Rigaud

Nestled where the Ottawa and Rigaud rivers meet, Rigaud sits gracefully at the foot of Mont Rigaud, about midway between Montreal and Ottawa. Though small in size, this charming Quebec city captures the feeling of a rural retreat with the convenience of its central location. The heart of Rigaud beats strongest out in nature, with Mont Rigaud’s forested slopes calling to hikers, cyclists, and winter sports enthusiasts alike. As the leaves change colour in autumn, locals and visitors head to Sentier de l’Escapade for scenic strolls beneath fiery foliage. When the snow falls, Mont Rigaud’s ski centre comes alive, offering downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing for all ages.

Rigaud’s Francophone proudly mixes with flavours of English and Indigenous heritage, lending the community a welcoming, open spirit. Culture takes centre stage at the historic Sainte-Madeleine Church, whose gothic spire rises above the town and whose stained-glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colour on festival nights. The Marché Rigaud, held each summer weekend, brings local produce, artisan wares, and handmade cheeses to the town square, while the annual Festival des Couleurs draws crowds with live music, fireworks, and breathtaking vistas from Mont Rigaud’s summit.

Dining in Rigaud is a delight, whether you find yourself at a cozy café with fresh croissants or a bustling family-run bistro serving up local maple specialities. Warm, neighbourly smiles, bilingual streets, and a pace of life that invites you to linger make Rigaud an easy place to feel at home, even on your first visit. It’s a place where tradition meets outdoor adventure, and every season reveals a new reason to fall in love.