Explore the island of Laval with the revamped Rallye des rivières!

Laval, June 16, 2021 – June 15 marked the official opening of the Rallye des rivières, organized by the Laval Water Interpretation Center (C.I.EAU). Created in June 2012 along the banks of the Mille Îles River, the Rallye des rivières is getting a fresh new look for the summer of 2021. In addition to adding nine (9) new stations along the Rivière des Prairies, the C.I.EAU has revamped the existing stations, created a fun mobile app that connects them, and made the experience accessible at any time for visitors of all ages.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the City of Laval, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the Ministry of Tourism, and Tourisme Laval, the circuit is expanding this year. Now consisting of sixteen (16) educational and interactive stations around Laval Island, the circuit can be explored by bike, car, or motorized two-wheeler. The C.I.EAU is offering participants a route of up to 125 km, including the five (5) additional stations that will be added this summer on the north shore of the Mille Îles River to enhance the experience. There will therefore be a total of 21 stations on the Rallye des rivières in 2021.

The new geolocation-based mobile app enhances the Rallye des rivières experience! Available in both French and English, it will guide participants throughout the Rally. This fun app lets users collect object cards divided into five categories. This giant scavenger hunt, spread out along the entire route, is sure to delight visitors of all ages. The mobile app includes content designed for adults as well as content tailored for families with children. It will be available for free on iOS and Android under the name “CIEAU.”

Water Month
Since June is Water Month, the River Rally is the perfect activity to learn more about the beauty, unique features, history, and important role of the rivers of the Mille Îles and the Prairies, as well as their tributaries. Hikers, cyclists, and other Rally participants will be able to discover the enchanting attractions of the bucolic landscapes and biodiversity, as well as some local businesses in the area that will be happy to offer their wide variety of products.

“This initiative, supported through the Regional Development Support Fund, raises public awareness of the importance of protecting our precious water resources. It also allows residents and tourists to discover the rivers from different perspectives. The new information kiosks will help further highlight Laval’s attractions and landscapes, and I am proud of this,” said Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“Quebec is one of the most beautiful places in the world to enjoy an outdoor vacation. Whether on foot or by bike, visitors can take part in the Rallye des rivières in an eco-friendly way. “I am very proud that the support provided to this project through EDNET encourages a unique and fun way to explore the region while taking concrete actions to protect the environment and our waterways. These waterways are one of Québec’s defining features,” adds Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism.

“Water is everywhere in our lives, and the new route for the Rallye des rivières helps us better understand the fundamental role of this essential resource, while also enabling the C.I.EAU to reach an unprecedented number of citizens. “This initiative is part of our mission to raise public awareness about the importance of the Mille Îles River and the Prairies River in relation to water protection issues,” says Denise Cloutier, Executive Director of the C.I.EAU.

A Connected Tour
A true open-air museum, the Rallye des rivières is also a connected experience. Thanks to the new version of the app, developed by IDU interactive Inc. as part of the “Early Adopter” call for proposals from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI), this recreational tourism trail allows visitors to reconnect with nature as the warmer weather arrives.

“The launch of this new mobile app proves to us, once again, that the region’s tourism stakeholders are brimming with creativity when it comes to helping us discover Laval’s treasures. This project offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a fun, educational, and interactive experience,” said Geneviève Roy, President and CEO of Tourisme Laval.

“Taking part in the Rallye des rivières is a unique opportunity to witness the harmony that exists between Laval’s urban development and the conservation and enhancement of the natural environments and rivers that surround the city. “I invite residents to come out in large numbers to discover the beauty of Laval’s riverbanks—whether along the Rivière des Prairies or the Rivière des Mille Îles—through this captivating route,” concluded Marc Demers, mayor of Laval.

Discover the beauty of Île Jésus by exploring its shores and downloading the mobile app now!

About the C.I.EAU
The Water Interpretation Center (C.I.EAU) is a nonprofit organization that opened its permanent exhibition, “The Water’s Journey: From River to River,” on September 29, 2008. Since then, it has continued to grow through numerous projects, notably its Lab’eau, much to the delight of its thousands of visitors of all ages. The C.I.EAU’s activities aim to help citizens understand the water cycle in an urban environment—from the river to the faucet, and from the toilet back to the river—including water treatment and purification plants. Through its various activities, exhibits, educational programs, lectures, and events, the C.I.EAU team is committed to raising visitors’ awareness of the major challenges facing the invaluable resource that is water, as well as encouraging changes in behavior among the general public.

Information:
For more details, please contact
Sophie Charlier, BICOM
s.charlier@bicom.ca, 438 388-7762