Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has advocated peace, love and national unity among the political class across the country to reciprocate the sacrifices of gallant soldiers, who paid supreme price in serving humanity and the nation, especially as this year’s general elections beckon.
Governor Emmanuel made the advocacy while speaking at the Wreath Laying Ceremony to mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRD) at the State Cenotaph, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, the State capital.
He observed that circumstances that predisposed operations in which the heroes laid down their lives still persist across the nation, and therefore, cautioned politicians against incendiary and unwarranted comments that enlarge the chasm of separation and weaken the cords of national unity.
The governor encouraged them to demonstrate attributes that would fan the embers of unity and further extend the frontiers of love and brotherhood, lest the sacrifices of gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces be in vain.
“As we get ready to elect our new set of leaders, I urge our political class to understand that we need the country to be one indissoluble entity, in order for our aspirations for leadership to be actualised.
“We must not threaten the unity of this nation for the narrow desire to be in power. If these gallant men and women paid the ultimate price for us to remain in peace and harmony, we must also pay them a corresponding price of appreciation and gratitude by ensuring that the cords of our unity, justice, equality, fairness and love remain our abiding articles of faith,” the governor stated.
Acknowledging with commendation, the cooperation the state government has received from the Nigerian Security Services in the course of his administration, he mentioned that the gesture has manifested in the state being honoured as Nigeria’s Best Security and Safety State in the last African Security Summit in Banjul, Gambia.
Therefore, he urged government at various levels, corporate bodies and private citizens to redouble efforts in showing undying gratitude by improving the welfare of serving soldiers, the Legion and relatives left behind by fallen heroes as well as guarantee a future for their children, who often times bear the brunt of the sacrifices their fathers made in the service of the nation.
The governor pointed out that his administration has reciprocated the labour of love of the fallen heroes in various theatres of war across the nation and beyond as well as the contributions of the serving Officers and Men of the Nigerian Army with the remodeling and construction of 168 blocks of flats for the Nigerian Army Barracks in Ibagwa, completed with water reticulation as well as internal roads and residential blocks of flats at the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Mbiokporo, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.
On his part, the Commander, 2 Brigade, Uyo, Brig. Gen. Abubakar Wase, reassured that the Nigerian Military has a robust plan in place to continuously accommodate the concerns of ex-service men and families of the fallen heroes.
He however lent a voice to the Governor’s advocacy for well-meaning citizens to extend love and support to the families of the fallen heroes.
Similarly, the state Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Col. Joseph Daniel Esu, said that the event was of great significance to the Nigerian Legion as it gives them a sense of belonging, despite being out of service.
He lauded the commitment of Governor Emmanuel’s administration to the welfare of the Legionnaires and families of the deceased soldiers.
Also, the State President, Nigeria Military Widows Association, Comrade Grace Aniema, described January 15 of every year as a day of sober reflection for widows of the fallen heroes and expressed gratitude to the State Governor for the support to the military widows in past years.
She appealed for initiation of a recurrent support programme that will cater for the needs of the widows.
