The Charlevoix region of Québec has introduced a new tourism development centered on Viking history and culture. Viking Village Hóp, located on more than 80 acres of land, offers themed accommodations and activities designed to provide guests with an immersive experience.
Phase 1 of the project launched in 2023, establishing a Viking-inspired campsite. Guests can stay in single- or double-themed tents, some accommodating up to eight people. The site includes “A”-shaped tents, fire pits, benches, and Viking-themed games.
Visitors are encouraged to cook meals over open fires, although a communal kitchen is also available. While guests must bring their own bedding and dishes, drinking water, basic facilities, and cooking equipment are provided.
Beyond lodging, Viking Village Hóp has incorporated activities such as axe throwing, mythological walking trails, and traditional Viking games like Kubb, Hnefatafl, and Orlog. Outdoor showers, fire circles, and access to stargazing are also available on-site.
Phase 2, currently underway, focuses on the construction of a Viking interpretive village modeled after historical settlements in Europe. This stage will feature permanent structures, with the opportunity for seasonal inhabitants to live on-site while recreating daily life from the year 1000 using traditional methods.
Once complete, the village will open to the general public, offering workshops, interactive experiences, and family-friendly activities in period clothing provided by the site. A Viking festival highlighting the Norse arrival in North America is also planned.
Phase 3, described by organizers as an expansion of the original vision, will continue to add new elements over time. “We never stop dreaming, and that’s what leads us to surpass ourselves. The development of such a project is the result of a common dream of a few enthusiasts,” organizers said on their website.
For the outdoor hospitality industry, Viking Village Hóp illustrates how themed, multi-phase developments can serve as both lodging options and tourist attractions.
By blending accommodations with historical interpretation, the project provides an example of how operators might diversify revenue streams, extend visitor stays, and attract niche tourism markets.
With attractions ranging from whale watching to mountain hiking nearby, the initiative also integrates well with existing regional tourism.
As Viking Village Hóp expands over the coming years, it is positioning itself not only as an accommodation provider but also as an educational and cultural destination within Québec’s Charlevoix region.
Featured image by Viking Village Hóp via villageviking.com
