Factory.
“If the Park is celebrating 50 years today, it is because it has always been able to count on a mobilized community. This trust is our greatest asset,” concluded Caroline Sage. “The past 50 years have shaped the Park we know today. Together, we are now writing the first lines of the next 50.”
About
Parc de la Gorge is located in the Eastern Townships and offers Foresta Lumina, the crossing of the longest suspension bridge in North America, hiking, biking and snow scooter trails, camping, an escape game, and activities for all seasons.
Parc Découverte combines technology, outdoor activities, and gastronomy. Acoatica, its interactive adventure, raises awareness about Quebec’s endangered species. Discover pond fishing and taste your catch on site. In winter, experience ice fishing and a winter version of Acoatica!
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Source and Information
Josée Petit, Marketing and Operations Director, Foresta Lumina
819 849-2331 ext. 230 jpetit@gorgedecoaticook.qc.ca
400, St-Marc Street, Coaticook, Quebec J1A 2M3