Discover Quebec
What inspired you to focus on responsible tourism, and how do you see Quebec as a leader in this movement?
As a parent I think we’re always looking for ways to teach the next generation how to do better than we did, and the tourism industry is no exception. I want our family to be seen as leaders in the industry, championing positive change, no matter how challenging it is. So we seek out destinations that are actively leading the charge in sustainability and Quebec City is one of the best in Canada. They have a goal of being one of the most sustainable cities in the world and have received accolades including Canada’s first historic hotel to reach carbon neutrality at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac.
Which recipe from the book do you think best represents Quebec’s culinary identity, and why?
I like to think my book is a home cookbook for every occasion from when you’re entertaining, Tuesday night dinners with the kids, some weekend lazy recipes, and more. Montreal and Québec are reflected a lot in my cooking as it shows the multiculturalism. I think Montreal can be represented in so many ways and Québec has a cultural heritage and a community that has made its food so special.
As a family-oriented traveler, what are some of the mustvisit destinations in Quebec that you would recommend for families?
If visiting during the winter I would recommend planning your dates around Carnaval de Quebec. As the largest winter festival in the world, Carnaval just celebrated 70 years and guests can experience 10 days of outdoor adventures including tobogganing, ice skating, concerts, snow bath, ice climbing, night parades, and you can even meet Bonhomme himself at his Ice Palace! For adventurous families, another “not to be missed” experience is Hôtel de Glace, where you can sleep inside Canada’s only ice hotel!
I am not sure if there is one specific recipe that would represent Quebec but rather my whole Cabane à Sucre section. It includes about 20 recipes that are all a representation of the Quebecois heritage, after all, Quebec is the biggest producer of maple syrup in the world! These recipes bring back memories of me as a kid, going to a cabane à sucre. And now with my kids, we make our maple syrup every year in small batches.
How does Quebec plan to balance tourism growth with environmental sustainability, particularly in popular destinations?
In collaboration with its tourism industry partners, the Gouvernement du Québec is already taking action to promote responsible, sustainable tourism. This priority is reflected in the implementation of the Action plan for responsible and sustainable tourism, which is shaping the future of our tourism sector. We are supporting the transition to a circular economy, developing nature and adventure tourism with an ecotourism approach, and promoting tourism that is beneficial to individuals and respectful of communities. We support businesses in adapting to climate change, and we are promoting sustainable transportation to reduce the carbon footprint of our tourism activities. These principles will be central to the new tourism strategy we are launching in 2025. Our goal is to integrate rigorous criteria for responsible and sustainable tourism into all our financing programs, in order to maximize the benefits of tourism
Learn more about the temporary exhibit and download the exhibit booklet at colbycurtis.ca
while minimizing its impact on the environment and communities.
We are also working to strengthen tourist activity over four seasons, so as to promote the sustainability of businesses, contribute more significantly to the vitality of the regions and prevent overtourism.
What initiatives are in place to promote lesser-known regions of Quebec to both domestic and international tourists?
Québec is proud of its 21 tourist regions, each with its own unique character and gems to discover. To showcase them, the government delegates key functions to regional tourism associations, including promotion, hospitality, information, signage, and offer development.
Between 2022 and 2026, the government is investing $56 million to support these 21 associations, enabling them, among other things, to effectively promote their regions. Thanks to this funding, each region can take a targeted approach to promoting its assets.
International promotional campaigns highlight the beauty of Québec and its rich tourism
supply. From the mountains of the Laurentides region to the coasts of Gaspésie and the forests of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, each region contributes to making Québec a world-class destination. This collaboration between the government and tourism associations gives Québec tremendous visibility around the world, attracting visitors with its authentic and diverse experiences.
If you were to plan a perfect fall day trip in Quebec, what activities would be on the itinerary?
In the fall, our province is bathed in a myriad of cheerful, festive colours, and our regions abound with outdoor activities to make the most of these incredible surroundings.
It would be impossible to decide on a particular itinerary. That’s why on its Bonjour Québec website, the Ministère provides a section dedicated to this season and its activities. This page includes a fall colours map to track regional changes from mid-September to the end of October.
We also have destination experts who are familiar with all the attractions and can tailor-make an itinerary to suit your needs.
Mediaplanet sat down with Jami Savage, a Vancouver-based Travel Writer, about showcasing responsible tourism and sustainable travel
Want to Road Trip This Autumn? Here’s
the Perfect Destination
Boasting countless activities and a very accessible location, here is what makes Centre-du-Québec the ultimate travel stop for everyone.
Katherine Cappellacci
Aquintessential slice of the Quebec countryside, Centre-du-Québec is a region bursting with life. Between farms, nature trails, and small towns to explore — there are many attractions to fill up a family, friends, or couple trip. From a stay in chalets and great hotels, or a visiting tour.
