By Andrew King
A Multimedia Experience 500 Million Years in the Making
The quaint village of Percé , QC is home to approximately 3,500 residents , and yet , like the many species of sea birds that use it as a seasonal home and breeding ground , hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the area each year .
The community , situated near the tip of Quebec ’ s Gaspé Peninsula along the south shore of the St . Lawrence , is a tourism hotbed . Nearby Bonaventure Island is populated by colonies of maritime birds like puffins , cormorants , and one of the most important gannet colonies on the planet . The North Atlantic right whale – one of the rarest species in the world – is often spotted in that section of the river . And just inland from Percé is Mount Blanc , which in addition to an intimidatingly deep crevasse offers spectacular views of the village and its rocky coastline – including the world-famous Percé Rock .
By far the most popular and identifiable landmark in the region , Percé Rock is truly a sight to behold – a massive siliceous limestone stack formation with steep rock faces on all of its sides and one of the world ’ s largest natural arches located in water .
Géoparc de Percé is an attraction dedicated to the area ’ s unique geology , history , and year-round flora and fauna . In addition to ziplining , a suspended glass platform , and geo-excursions on land and in the water , the park is home to Tektonik – a unique , interactive , media-rich experience that highlights the geological history of the region and the beauty of its 23 noted geosites . The immersive attraction was designed and delivered by XYZ Cultural Technology and incorporates exhibits augmented with audio , lighting , video , and other effects to enthrall visitors with a simultaneously entertaining and educational adventure .
Ultimately , it ’ s centred on state-of-the-art audiovisual technology , with a 1920s-inspired setting and aesthetic , celebrating 500 million years of history . Garou Blancan , XYZ ’ s resident lighting specialist , can ’ t help but chuckle as he recalls
18 • PROFESSIONAL LIGHTING & PRODUCTION