Thank you for being with us in this world premiere season, see you in 2024!
Who hasn’t dreamed of flying, of spreading their wings? To fly over water, land and trees while clinging to the sky. With Le Vol de l’Oiseau mécanique, a sound and light show for the whole family at Le Massif de Charlevoix, experience weightlessness, one flight at a time.
Fly between sky, land and sea.
Take a seat aboard Le Massif de Charlevoix’s chairlifts
An animated carousel ride on Le Massif’s chairlifts that offers a luminous, sensory and emotional experience with passengers flying over the mountain for nearly 6 km under the moonlit sky. A unique way to admire the splendours of the landscape, between sky, land and sea.
This summer, discover the mountain of Le Massif de Charlevoix as you've never seen it before.
Book your lodging on the mountain
The creative team
YVES AUCOIN
Co-creator and lighting designer Yves Aucoin who has been traveling the world for more than 35 years and regularly collaborates with world-renowned artists, such as Céline Dion. In 2013, he founded the visual design company 4U2C that was responsible for the lighting design of major ceremonies like the closing ceremony of the Pan Am Games in Toronto and the Asian Games in Jakarta. He was also the lighting designer for the Cirque du Soleil’s show Love.
STÉPHANE MONGEAU
Stéphane Mongeau, co-creator and executive Producer, has been producing shows all over the world. In addition to directing the productions of Kà, Totem, Amaluna and Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, he has overseen the immersive experiences based on the Netflix TV series Stranger Things and Bridgerton. Co-founder of 4U2C, he played a key role at Lune Rouge.
OLIVIER KEMEID
Co-creator and dramaturge, Olivier Kemeid is a prominent figure on the Quebec theater scene and is the artistic director of the Théâtre de Quat'Sous for several years. He has written more than 15 plays, several of which have been translated abroad, as well as two novels, and has collaborated with many major creators such as Robert Lepage for the Riopelle Project.
MARTIN LABRECQUE
Martin Labrecque, co-creator and lighting designer, is without a doubt one of the most talented and renowned lighting designers of his generation. Well known in the theater industry after having signed more than 200 lighting designs, he has, for nearly 20 years, been the lighting designer for Cirque du Soleil's Cortéo, Kooza, Kurios, Luzia, and Drawn to Life.
Local artisans
In addition to original music by Philippe Brault, Le Vol de l'Oiseau mécanique features a unique sound environment created by Jacques Boucher, scenography by Mariko Samejima, video design by Félix Fradet-Faguy and production direction by Robert Lemoine.
This large-scale production is made possible by Le Massif de Charlevoix, Tourism Québec, Tourisme Charlevoix, Le Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale and Destination Québec Cité.
Questions & Answers
Why was the name "Le Vol de l'Oiseau mécanique" chosen?
Le Vol de l'Oiseau mécanique is a metaphor expressing the experience proposed at Le Massif, i.e. a flight over the forest of Le Massif between sky, land and sea on board the chairlifts, like a carousel on the mountainside.
What is the distance of the course?
A circular route of nearly 6 km like a merry-go-round on the side of the mountain, including 4 km aboard the Le Massif chairlifts.
How long does the activity last?
It's a 90 minutes tour including the chairlift ascent, the walk between the two chairlifts, the chairlift descent and the return walk. It is possible to do the circuit from the summit or from the base.
Can children enjoy the experience?
Children can live the experience. We recommend that you bring a baby carrier, as strollers are not allowed. Adult supervision is required for children under 135cm. The experience consists of two chairlift rides and two short hikes on trails (450 metres and 750 metres) It is therefore up to the parents to assess the level of comfort and skill of their child.
Good to know: performances are free for children aged 6 and under, and there are special rates for children and teenagers, making this an ideal family outing.
Does the activity require physical fitness?
The activity is recommended for people with the ability to walk short distances on marked, low-impact trails including uphill sections. We suggest wearing comfortable shoes for trail walking. The activity is not recommended for people using crutches, a cane or a wheelchair.
Is the experience recommended for everyone?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to transport a wheelchair through the course as the evacuation trails are not suitable for people with reduced mobility. The mechanical Bird Flight course has two walking sections on uneven terrain, making it unsuitable for individuals who rely on crutches, a cane, a wheelchair or have knee problems. Strollers are not permitted.
Since this show is a performance in light and music, and because of the sound peaks, the use of strobes and the possibility of reduced visibility on the trail caused by fog, for example, Le Vol de l’Oiseau mécanique may not be suitable for individual who are blind, have a sensory hypersensitivity, are on the autism spectrum or experience dizziness.
