Eco-friendly Quebec: cities, nature & unique accommodations

Full day of urban exploration. While Montreal is wonderfully explored on foot, treat yourself to a few hours by bike to explore the Plateau Mont-Royal, the Atwater Market and the Old Port, and soak in the city's atmosphere.

Continue with a wellness break at Bota-Bota, one of the most beautiful spas in the metropolis, anchored in the waters of the Old Port aboard a rehabilitated former ferry, with breathtaking views of the city. In addition to using natural, organic and sometimes vegan skincare products, it draws directly from the Saint Lawrence River to generate green and renewable energy.

To conclude this day, head to a "green" restaurant: St Urbain, in the north of the island, will delight your taste buds.

Night in Montreal.

First encounter with the great Quebec nature: head to station Mont-Tremblant.

To take it easy, favor the small roads that cross the villages of the Laurentians and allow you to meet local producers. Then gain elevation with a Ziptrek Éco-tours zipline course in the heart of the forest, designed to limit the ecological impact on the trees and surrounding nature. The activity raises awareness, while having fun, about the ecosystem and its protection.

Continue to Mont-Tremblant National Park and spend the night in an EXP cabin.

Crossing the Lanaudière countryside, dotted with small local producers.

Arrival in Mauricie at the Le Baluchon Éco-villégiature inn, a leader in tourist eco-responsibility in Quebec. Through its multiple initiatives (energy savings, reforestation…), the inn has created a place for rejuvenation and reconnection with nature. Settle in and enjoy the many outdoor activities offered on site.

In the evening, treat yourself to the gastronomic table where delicious dishes are prepared using primarily local products — another way to honor this generous nature.

Night at Le Baluchon Éco-villégiature inn.

Route towards the Charlevoix region, a splendid territory between river and mountains.

Baie-Saint-Paul welcomes you in its charming village heart, dotted with ancestral homes and art galleries.

Stay at Germain Charlevoix: its contemporary style contrasts with the bucolic setting, but seduces with its comfort and high-end experience. Strongly committed, the hotel relies on geothermal energy, collaborates with local producers, recycles at multiple levels, plants trees and cultivates its own garden.

Make the most of your last moments in the magnificent Charlevoix region to visit another natural gem: the Parc national des Hautes-Gorges of the Malbaie River. As soon as you cross the mouth of the fjord, the change in atmosphere is felt: you enter the Côte-Nord, a maritime region. Along the way, you'll come across the famous village of Tadoussac, nestled in one of the most beautiful bays in the world and renowned for its whales that summer offshore.

Then head to Bergeronnes for a sea kayaking excursion with Mer et Monde. Set out on the river with your guide and try to spot the famous cetacean that comes to feed near the coast: it's hard to contain your emotion at the sight of a spout, a back, or — even better — a whale's tail.

Your night promises to be unique: deep in the forest, sleep in a treehouse at Canopée-lit. Built ecologically, these charming cabins offer all the necessary comfort… and an unobstructed view of the fjord.

Night at Canopée-lit.

After this short stay in Côte-Nord, cross the river to reach its south shore and the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. You may still have the chance to spot a few whales in the distance in the waters of the Saint Lawrence River.

Freshly arrived, head to the Bic National Park where you will spend the next two nights in an Étoile ready-to-camp accommodation, a mix between a giant tent and a small wooden cabin offering all necessary comfort. A visit to the park is a must to try to observe its famous residents, grey seals, who like to rest on the rocks in calm bays and coves.

2 nights at Bic National Park.

Peacefully join the city of Quebec, capital of the province and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Admire the panoramic views of the river as you approach, then park your vehicle and stroll through the narrow streets of Old Quebec and Petit-Champlain.

Continue onto Dufferin Terrace, facing the iconic Château Frontenac, and conclude this historic walk on the Plains of Abraham.

Check-in at the Château Laurier hotel, on Grande Allée, which applies a sustainable development policy and multiplies eco-responsible initiatives.

Night in Quebec.

Head to the Eastern Townships, a still little-known region with stunning landscapes where English influence is felt throughout the villages.

In Eastman, settle into an unconventional accommodation: your Zoobox, a modern shelter that is 100% energy self-sufficient. Pedal on the stationary bike to recharge the batteries, raise or lower the bed in front of the retractable bay window for an intimate encounter with nature, and slide the wheeled bathtub onto the terrace for an extreme moment of relaxation.

Night in Zoobox.

Route vers Montreal.

Along the way, take the wine route and local products circuit for one last tasting before departure.

Upon arrival at Montreal airport, complete customs formalities then board your flight.