Ecotourism: sustainable travel in Quebec

As we all know, global tourism is not without consequences for ecosystems. Nevertheless, visiting natural environments and soaking up their beauty is a powerful tool for raising awareness and preserving biodiversity. This is where ecotourism and eco-lodging come in!

What is ecotourism exactly?

According to Tourisme durable Québec, ecotourism is a form of tourism that aims to help visitors discover a natural environment while preserving its ecological integrity, in other words, without adversely affecting it. It means adopting a respectful attitude towards nature, while following conservation guidelines and minimizing one's ecological footprint.

Ecotourism organizations must respect the carrying capacity of the natural environment to avoid causing major damage.

According to the Quebec-based organization, these organizations should make animal welfare a priority. They must also rely on responsible communication and Leave No Trace principles to raise awareness of the right behaviors to adopt.

How do you make sure that a company respects ecotourism principles?

For over 30 years, Aventure Écotourisme Québec has been the tourism association recognized by the Quebec Ministry of Tourism as the official spokesperson for the adventure tourism and ecotourism sector.

The association has created the very first official standard for ecotourism products in Quebec: the Ecotourism Certification. To receive this certification, organizations must meet nine criteria:

Clearly disclose your ecotourism values;
Describe the ecosystem to be discovered during the stay and the activities;
Educate on behaviors to adopt and avoid in natural environments;
Prioritize means of transportation that are less harmful to the environment;
Adopt measures to reduce, recycle and recover waste;
Give preference to the purchase of local products for the preparation of the stay;
Minimize the impact of participants on fragile environments;
Protect the flora of the areas visited and keep a reasonable distance from animals;
Have an interpretation plan that addresses issues such as ecology, culture, respect for local communities, etc.

How do you find ecotourism activities to do in Quebec?

Aventure Écotourisme Québec and Parcs régionaux du Québec have joined forces to create Quebec Adventure Outdoors. The website lists a wide range of accredited companies and ecotourism activities to be enjoyed, in summer and winter, throughout Quebec.

Sea Kayaking in Gaspésie

The only authorized sea kayak dealer in Forillon National Park, Cap Aventure offers breathtaking panoramic views of Gaspé Bay and safe paddling among seals, whales and seabirds.

Canicross in Lanaudière

Kinadapt lets you experience the special bond that develops with a sled dog when you walk or run with it. A certified dog sledding guide will accompany you to adapt the choice of dog and trail to your skills.

Nautical activities in Montreal

KSF is a water sports center dedicated to making the St. Lawrence River a must-see destination. It offers courses, outings and kayak, river surfing and paddleboard (SUP) rentals at two of the city's most emblematic natural sites.

Hebertism in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux offers a wide range of outdoor and ecotourism activities. Located on the shores of the majestic Saguenay Fjord, the park offers recreational facilities such as aerial hebertism circuits for the whole family.

Why choose ecotourism?

Reducing the carbon footprint of tourism

In 2018, a study published in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change revealed that tourism is responsible for 8% of the planet's greenhouse gas emissions. Data from 160 countries were analyzed between 2009 and 2013, taking into account pollution linked to accommodation and transport, among other things.

Various projections predict that if growth continues, by 2025 tourism will generate between 5 and 6.5 billion tons of CO2 annually.

To reduce our collective carbon footprint, we need to rethink tourism on a global scale, starting here at home.

Discover lesser-known territories

Ecotourism is a way of enhancing the value of natural areas that are sometimes endangered, while respecting biodiversity. It's an excellent way to explore lesser-known corners of paradise throughout Quebec.

Encouraging ecotourism means supporting the protection of natural environments and the vitality of the living environments that welcome us.

In addition to encouraging the local economy, contact with people from the region fosters awareness of the importance of environmental, social, economic and political issues in the place visited.

Now that you've learned what ecotourism is all about, you're well equipped to make the most of your outdoors stay!