The area is packed with outdoor activities. Hike Mount Athabaska, Sentier des Trotteurs, or walk the ancient forests of Parc régional des Grandes-Coulées. Mountain bike at Parc de la rivière Gentilly or go horseback riding with Ferme du Joual Vair. Then, visit arts and cultural hubs like the Musée des cultures du monde, the Musée des Abénakis or the Musée du Bronze d’Inverness.
There are many places to stay and countless restaurants, poutineries, and microbrewery to try. Plus, the fresh produce in the region goes unmatched. Grab honey from Miellerie King - Distillerie et hydromiellerie, grab a coffee in Rose Drummond's greenhouses or sample wines at Vignoble Le Fief de la rivière.
Adventure is calling
The region is nestled between the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and the south shore of the St. Lawrence River.
A major agricultural hub, the area is known for its cheeses, apples, cranberries, livestock, and vegetables. It’s also the region known for the invention of poutine!
One of the major advantages of Centre-du-Québec is its location. Just an hour and a half north-east of Montréal and an hour from Québec city. It’s a dream destination for locals and Ontario road trippers alike. Choose Centredu-Québec as your next destination for an accessible autumn trip!
Treat yourself to an exquisite getaway that will surprise and delight you. With tons activ ities and scenery to take in, Centre-du-Québec is the perfect place to enjoy all best parts of life.
THE CRANBERRY HARVEST
It’s a spectacle that’s worth the detour! Catch the Cranberry Festival (Canneberge en fête) to tour fields, attend tastings and information sessions, shop fresh products, and more.
VISIT REGIONAL PARKS
Take in the vibrant autumn colours on a hike, bike ride, or scenic walk. There’s plenty of captivating routes through mountains and forests to enjoy.
DISCOVER GOURMET GASTRONOMY
With the fall’s harvest comes tons of fresh, delectable eats. An area known for cheese dairies, cranberries, and maple syrup, there is much to savour this time of year.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
REST AND WELLNESS
With cooler weather comes the desire to slow town and relax. Check out the many spas and wellness packs available in the area. Five Things to Do on a Fall
There’s lots to see and do in autumn, including haunting Halloween village, live music, goose flights, and more. Consult our calendar to see what’s happening next.
Embrace sustainable tourism this fall and enjoy the ÉCONOMUSÉE® Network Society’s Artisans at Work experience.
Tania Amardeil
After a whirlwind summer, fall is the perfect time for a mini vacation. Quebec’s vibrant landscapes, crisp air, and relaxed autumn pace — with fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations — create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable adventure.
Les Moulins de l’Isle-aux-Coudres (Charlevoix)
Explore artisan wind and water mills built in the early 1800s and learn about their history. Take home some freshly milled wheat or buckwheat flour to enjoy.
Ferme Langlois et Fils — Chez Médé (Portneuf)
Visit a 350-year-old family-run farm. Discover its rich agricultural traditions and shop its delicious produce and preserves.
Couleur Chocolat (Gaspésie)
Enjoy an immersive experience into the life of a chocolatier and become a chocolate yourself with a virtual reality guided tour. Conclude your visit with a sampling of the chocolates produced on-site.
Camerises Mistouk (Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean)
This family business specializes in the production of haskap berries. From the guided tour to the digital experience, this is a must-visit, one-of-a-kind destination. A variety of delicious sweet, savoury, and spicy products are available for sale.
Le Ricaneux (Chaudières-Appalaches)
Experience the journey from field to glass with a family business that pioneered the production of berrybased wines and liqueurs. Enjoy an interpretive trail, a picnic, and a terrace.
Délices du Lac-Saint-Jean (Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean)
This wild blueberry jam maker is a family business run by passionate artisan women who create works of gustatory art. From jellies and jams to syrup and candies, these products are a pleasure for your taste buds.
À l’Orée des Champs (Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean)
This century-old family business raises sheep and pro duces quality local lamb products. Enjoy the rustic farm-to-table on-site experience and restaurant, which features lamb plus other local specialties.
Distillerie Grand Dérangement (Lanaudière)
This distillery produces grain-to-bottle spirit that respects sustainable development and pays tribute to the Acadian families who founded the village. Discover the art of fine spirits production and enjoy a product tasting with commentary by one of the artisans.
Côté Est (Bas-Saint-Laurent)
Take a guided tour of the Orpailleur vineyard, visit the mouthwatering Chocomotive in Outaouais, take an educational visit to the Saint-Gilles paper mill, or enjoy a walk in the orchards of the Cidrerie Vergers Pedneault. For an enriching and rewarding journey, visit the ÉCONOMUSÉE® and discover artisans preserving timeless traditions with the Artisans at Work experience.
This culinary space serves as a showcase for the leading products of the Bas-Saint-Laurent. The small village caféresto is a veritable agri-food hub that promotes Eastern products and Quebec’s culinary and cultural heritage.
Ferme TournevenT (Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean)
This farm is an innovator in the organic and gluten-free sector. Visitors can taste oils and homemade beverages or enjoy a small festive aperitif made from the farm’s grains, in the outdoor garden or on the beautiful terrace with stunning views of the fields.
