The Abenaki Aventure tourist project began with the opening of the campsite on the Odanak Abenaki community last July 29. This brilliant idea came from Martin O’Bomsawin and his two sons who have a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
The owner, Mr. O’Bomsawin, shares how he used to go camping in the past and would often travel in a group of four or five RV caravans. He says that most campsites were unable to accommodate them due to lack of space and when they were, they found themselves far from each other. Thus, he saw a wonderful opportunity to create his own campsite, different from all those he had visited previously. His idea took root over time, and with his two sons he began to implement the Camping Abenaki Aventure project designed to be the perfect location for group camping.
What distinguishes this campsite from others?
40 rental sites divided into five sections set up in a circle are proposed. Each site includes eight spots equipped with three services (water, sewage, and electricity). Each section can accommodate between eight to twelve recreational vehicles depending on their dimensions and electrical needs. Wi-Fi is free and the high-speed wireless Internet network is available throughout the campsite.
Steeped in his Indigenous culture, his idea was to gather the campers in a circle because of its importance and meaning. Circular thinking was therefore one of the aspects put forward in the organization of the site.
This division in a circle will facilitate sharing around a campfire through stories and legends, music and dance, highlighting Indigenous rhythm and colours. Furthermore, four to eight RV campers will have space to gather and party until 1:00 a.m., which is one of the major advantages offered. The campsite is intended for campers looking for a place to get together and proposes more freedom regarding noise and late-night parties.
Cultural and other activities in the vicinity
Many services and activities are available close by. Whether the rental of canoes or kayaks, the Saint-François River for fishing, the trail for hiking, the cycling trail connecting to the Route Verte close to the campsite, the Odanak museum, Indigenous shops, the ice cream parlour, three restaurants, the convenience store, and more! All these surrounding attractions provide an ideal location for the campsite where there is no need to plan ahead too much and where you can just let go and seize the present moment.
Mr. O’Bomsawin specifies that all the wood cut in the Indigenous community was for the construction of the buildings on the site itself, as well as for the construction of the picnic tables. As our ancestors did before us, all raw materials are put to use in the respect of Mother Earth.
A work in progress
For a second phase, another sector will be developed, calmer and set apart, for those who prefer solitude and who would like to benefit from the tranquility of the location. Between five to ten permanent tepees will be installed by the marshland, including all that is necessary for sleeping, as well as a sanitary area including shower/toilet and laundry room. This will be perfect for those travelling on Route 132 and who have not planned to carry with them a lot of luggage, such as motorcyclists. A camping zone for tents will also be integrated.
Also, the space will allow for a stage to welcome multicultural events since the site is eight times the size of the portion dedicated to the camping project. Weekends will be reserved for Indigenous culture such as the pow-wow, the harvest festival, as well as humoristic activities, Québec singers, etc. Halloween will also be celebrated in a very original way. Simply put, there will be a wide scope of events for all tastes.
In conclusion, we can say that the O’Bomsawin family has wonderful ideas to attract tourists in the Abenaki community of Odanak. Their entrepreneurial fibre will constitute a solid business opportunity for all business owners close to the Abenaki Aventure tourist project.
For more information and reservations, go to abenakiaventure.com or call 450 954-3461.
To discover other local economic development projects and initiatives, we invite you to visit our local economic development section.
