It is pitch black, save for the specs of light that shine up from the depths below me. The bridge I am on sways slightly in the dark. The further you move across it, the more it shakes and rolls. Now I am not one that is scared of heights per-se, but they are not my favorite.
However, all thoughts of tumbling headlong into the six story deep gorge is tossed out the window once my eyes adjust to the dark and the view below. Splayed out across the rock walls, the forest, trees, are millions of pinpricks of light, dancing and swirling through space. Around us music fills the cool July night air of southern Quebec. From that point on, I am hooked. I’m in. I have bought the illusion, the story, the magic of the entire art and light show hook, line, and sinker.
At the behest of my much savvier traveler of a wife, we have ventured to the southern corner of Quebec, just south of Sherbrooke and a stone throw from the New Hampshire border. In the town of Coaticook, one of the most original, beautiful and moving art pieces and storytelling performances I have ever seen is on display every night for all of the Summer months.
I will not give away any more of the magic that is Foresta Lumina, but I will recommend a detour to the southern corner of Quebec to let your imagination get lost in a gorge full of light.
Foresta Lumina is held nightly in Coaticook’s Parc de la Gorge from mid June to the end of August, and on weekend evenings until early October. Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended. Learn more about Foresta Lumina or buy tickets here.
Foresta Lumina photos by James MacDonald
Make your next trip the best one.
Departful is a full service travel agency creating truly exceptional travel experiences that are 100% personalized to you. Wherever you’re going, whatever your interests, we help you plan the perfect trip.