What time does the activity start?
The activity starts at different times depending on the time of sunset during the summer season.
From 9pm from June 23 to July 24
From 8:30 p.m. from July 26 to August 14
From 8:00 pm from August 16 to September 4
Do I have to book in advance?
Yes, in order to ensure that you have a seat on the evening, you can buy your tickets in advance on the online store. Please note that no tickets will be sold on site.
Does the activity only take place in the evening?
Yes, the activity takes place only in the evening, when the sun is down in order to see and experience the different light and sound scenes.
Should I bring anything?
We recommend that you dress warmly and put on the right footwear, such as hiking boots, in anticipation of the prevailing weather. Evenings can be chilly in the mountains even in the middle of summer. In case you forget, it is possible to get clothes (raincoat, warm sweater, hat) on sale at the Ptit Dep, service point outside the summit chalet. We also suggest that you bring a bottle of water that you can refill at our water points on the circuit. Hot and cold beverages are also available at our service points. Don't forget comfortable shoes for the walk.
How many people can board a chairlift?
4 people are admitted per chairlift. Le Massif reserves the right to fill chairlift spaces according to the number of passengers.
What is the minimum height to board a chairlift?
4 The minimum height to board a chairlift without adult supervision is 135 cm. Children under 135 cm must be accompanied by an adult, a rule that applies at all times, both in summer and winter, in our chairlifts.
How far in advance do I have to arrive at the activity if the departure time is fixed?
It is suggested that you arrive 30 minutes before the start time of the performance to use the restroom, get a drink and head to the starting point of the tour.
How many people can participate in the activity per night?
300 tickets per performance which will take place every 30 minutes.
In case of low traffic, can operations end earlier?
No, the sale of tickets is done according to predefined performance times, so we will add the last slots according to the occupancy.
If it rains, is the activity cancelled?
The show can be cancelled only in the event of thunderstorms or heavy rain, without prior notice, as weather conditions may change suddenly. The activity is not affected by reduced visibility due to weather conditions. In case of cancellation, guests will be contacted directly by email. The announcement will also be communicated on our Instagram page (@lemassif).
Does the activity start at the top or at the bottom?
Departures can be made at the base and at the top.
Are all departures at fixed times?
Tickets are valid for fixed departure times. There is no imposed end time, so it is possible to stay on-site until the end of the performances.
Are the base and summit chalet open during the activity?
Yes, the summit chalet and base chalets are rest and refreshment points, where you can find restrooms. There is a dining service available at the summit chalet, and the Camp Boule buvette de montagne restaurant offers dinner-show packages on performance evenings.
Do we have access to the toilets in the chalets, toilets in the middle of the course?
Restrooms are available at both the summit and base chalets. Approximately 45 minutes separate the two chalets, and there are no other restroom facilities available along the course.
Are the trails associated with the experience are marked/identified?
Yes, they are marked out, equipped with lighting and artistic effects, they are segments that are part of the circuit. You have to imagine the route as a circular circuit.
Is the activity bilingual? Are there headphones?
There is no narration in The Flight of the Mechanical Bird, so no headphones.
I can't make it, how can I cancel my reservation?
Please review your ticket date and time carefully before submitting and confirming your order as tickets are non-refundable. Date change requests are subject to availability and must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled time for a $7.50 administrative fee. Please contact us at info@levoldeloiseaumecanique.com.
There are no refunds if you arrive after the last departure time.
Is it allowed to take pictures or videos?
All cameras, tape recorders and video recording devices (including those embedded in cell phones or other portable devices) and their use are permitted on the event site, but only for non-commercial purposes. For all commercial requests please contact communication@lemassif.com.
Is it possible to participate with my dog?
Although Le Massif accepts dogs on a leash during the day on its hiking trails and gondola, no pets are allowed on the course. Although, officially recognized assistance or guide dogs are accepted. Proof of certification will be requested. They must be able to take the chairlift. Please contact us before booking at info@levoldeloiseaumecanique.com.
Is it possible to walk from Camp Boule buvette de montagne to the nighttime activity?
While it is feasible to cover the distance on foot, there is approximately a 3 km distance between the restaurant and the entrance of the Vol de l'Oiseau mécanique course. We recommend using your car to commute between the two locations.
Related Content
Tips for your first experience of Le Vol de l’Oiseau mécanique
It's not every day that you get aboard a carousel on a mountainside. Le Vol de l’Oiseau mécanique is a unique experience that will take you on an unforgettable journey through the mountain. Here are 4 tips to fully appreciate your first experience.