Thematic
Festivals, attractions and sustainability
For the past several years, Quebec's festivals, events and tourist attractions have been working hard to integrate sustainable development into their practices. Whether they do so by reducing waste, offering responsible or local food options, or making a positive impact in the community, these businesses are making efforts to meet the expectations of festival-goers and visitors who are looking for ways to participate in tourism in a more sustainable way.
If you're planning a trip to Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the Outaouais or the Laurentians this summer, why not discover these festivals and attractions that are striving to adopt measures in favour of sustainable development – and take a greener turn yourself!
Outaouais
L’Outaouais en fête, June 21 to 24
This festival in Gatineau, which celebrates culture from near and far in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere, is this year organizing an “ecological” parade for Quebec’s Fête nationale, using combustion-free means of transportation (such as walking, cycling, tricycles, unicycles, soapboxes, stilts and more). Perfect for an environmentally friendly celebration! What's more, the event puts the spotlight on local artisans and flavours and artists.
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Festival des montgolfières de Gatineau, August 29 to September 2
This hot-air balloon festival is the largest summer event in the Outaouais region and strives to improve its sustainable development practices. Among other things, this festival encourages the use of active and public transportation, notably by collaborating with the local transit company to extend operating hours into the late evening during the event. Accessibility is also a priority, with adaptations such as paved paths, accessible toilets and a platform for people with reduced mobility to make it easier for them to see the main stage.
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Laurentians
Village du Père Noël
A quintessential family attraction for children ages 2 to 8, the Village du Père Noël (Santa’s Village) is committed to making its activities accessible. Its Polar Express fund, created in 2011 and supported by donations from visitors, employee initiatives and generous patrons, helps finance, via community organizations, the full cost of admission for people with lower socio-economic status. The Village also relies on improved waste management and recycling to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
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Station Mont Tremblant
What if we told you it was possible to ski in summer in Quebec? It’s true! The Mont Tremblant Resort now offers a synthetic surface dedicated to introductory snow sports, so you can enjoy this popular sport with or without snow. This new activity is also a response to climate change. The Mont Tremblant Resort has implemented many other eco-responsible measures, such as working to reduce light pollution, watering with untreated water and offering free shuttles.
Go to the website
Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Festival d’humour de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, July 2 to 7
This innovative and dynamic festival, which attracts some of the biggest names in comedy in Quebec to Val-d'Or, definitely takes environmental issues to heart. In addition to mandating an organization to collect cans and encouraging carpooling for artists, crew and festival-goers alike, this festival bans plastic bottles and glasses, and invites you to bring your own bottle to be filled on site, free of charge, to reduce the quantity of residual materials.
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H2O Le Festival, July 11 to 13
A go-to summer event, this festival promotes healthy lifestyles and features foot races and a great musical and family program. It encourages active and collective transportation by making bicycle parking facilities available and offering free shuttles between sites. What's more, reusable glasses are used at the bars instead of disposable plastic ones, to minimize waste.
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Festival de musique émergente, August 29 to September 1
Renowned for its bold spirit and surprise events, this festival showcases up-and-coming and independent musicians. In addition to its environmental commitments, this major annual event contributes to cultural outreach and regional economic development, while seeking to attract young people to the region. The event radio broadcast during the festival also allows listeners to enjoy the event without being on site, promoting accessibility to culture.
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Bonus: all across Quebec
Quebec hydropower plants
Did you know that Quebec's hydroelectric generating stations, dams and interpretations centres offer free guided tours? It's the perfect outing for families looking for an activity that's both educational and affordable. And with facilities open to the public in 11 regions of the province, you'll find plenty of interesting places to visit, wherever your vacation route takes you this summer. On site, kids and parents alike can learn more about the production of clean, renewable energy, while admiring the breathtaking landscapes and structures!
Go to the website
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directory
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