Slow tourism: explore Québec differently
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Regions the size of countries with hidden gems in the most remote places: that’s what makes Québec so special. Are you looking for a way to travel more responsibly and sustainably? One option is slow tourism. Try this leisurely approach to tourism as you set out to discover the wide-open landscapes and communities of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Côte-Nord and Eeyou Istchee Baie-James.
Discover the suggested itinerary
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Cycling through blueberry country
Travelling by bike, you take in the scenery at a leisurely pace, detours lead to unexpected discoveries, chance encounters add to the fun… The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region boasts not just one but two exceptional cycling routes. Véloroute des Bleuets (256 km) takes cycle tourists around Lac Saint-Jean, passing through towns and villages surrounding the stunning inland sea. Meanwhile, Véloroute du Fjord du Saguenay (over 400 km) runs along both sides of the fjord, offering breathtaking views at every turn. What better way to explore the region, one kilometre at a time?
A pleasant stay and authentic experience
Head for a cozy hostel nestled in one of Québec’s most beautiful villages: Sainte-Rose-du-Nord. As both a youth hostel and a local institution, Aventure Rose-des-Vents welcomes travellers and locals alike. An eco-friendly place to stay, a cultural hub, a playground for adventurers and a showcase for local cuisine: this place is all that and more. Behind this charming hostel lies the Saguenay fjord, a sight to behold in any season.
Travel more responsibly and sustainably
Members of Association des réceptifs et forfaitistes du Québec (ARF-Québec) create all kinds of packages to help people from here and abroad discover the province. They’re offering more and more products designed for travelling in a more responsible and sustainable way.
Road trip in an electric car…
… or by train, bike or even coach! Transportation options that reduce your carbon footprint are more accessible than ever. Destination management companies and tour operators know this and offer packages that allow you to see the country in groups while limiting your impact on the environment.
Discover packages offered by local companies with Explore Québec.
Côte-Nord
Experience the nature and local flavours
Welcome to Côte-Nord, land of nature and adventure! The guides at Attitude Nordique in Baie-Comeau will take you on a journey through wide open landscapes with all sorts of outdoor activities. Besides offering tours that help preserve this beautiful part of the country, the company partners with local producers to combine the great outdoors with culinary delights. A complete sensory experience awaits you!
A contemplative journey to the heart of Minganie
The adventure continues on the Mingan Archipelago,a prime destination for hiking and sea kayaking. To make sure you have enough time to really experience the islands, Noryak Aventures offers four-day trips to the heart of Minganie. A comfortable base camp (completely renovated in 2024), overnight stays in prospector tents, guided water excursions: everything has been designed to ensure that all kayakers (from beginners to experts) have a good experience. Paddle, admire the scenery and enjoy freshly picked and caught ingredients (meals are included!).
The beauty of Côte-Nord is accessible to everyone
Mer et monde Écotours
This company offers visitors sea kayaking excursions where you can get close to whales and other marine species without disturbing them. This immersive and memorable experience is also available to wheelchair users at high tide. Activities must be booked.
Atikuss — ÉCONOMUSÉE® de Maskisin
With a focus on preserving and promoting traditional practices, the ÉCONOMUSÉE® allows people to discover Indigenous crafts and supports the transfer of ancestral knowledge to future generations. It’s accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, and has special sensory activities for people with visual impairments.
Discover more Kéroul-certified attractions throughout Québec.
Eeyou Istchee Baie-James
Proudly brewed here
At the gateway to the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, egion, in the heart of Chibougamau, the Maître Renard microbrewery crafts several local beers. This recently established business works with FaunENord to source high-quality forest products that are harvested in an environmentally responsible manner. Visit the region’s very first microbrewery and discover, alongside the brewers themselves, how boreal treasures are transformed into bold and flavourful nectars.
Discover the land and culture of the Cree
Want to explore the natural wonders of the taiga and boreal forest north of the 51st parallel? Want to sail through the coastal islands to admire the biodiversity of James Bay and learn more about Cree culture in a respectful way? That’s what Wiinipaakw Tours has in store for you. This solidarity cooperative was created by the Cree communities of Eeyou Istchee Baie-James to sustainably develop coastal tourism in the region. Embark on an eco-cruise with friendly Cree captains, because no one knows the area better than the people who grew up there!
Québec outfitters
Another way to explore the province more sustainably
Due to the nature of their activities, Québec outfitters have been practising sustainable development for a very long time. For example, some have invested in solar energy, such as Pourvoirie de La Doré, in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
Québec outfitters have so much to offer that visitors can extend their stay to take full advantage of the surrounding nature and related activities.
Did you know? Several establishments are owned by outfitters or Indigenous communities, such as Pourvoiries Essipit in Côte-Nord. Other companies promote Indigenous culture through various interpretive activities.