Québec, between nature and culture

Spectacular cliffs, astonishing creatures inhabiting the banks, seabeds teeming with life, coastal sites steeped in history: the nature of the regions bordering the river and its tributaries is uniquely rich. It's the perfect setting to savour many inspiring experiences with slowness and intention. Meet the businesses, sustainable initiatives, and passionate people who make Québec a place to see, visit, and love.

Nature 

At the confluence of fresh and salt water

The Parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent is a huge protected marine area, which is home to nearly 2,200 species ranging from microscopic algae to the blue whale. Made up of 21 discovery sites, the marine park spans the Bas-Saint-Laurent, Charlevoix, Côte-Nord, and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean regions. Explore its treasures from its shores or by setting sail with partner companies that work to protect marine mammals by promoting exemplary behaviour on the water, among other initiatives.

Geological and marine treasures

In Gaspésie, visitors of Percé UNESCO Global Geopark have the chance to discover rocks and fossils that record 170 million years of geological history. With the mission of preserving this especially rich geographical area, the Geopark offers tourists passing through the Gaspé Peninsula a multitude of educational and exploration activities. In addition to the geological treasures of the Appalachians, you can observe colonies of gannets, Percé rock and the marine mammals that inhabit the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

A little piece of wild paradise

The Société Duvetnor originated from the desire of a few biologist friends to protect the natural wealth of the islands of the Bas-Saint-Laurent. Through the sustainable harvest and marketing of eiderdown—an emblematic seabird of the area—the company has been able to acquire, protect and enhance several islands in the estuary, including the Île aux Lièvres, a space of raw nature. 

Duvetnor now welcomes nature lovers by offering them excursions, discovery activities and overnight stays in a lighthouse, inn, cottage or wild camping. Driven by its values, the Company pays specific attention to the ecological management of energy, water and waste.

More responsible outdoor living

Professional salmon fishing, rabaska canoe trips on the lake, workshops on the interpretation of Indigenous knowledge, trails for hiking or mountain biking, all while respecting the natural environment, camping in nature: Contact Nature offers a range of sustainable and responsible outdoor activities. Through its environmental and social impact, the organization based in La Baie, in the Saguenay, aspires to become a benchmark in the protection, sound management, and sustainable development of natural environments.

Greener camping

Aimed at stimulating the vitality of the Québec camping industry and promoting the practise of this activity, Camping Québec encourages the commitment of its members to sustainable development. Since 2022, when it was awarded the Excellence in Sustainable Development Award, the association has highlighted the implementation of concrete steps by three operators in terms of sustainability and responsibility. 

Camping Québec has also teamed up with ADDERE, a social economy association, which supports campground operators who are taking an eco-responsible approach and wish to become ambassadors within the industry. In this way, the association contributes to the improvement of social and environmental practices throughout the territory, for the benefit of campers, industry and communities.

Culture 

Dare to do more

By being boldly driven to do things differently, major events can potentially reduce their ecological footprint. Le Festif! de Baie-Saint-Paul understood this long ago. An example to follow in terms of sustainable development, the music festival innovates by adopting a series of eco-responsible actions and regularly updating its sustainable development policy. 

Walking is encouraged; 100% local, zero-waste, single-use, plastic-free food offerings; bulk products from the circular economy; water filling stations; carpooling groups for festival-goers; second-hand clothing in the festival colours sold on site; greenhouse gas offsetting; green squad: these are all common-sense actions for the planet!

Culinary adventures

Côté Est, is at the same time a café-restaurant, a refreshment bar, a canteen, a gourmet shop, a space for culinary creation and discovery... Since its creation, the from Kamouraska has become a showcase for the region's agri-food products and stops at nothing to offer experiences that are off the beaten track. The company invites, among others, "culinary adventurers and joyful gourmands" to a gourmet blind menu meal with a view of the river. 

Unless you would rather set off on a completely unique expedition with Chef Kim Côté, who will prepare a feast for you outdoors, in the heart of a forest in the Haut-Pays du Kamouraska?

People of the Sea

The Site d’interprétation de la culture micmac de Gespeg (Gaspé) lets you discover the world and traditions of the Mi’kmaq Community, established in the Gaspé Bay since the 16th century. On site, you will find a reproduction of a camp, a permanent exhibition and the option of visiting with a guide from the Mi'kmaq Nation to immerse yourself in traditional Indigenous know-how and the ancient culture of this nation of great fishermen and sailors.

Gourmet Road Trip

The Goût de la Côte-Nord seal specifies the origin of food products from the Côte-Nord and aims to promote local businesses and artisans. By taking the Gourmet Road Trip offered by the organization, visitors have the chance to discover more than 20 local artisanal products. With its cuisine shaped by both its proximity to the sea and the boreal forest, the Côte-Nord can boast a unique and authentic culinary identity.