IN THIS EMAIL:
- Discover Bourlamaque, Quebec's living national historic site and former mining town in the Abitibi gold belt - Learn about the Chalk River protest and the people rallying against the nuclear dump development near the Ottawa River - Read about Canadian astronaut Jenni Gibbons, who discusses her career and involvement with Canada's return to the moon
- Travel spotlight: Explore the vibrant northern community of Dawson City, Yukon - Looking for your next getaway? Discover more about Klahoose Wilderness Resort and browse photos captured by RCGS Ambassador Javier Frutos |
| | | | | | | | The mine shaft of the old Lamaque gold mine has become a symbol of the early mining boom in the region. |
| Bourlamaque: Quebec’s living national historic site The not-so-simple history of a former mining town in the Abitibi gold belt By Olivier Ballou with photography by Guillaume Nolet |
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EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK
Most of the time the story comes first; we come up with a great story idea and assign photography to match. But “Heart of Gold” was conceived in the opposite way. The editorial team was captivated by photographer Guillaume Nolet’s documentary-style series about life in Bourlamaque, a former mining town in Quebec’s gold belt. We loved the images and knew we had to find the words to match Guillaume’s photographic ode to this village rooted in gold.
Bourlamaque is a company town built in the 1930s and today preserved as a national historic site. From the outside, the village at the edge of Val d’Or looks as if it is suspended in time even as the locals go about their thoroughly modern lives.
To honour Nolet’s photographs, we needed to find a writer who understood this town — who felt it in his heart. Enter Olivier Ballou, author of the graphic novel Val-d’Or Neon: A Graphic History. Upon reading Ballou’s book, I knew I really, really wanted him to write the words that would allow readers to truly understand this place.
At first it seems like an odd match. Ballou’s graphic novel centres on Val d’Or rather than specifically Bourlamaque, and it is an edgy story about three real-life characters who hung out at Val d’Or’s gritty Chateau Inn bar over the decades.
But there was so much history in his graphic novel that I knew Ballou had done his research. When I got in touch, he was as excited as I was to jump into this collaboration. Turns out he had grown up in Val d’Or in the 1980s and 1990s and Bourlamaque was practically his backyard. A student of the area’s rich history, he put his knowledge — and his soul — into “Heart of Gold.”
To me, “Heart of Gold” perfectly encapsulates the saying “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
- Sarah Brown, Managing Editor |
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| Dancers perform the cancan at Diamond Tooth Gertie's Gambling Hall. (Photo: © Enviro Foto) |
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Canadian Geographic Adventures
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| | Located in Desolation Sound along B.C.'s Sunshine Coast, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is an Indigenous owned and sustainable eco-resort with immersive marine and terrestrial wildlife viewings running throughout all seasons. Experience the essence of the Klahoose people as you embark on a journey that transcends time and tradition. |
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Get inspired!
Earlier this year, Canadian Geographic’s creative and brand director Javier Frutos travelled to Klahoose Wilderness Resort for an unforgettable experience. Over four nights, Frutos explored Klahoose’s stunning ocean and rainforest paradise, including wildlife viewing, Indigenous storytelling and more. Take a glimpse of some of Frutos’ photographs and learn more about Klahoose. |
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| | | A wood fire sauna sits on a floating dock offering stunning views of the ocean and mountains. |
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| | | | Guests spot a soaring eagle set against snow-capped mountains during a spring tour of Toba Inlet. |
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| | | Stanley Jones of the Klahoose Nation participating in a traditional spirit bath. |
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| | | | Exploring the natural beauty of Desolation Sound. |
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| | An early walk before breakfast around the Lodge is the perfect way to start the day. |
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| | | Stanley Jones of the Klahoose Nation performing a traditional song to the guests and staff. |
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| Well-kept hiking trails around the wilderness of Desolation Sound. |
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| | A tour on the Resort's boat is the perfect way to explore the inlets around the area. |
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