Onhwa' Lumina - Enchanted night walk

Onhwa’ Lumina: the magic of an illuminated forest

At nightfall, when the village of Wendake regains its calm, the forest comes alive with a completely different energy. The rustling of the leaves, the glow of the stars, and the song of the Saint-Charles River blend with light projections and sound compositions. It is in this setting that Onhwa’ Lumina comes to life, a unique night walk designed by Moment Factory.

This 1.2 km multimedia trail is an invitation to travel into the world of the Wendat Nation. Here, modern technologies serve ancestral stories to offer a sensory experience that touches the imagination of both children and adults alike.

A journey into the heart of Wendat legends

Each station along the path transports visitors into a different world, where lights, sounds, and stories intertwine to evoke the deep roots of Wendat culture. From the very first minutes, a great gate of light welcomes visitors, like a symbolic passage between the everyday world and that of ancestral tales.

Further along, the river is enhanced by projection displays that transform the water into a mirror of legends. One can almost hear the voices of the ancestors carrying their stories through the current. Luminous silhouettes dance among the trees, recalling protective spirits and warriors of the past. Traditional songs, magnified by immersive soundscapes, accompany the walk and give the impression that the forest itself is speaking. Visitors also encounter emblematic symbols of Wendat culture: the sacred fire, the longhouse, the talking circle—landmarks that guide the journey and awaken the collective imagination.

Each stop is designed to create a moment of contemplation, wonder, or sharing. Some pause to admire, others to take photos, but all feel the same impression: that of having taken part in a timeless encounter.

An experience for all

Onhwa’ Lumina is not a simple show. It is a complete immersion, where each visitor becomes part of the story. Families find shared wonder between parents and children. Couples turn it into a romantic activity, letting themselves be enveloped by the forest’s soft atmosphere. Groups of friends discover together a unique moment, remembered long after the visit.

The trail is accessible in all seasons: in the heart of summer, lush nature enriches the experience with its scents and sounds; in autumn, the blazing colors of the forest add a spectacular touch; in winter, the snow reflects the lights and creates a magical setting; in spring, nature’s renewal brings a fresh energy to each step.

Practical information

Duration: about 1 h 15
1.2 km trail in the forest
Accessible all year round, in every season
Suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends

Wendake: a destination to extend

Onhwa’ Lumina is just the beginning. After this immersive experience, Wendake opens the doors to a rich cultural and natural universe, where each activity completes the journey.

Living culture and heritage

The Huron-Wendat Traditional Site: longhouse, traditional dwellings, craft demonstrations, and guided tours immersing you in Wendat history.

The Huron-Wendat Museum: since 2024, a new permanent exhibition offers a renewed perspective on the objects, stories, and traditions of the Nation.

Myths and Legends: an evening in the national longhouse Ekionkiestha’, hosted by passionate storytellers who bring founding tales to life.

Indigenous gastronomy

Wendake is also a culinary destination. La Traite, the restaurant of the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, is a reference in contemporary Indigenous cuisine. Game, fish, forest berries, and wild herbs make up original and refined dishes. La Sagamité, an emblematic family business, is renowned for its famous flambéed potence and traditional recipes. Yahwatsira’ offers a creative and modern approach, inspired by traditions but oriented toward the future. For a more relaxed break, L’Usine à Frites satisfies gourmet cravings with simplicity.

Artisans and shops

Wendat know-how is reflected in every local creation:

Onquata’ and its unique artistic paddles.
Gros-Louis Handicrafts, specializing in traditional objects.
Yawinonh, offering modern creations inspired by the culture.
Épices du Guerrier, now a recognized brand across Quebec.
Librairie Hannenorak, a showcase of Indigenous and independent literature.
Each piece, whether utilitarian or decorative, is a piece of history to bring home.
Nature just steps from the city
Culture is not Wendake’s only richness. Nature is also at the heart of the experience.
Kabir Kouba Falls, an impressive and emblematic site.
The linear park of the Saint-Charles River, perfect for walking and outdoor activities.
The Corridor des Cheminots, a multi-use trail for biking, jogging, and skating.
Canot Légaré, the oldest canoe rental company in Quebec, for exploring the river.

Gathering events

Each summer, the Wendake International Pow Wow attracts thousands of visitors. Three days of dancing, singing, and encounters that testify to the vitality and openness of the Wendat Nation.

Staying in Wendake

To extend the experience, the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations is the ideal place. More than just accommodation, it combines modern comfort with cultural immersion. Visitors sleep in an environment inspired by traditions and can enjoy direct access to the museum and the La Traite restaurant.

Conclusion

Choosing Onhwa’ Lumina means diving into a magical nocturnal universe that tells the roots and worldview of the Wendat Nation. But it also means opening the door to an entire destination: living heritage, unique gastronomy, talented artisans, accessible nature, and vibrant events.

At the gates of Quebec City, Wendake awaits you for a complete immersion, an authentic encounter, and a stay that will remain engraved in both memory and heart.