Les Cèdres: Built Heritage, Wine and River Ferry

Les Cèdres can be discovered through several very different facets: built heritage, a former hydroelectric power station, wine and sporting activities. A guide to the municipality’s built heritage helps visitors get to know its architectural and historical treasures. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you’re especially interested in buildings, wine, clay target shooting or a crossing of the river.

Built Heritage and the History of Technology

One particularly old building is located at 494, chemin du Fleuve: the oldest house in Les Cèdres was built in 1774 in the Breton style, using yellow granite. It may also be the oldest house in Soulanges. Its specific construction date, the stone used and the architectural style make it a distinctive part of the municipality’s built heritage.

Saint-Joseph-de-Soulanges Church is also home to a historic object: a 1898 organ that is classified as a historic monument. Eusèbe Brodeur built it in his workshop in La Providence (Saint-Hyacinthe). Those interested in church art or organ building will find a distinctive way to explore Les Cèdres’ cultural history here.

The former Les Cèdres hydroelectric power station is part of the area’s industrial history. It was built in 1899 to electrify the Soulanges Canal. Of the 87 hydroelectric power stations built in Québec before 1900, only four have survived; the Les Cèdres facility is one of them. It is also one of the rare industrial buildings inspired by château architecture. Here, an industrial purpose and an unusual architectural influence stand side by side.

Wine, Local Products and Activities

At Vignoble d'Ovila, you can enjoy wine tastings and take guided tours of the vineyard. The farm shop offers local honey, preserves and fresh vegetables. A visit to the winery can therefore appeal to a range of interests: you can taste the wine, learn about the vineyard or explore local products.

The Montreal Skeet Club offers a different kind of activity. On a 360-acre site, it offers clay target shooting for beginners as well as top-level shooters. This is a distinct sporting activity alongside the area’s cultural and culinary attractions; it may appeal to travelers who want to include this particular activity in their plans.

Crossing the River by Ferry

An electric river ferry connects Les Cèdres with Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and carries cyclists and pedestrians. The crossing takes about five minutes and costs little. For visitors traveling by bike or on foot, this connection is a practical part of getting around the area. The experience is quite different from exploring buildings and cultural heritage or spending time wine tasting.

When looking for a vacation rental in Les Cèdres, your preferred kind of trip can be a good starting point: built heritage and the history of technology offer a different experience from the vineyard, clay target shooting or crossing the river.

More places to help plan your trip: Hudson, Les Coteaux, Sainte-Marthe, L'île-Perrot, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Rigaud and Saint-Zotique.

For the broader travel overview: Vaudreuil-Soulanges.