Cycling as cultural tourism?

150 years is a long time for a bridge, and yes it has been renovated.



Cyclist assessing some cultural significance



Cycling takes you to many places, some of which are significant in the cultural heritage department.

One example is the popular scenic attraction of covered bridges. Covered bridges are a real attraction on bike rides and usually a great place to take a rest stop to enjoy examining some pre-digital-era design artifacts.




New roof and lots of structural repairs means that this cultural treasure will be around for many years to come.

It took a lot of effort to get this bridge listed as a cultural heritage site and then getting it repaired and renovated. But it happened and we now celebrate the 150 year birthday... with a party!


Here's a bad translation by Monsieur Google:

Commemorating the 150th Anniversary

Culture> History and Heritage

The year 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the bridge Percy, this unique work which spans the river Châteauguay between Hinchinbrooke and Elgin, in the Haut-Saint-Laurent.

Listed as a Historical monument by the Government of Canada in 1984 and by Quebec in 1987, this bridge has been completely restored at a cost of $ 900 000 in 2009. It is the oldest existing covered bridge in Canada and the only remaining example of a McCullum arch design in the world.

Still functional and representing one of the main tourist attractions in the Huntingdon area, the Powerscourt covered bridge will be an important event to celebrate as part of its 150th anniversary. Thus, a day of remembrance will be held on site Saturday, October 15. retired judge of the Superior Court of Quebec, John Gomery, will act as master of ceremonies.

The program for this celebration will include a historical parade, tours of the bridge, traditional music, thematic kiosks, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in the presence of Pierre Duchesne, Lieutenant Governor of Quebec, and many dignitaries.

The commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the bridge Percy is a project to promote cultural tourism of regional scope that deserves a resounding echo. (cycle fun montreal doesn't understand this sentence either)

Luc De Tremmerie, coordinator of the cultural development of the Haut Saint-Laurent and member of the coordinating committee of the festival. (Thanks Luc!)

The public is invited to this event at noon, Oct. 15. The event is also for day trippers mainly from the South Shore, Greater Montreal, the United States and Ontario. The beginning of the official ceremony is planned for 14 h.

Repair work done in 2009 on the old covered bridge was to raise the road structure by a height of six inches, to replace the structure below, change pieces of wood and repair the approaches. This bridge, originally built in 1861, was finally covered with a tin roof.

We love the Powerscourt covered bridge.


Here's a nice ride that crosses the bridge - and lots of fresh asphalt too!

The Bikely map link is here.