The highpoint of the event were the solemn rite of wreath laying in honour of the fallen heroes, led by Governor Udom Emmanuel, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Aniekan Bassey, State Chief Judge Justice Ekaette Obot, President General of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, Service Chiefs, Chairman Uyo Local Government Council, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, among others.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/an-art-piece-in-sainte-flavie-quebec-right-montreal-s-famous-orange-julep.jpg?id=58155934&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>As the second-largest province in the second-largest country on earth, Quebec has no shortage of <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/quebec-road-trips" target="_blank">roadside wonders</a>. </p><p>And no, we're not talking about the abundance of orange cones and potholes in Montreal.</p><p>From gravity-defying hills to giant roadside animals, bizarre sculptures, and historic oddities, the province is packed with quirky attractions that make any road trip more interesting. Whether you're in the mood for a quick detour or a photo op that will have people doing a double take, these nine must-see stops are worth pulling over for.</p><h3>Magnetic Hill - Chartierville</h3><br/><img alt="A hill in Chartierville, Quebec." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0627979ef096e83d49e60dd54437a26f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="5216a" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-hill-in-chartierville-quebec.jpg?id=58150978&width=980"/><p><strong>Address: </strong>Route 257 Sud, Chartierville Quebec</p><p><strong>Why it's worth checking out:</strong></p><p>If you're looking for a roadside attraction that will make you question the laws of physics, Magnetic Hill in Chartierville is a must-visit.</p><p>Located along Route 257 South, near the U.S. border, this unassuming stretch of road has been baffling drivers for years. When you stop your car at the designated spot, put it in neutral, and let go of the brakes. You'll start rolling uphill without touching the gas.</p><p>No, it's not magic or even magnets for that matter. It's actually a perfectly crafted optical illusion. The way the horizon is obscured and the incline of the road is positioned tricks your brain into thinking you're going up, when in reality, you're rolling downhill. </p><p>After you've had your mind blown, to get the full story, you can stop by the <a href="https://thesummitdrive.com/activities/centre-dinterpretation-de-la-cote-magnetique/" target="_blank">Centre d'interprétation de la Côte Magnétique</a>, where guides can explain the science behind the illusion. </p><h3>Le Madrid – Saint-Léonard-d'Aston</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqvOZPnOz3H/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
</div>
</div>
<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqvOZPnOz3H/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Address:</strong> 180 Rang du Moulin Rouge, Saint-Léonard-d'Aston, QC</p><p><strong>Why it's worth checking out:</strong></p><p>Most highway rest stops are forgettable, but Le Madrid 2.0 is impossible to miss.</p><p>Scattered around the property are towering dinosaur statues, standing guard over a gas station, restaurant, and truck stop halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. Originally a motel from the 1970s, the site has evolved into a kid-friendly pit stop where prehistoric beasts and roadside travellers coexist.</p><p>It may not be Jurassic Park, but it's still a weird and wonderful sight for road-trippers.</p><p><a href="http://www.lemadrid.ca/en/informations.php" target="_blank">Rest stop website</a></p><h3>Gibeau Orange Julep - Montreal</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DESnx2LNuEN/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
</div>
</div>
<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DESnx2LNuEN/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Address:</strong> 7700 Boulevard Décarie, Montreal, QC</p><p><strong>Why it’s worth checking out:</strong></p><p>Montreal has plenty of architectural oddities, but few are as iconic as the massive orange sphere looming over Décarie Boulevard. A throwback to the golden age of drive-ins, the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/you-havent-dined-montreal-unless-youve-tried-these-spots-once" target="_blank">Gibeau Orange Julep</a> has been serving up its signature frothy orange drink since the 1940s.</p><p>Whether you stop for the retro vibes, the old-school car meetups, or just to see if the juice lives up to the hype, this spot is an unmistakable piece of Montreal nostalgia.</p><p><a href="https://orangejulep.ca/" target="_blank">Orange Julep website</a></p><h3>The little white house - Chicoutimi</h3><br/><img alt="A little white house in Chicoutimi, Quebec." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="da74da063a028d8e5aaea888d2a78812" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="90c42" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-little-white-house-in-chicoutimi-quebec.png?id=58150626&width=980"/><p><strong>Address:</strong> 251 rue Bossé, Chicoutimi, QC</p><p><strong>Why it's worth checking out:</strong></p><p>In 1996, a massive flood wiped out an entire neighbourhood in Chicoutimi. But one tiny white house beat the odds. Despite millions of gallons of rushing water, the home somehow stood its ground, becoming a symbol of resilience.</p><p>Now a museum dedicated to the Saguenay flood, the house tells its incredible survival story. Inside, a robotic version of the former resident sits in a rocking chair, recounting the disaster in detail. It's a mix of history, oddity, and local legend that makes for a fascinating roadside stop.</p><p><a href="https://petitemaisonblanche.com/" target="_blank">Museum website</a></p><h3>Ice Hotel - Valcartier</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHO_qFStXU7/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
