Your next trip to Lanaudière could be more than just a quick getaway. In the region, many tourism businesses are actively committed to protecting and promoting biodiversity, not just in theory, but through their practices, activities, and the experiences they offer.
Here are some businesses where every visit also helps to promote and preserve the local area.
AU JARDIN DES NOIX | SAINTE-MÉLANIE
At Au Jardin des Noix, everything stems from a clear vision: to farm differently, while respecting natural balances. Here, walnut cultivation isn’t just about harvesting; it also helps sequester carbon while providing a source of high-quality plant-based protein.
As you walk around the site, you’ll quickly sense that everything is in harmony. The orchards’ energy comes partly from solar panels, and the activities offered transport you to a world where you rediscover the local area. Workshops on walnuts, mushrooms, or wild plants, collaborations with local artisans… everything is designed to create a connection between nature, craftsmanship, and what we put on our plates.
LES JARDINS DU GRAND-PORTAGE | SAINT-DIDACE
Les Jardins du Grand-Portage is, above all, a beautiful story of passion and patience. For over 40 years, the owners have been cultivating much more than just plants; they have been preserving Quebec’s genetic heritage by developing seeds adapted to our climate.
When you visit the site, you step into a true living ecosystem. The plant diversity is impressive, and all this richness attracts insects, birds, and amphibians that find refuge there. Here, it’s not just a garden—it’s a complete living environment. And their commitment doesn’t stop there: through Éditions Colloïdales, they’ve been sharing knowledge about the environment, food, and eco-friendly lifestyles for decades. A wonderful way to sow ideas as well as seeds.
LES JARDINS DE L’ÉCOUMÈNE | SAINT-DAMIEN
At Les Jardins de l’Écoumène, they grow much more than just seeds. For over 25 years, the team has been cultivating organic varieties suited to our climate and local conditions. What makes this place truly special is their approach to working with nature, not against it. Here, they respect natural cycles, care for the soil, and let life work its magic.
The result: more sustainable, self-sufficient gardens and, above all, a healthy dose of inspiration to rethink the way we grow things.
THE ABBEY FOREST | ST-JEAN-DE-MATHA
The Abbey Forest invites you to slow down and reconnect through simple yet essential activities. Here, you’ll rediscover the relationship between humans and the forest through hands-on experiences.
You can learn about foraging, discover medicinal plants, or even cook using natural resources from the area. Each activity helps you better understand ecosystems. Managed by the Cistercian monastic community, the forest is also an inspiring example of sustainable management, where protecting the land is at the heart of every decision.
LANAUDIÈRE FORESTRY ASSOCIATION | BERTHIERVILLE
Learning more about the forest is the first step toward protecting it. That is precisely the mission of the Lanaudière Forestry Association.
Through educational activities, events, and nature experiences, it makes knowledge about forest environments accessible. Whether at an exhibition or on a guided outing, you’ll learn to see the forest in a new light, recognize its unique features, and better understand its importance. An approach that transforms curiosity into awareness, and often into commitment.
SCIRBI – BERTHIER ISLANDS
On the Berthier Islands, nature is in constant motion. This unique territory, bordered by the St. Lawrence River, is recognized as an exceptional spot for birdwatching, with over 245 species recorded. As you walk the trails, you’ll traverse various natural habitats: marshes, wet meadows, and swamps. Every step you take brings you closer to a biodiversity that is both rich and fragile.
The conservation and awareness-raising work carried out on-site helps protect these habitats while making them accessible to the public, all while respecting their delicate balance.
KILKENNY REGIONAL PARK | ST-CALIXTE
Kilkenny Regional Park is a year-round playground where nature takes center stage. It boasts impressive biodiversity, with nearly 100 animal species and over 200 plant species.
But beyond its landscapes, the park plays a vital role in education and awareness. Every visit becomes an opportunity to learn more about ecosystems and how to preserve them.
MONT-TREMBLANT NATIONAL PARK
It’s impossible to discuss biodiversity without mentioning Mont-Tremblant National Park. A true pillar of conservation in Quebec, this protected area, which has been preserved for over a century, is home to exceptional natural wealth. With its vast forests, lakes, and rivers, it offers a valuable glimpse of what a large-scale preserved environment can look like. A significant portion of the park is located in Lanaudière, contributing to the region’s ecological richness.
FORÊT Ô CASCADES | RAWDON
Forêt Ô Cascades stands out for its practical and innovative approach to biodiversity conservation. Here, every design choice is carefully considered: limited lighting to reduce light pollution, vegetation composed almost entirely of native species, and initiatives to protect the wood turtle.
The Sentier des curiosités project, which will open soon, promises an immersive experience where art, science, and nature come together to inspire wonder and ecological awareness.
LES SERRES POINT DU JOUR | L'ASSOMPTION
At Les Serres Point-du-Jour, production takes place without chemical pesticides. Instead, predatory insects are used to maintain balance. This more natural approach not only protects the environment but also allows for a different way of producing, respecting life cycles.
LE DOMAINE CHALETS DES PINS | RAWDON
At Domaine Chalets des Pins, respect for nature is evident in simple yet meaningful actions. Flowers are planted to support pollinators, mowing is reduced to promote biodiversity, and motorized activities are limited to preserve the tranquility of the environment.
A visitor code of ethics has even been established to encourage responsible behavior. Because here, the experience also involves respecting the place.
Exploring Lanaudière means discovering a region that cares for its natural environments. Behind every initiative are passionate people who choose to do things differently.
By visiting them, you become part of this effort.
