Religious heritage days

Hundreds of free activities in 175 different towns and cities on September 11 and 12, 2021

Montreal, August 23, 2021 - The Conseil du patrimoine religieux du Québec (CPRQ) and the Association du tourisme religieux et spirituel du Québec (ATRSQ) are proud to launch today the program of the Journées du patrimoine religieux 2021, an architectural and heritage tourism and civic event now in its fourth year.

On a voluntary basis, since April, 276 organizers have registered activities for the September 11 and 12, 2021 program, which aims to provide Quebecers with an opportunity to get to know and appreciate the many artistic, historical and architectural features of their religious heritage.
Iconic sites as well as little-known and sometimes inaccessible spaces have answered the call, providing visitors with multiple options to satisfy their curiosity. Now's the time to check out the range of tours and cultural activities on offer, including concerts and exhibitions, and extend the summer season!

From the Iles-de-la-Madeleine to Guérin, via Métabetchouan, Frelighsburg and the metropolitan areas, there are many possible itineraries. A map showing participating sites is available on the program website: journeesdupatrimoinereligieux.ca.

All activities are free of charge, and donations for the conservation of the site can be collected on site. Activities will be offered in compliance with health regulations in force on September 11 and 12.

Visitors are invited to post their photos and videos of their experiences on social media with the keyword #Journéesdupatrimoinereligieux2021 and follow the event on its Facebook and Instagram pages.

"We're delighted to create an opportunity for citizens to be welcomed as visitors to the heritage sites participating in the Religious Heritage Days program. Quebec's religious heritage is rich and abundant, and we're working hard to preserve it. Visit the sites to get to know them better and appreciate their special features: landscape views, bell towers, woodwork, works of art, organs and stained-glass windows; they're brimming with works worthy of museums, they're our castles and they're full of history". - Josée Grandmont, President of the CPRQ Board of Directors.

"Religious and spiritual tourism is the oldest form of tourism, and the Journées du patrimoine religieux offer an opportunity to visit those who live here. Before the pandemic, religious and spiritual tourism in Quebec generated 1.47 million overnight stays and $60 M in tourist spending. Of these visitors, 33% came specifically to the destination for religious attractions, and 73% visited other nearby attractions. Whether it's for the beauty of the sites or the panoramic views they offer, the culture or the history, our religious sites are extraordinary reasons to treat yourself to a getaway in Quebec's regions." - Michel Couturier, Chairman of the Board, ATRSQ.

View the 2021 promotional capsule

About the CPRQ and the ATRSQ
The CPRQ is a non-profit organization operating throughout Quebec. Its mission is to support and promote the conservation and enhancement of Quebec's religious heritage. Once again this year, the CPRQ is counting on the collaboration of the ATRSQ. The ATRSQ's mission is to develop and promote religious and spiritual tourism in Quebec. It contributes to the development of tourism products and experiences thanks to the richness and authenticity of Quebec's religious and spiritual tourism offerings.

Source and information:
Johanne Picard / [email protected] / ext. 222
Cameron Piper / [email protected] / ext. 221
Quebec Religious Heritage Council
Religious Heritage Days
https://www.journeesdupatrimoinereligieux.ca
514 931-4701 / 1 866 580-4701

Information :
Olivier Lapierre / [email protected]
Public relations, communications, press relations
514 583-3868

Media opportunities :
- Upon request, media representatives can take a sneak preview of exceptional sites that are rarely accessible to the public.
- The CPRQ can direct the media to award-winning restoration projects.
- The CPRQ can direct the media to restoration projects currently underway, allowing them to see the techniques used and learn about best practices for safeguarding religious heritage.
- The CPRQ has an image bank that it can make available to the media on request.