</div>
</div>
<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHO_qFStXU7/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Address:</strong> 1860 Boulevard Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, QC</p><p><strong>Why it's worth checking out:</strong></p><p>Even if you're just passing through, the Hôtel de Glace, located just outside Quebec City, is a must-see winter stop. This massive ice hotel, rebuilt from the ground up every year, is impossible to miss with its towering ice walls, sparkling sculptures, and frosty archways.</p><p>Daytime visitors can walk through its elaborate frozen corridors, check out the intricately carved ice rooms, and even sip a cocktail from a glass made of ice at the hotel's famous ice bar. If you're not up for an overnight stay in sub-zero temps, you can still tour the entire structure, take in the year's unique theme, and snap some surreal winter photos.</p><p><a href="https://www.valcartier.com/en/lodging/hotel-de-glace-ice-hotel/" target="_blank">Hotel website</a></p><h3>Colourful fire hydrants - New Carlisle</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkSZhh5HZd0/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
</div>
</div>
<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkSZhh5HZd0/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Address:</strong> Along Boulevard Gérard-D.-Levesque, New Carlisle, Quebec</p><p><strong>Why it's worth checking out:</strong></p><p>Most fire hydrants are bright red, purely functional, and easy to ignore. But in New Carlisle, they've become something much more fun.</p><p>For years, locals have been turning the town's hydrants into colourful mascots, painting them to resemble everything from sailors and athletes to beloved cartoon characters. </p><p>If you're driving through the Gaspésie region, take a few minutes to stop, wander, and see how many you can spot.</p><p><a href="https://new-carlisle.ca/en/activities/fire-hydrants/" target="_blank">New Carlisle website</a></p><h3>Le Grand Rassemblement - Sainte-Flavie</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C__0jHOOMO4/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
</div>
</div>
<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C__0jHOOMO4/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Address: </strong>564 Route de la Mer, Sainte-Flavie, Quebec</p><p><strong>Why it's worth checking out:</strong></p><p>Driving through Sainte-Flavie, you might catch something strange out of the corner of your eye — dozens of wooden figures rising from the St. Lawrence River that look like they're slowly making their way to shore.</p><p>This eerie outdoor art piece, Le Grand Rassemblement, was created by Quebec artist <a href="https://www.centredart.net/marcel-gagnon/" target="_blank">Marcel Gagnon</a> and has been growing for years. Some statues stand on land, and others disappear with the tide, making the whole scene feel weirdly alive.</p><p><a href="https://www.centredart.net/" target="_blank">Centre D'Art Marcel Gagnon website</a></p><h3>Christmas castle - Rivière-du-Loup</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWqa0Z_D3tH/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
</div>
</div>
<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWqa0Z_D3tH/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Address:</strong> 65 Rue de l'Ancrage, Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec</p><p><strong>Why it's worth checking out:</strong></p><p>If you've ever wished Christmas could last all year, Noël au Château is the place to be.</p><p>Built in 1971 as a fairytale-style castle, this quirky spot is home to a massive Christmas boutique open May through December. Inside, you'll find holiday decorations, twinkling lights, and enough festive spirit to make you forget what season it actually is.</p><p>While the castle itself is no longer open for tours after suffering a fire in 2015, the shop is still worth a stop.</p><p><a href="https://www.noelauchateau.ca/en" target="_blank">Noel au Chateau website</a></p><h3>Ghost town - Val-Jalbert</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDce0yrAWRu/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
</div>
</div>
<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDce0yrAWRu/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong>Address:</strong> 95 Rue Saint-Georges, Chambord, Quebec</p><p><strong>Why it's worth checking out:</strong></p><p>Once a booming industrial town, Val-Jalbert was abandoned in 1927, leaving behind over 70 frozen-in-time buildings. In 1996, the Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications designated it as a heritage site, recognizing it as one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Canada.</p><p>You can walk through empty streets, peek inside old homes and shops, and stand in awe of Ouiatchouan Falls, which is even taller than Niagara Falls. For the full experience, you can even stay overnight in a restored house... if you dare.</p><p><a href="https://en.valjalbert.com/histoire" target="_blank">Val-Jalbert website</a></p>
The Chinese government has revealed plans to forgive 23 interest-free loans to 17 African countries. China also revealed its intention to provide food assistance…
Damaris and Kehinde met 11 years ago while attending the same Christian fellowship in university. Although it started with simple greetings and friendly exchanges, destiny had other plans.…
