In praise of slower tourism, or the art of travelling differently

Taking the time to explore slowly, giving yourself time to discover the area and local communities, with longer immersions and authentic experiences: this is the very essence of tourism that invites you to take your time. In Québec, there are many ways to practise slow tourism, whether by taking gourmet routes, staying in isolated resorts, or sharing the journey with other travellers.

Gourmet Tourism

Agritourism: What a delightful way to discover a region and its people! From public markets to cider houses, cheese factories, chocolate shops, and vineyards, not to mention maple groves, bakeries, orchards, honey houses, microbreweries, economuseums, and agritourism farms, many local agricultural businesses are opening their doors to visitors. For a getaway with a touch of slow tourism, you can even experience a few nights on a farm or in a lodge.

Gourmet itineraries are another perfect way to discover regional specialities. In Lanaudière or example, epicureans can take six gourmet tours through the Goûtez Lanaudière campaign. It's the perfect opportunity to explore country roads and stop by regional food producers and processors. It's a delicious immersion into everything that's grown, raised, distilled, processed, harvested, brewed, preserved, or vinified in the Lanaudière region!

In a neighbouring region, a Gourmet Mauricie comes through the flavours of its gastronomy and its local products. The recommended addresses listed offer visitors the opportunity to discover forest produce, microbrewery beers, and delicacies caught in local lakes. This Mauricie initiative is an invitation to discover the region one sip and one bite at a time.

In the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James territory, the Microbrasserie Maître Renard develops and brews beers using local flavours. The company promotes products from the great bog that is the Boreal forest. To access the forest products harvested ecoresponsbily, it has teamed up with FaunENord, a social economy company committed to the sustainable development of Nord-du-Québec.

Outfitter Stays

Vacationing at outfitters is fully in line with the philosophy of “slow tourism”. Right in the heart of nature, in unspoilt areas, these resorts invite people to escape their daily routines and take the time to enjoy a breath of fresh air, in harmony with their surroundings. The remoteness of outfitters also encourages disconnection, whether for hunting and fishing enthusiasts or for simple vacationers. Working daily in this bountiful natural setting, outfitters have long applied the principles of sustainable development. As guardians of their territories, they ensure the proper development, protection, and regeneration of resources. After all, lakes, streams, and forests must be healthy to ensure the protection of the natural environments that bring joy to vacationers.

Outfitters also work hard to introduce curious people to the culinary richness of their territory, and Nature à table is proof of this. Launched by outfitters in the Outaouais region, this gourmet initiative helps spark beautiful love stories between outfitters, local producers and visitors. A local beer “flying the flag” of a specific outfitter, local gourmet menus, this memorable experience consisting of cooking and tasting your catch in the open air (also known as a shore lunch), an itinerary made up of gourmet stops before arriving at the outfitter: these are just some of the ideas born from the first year of this project.

Slow tourism also invites you to discover alternative modes of transportation. Promoting more environmentally friendly mobility also encourages encounters with the environment and other travellers! Setting off by bike, taking a train, or carpooling with friends is the first step toward truly immersing yourself in your chosen destination.

The Navette Nature service—or NANA for those in the know—offers an alternative solution for car-free access to Quebec's national parks and other natural beauties. For example, in Mauricie the service allows you to reach the Parc national de la Mauricie and other tourist attractions in the region by public transport from Trois-Rivières. With Navette Nature, adventurers have the opportunity to connect not only with nature, but also with other passengers, all while on the way to the most beautiful destinations in the province!

In Lanaudière, the young community-based company Bonjour Nature invites travellers to take part in excursions with guided and shared transportation. The idea, for example, is to leave Montréal for a day or more eco-excursion that includes outdoor activities in the Lanaudière countryside. This option is as easy on the wallet as it is on the environment!