Responsible and sustainable tourism is much more than just a trend in Lanaudière: it's a way of doing things that showcases our riches while respecting the environment and local communities.
A number of businesses in the region stand out for their eco-responsible initiatives and sustainable practices. From promoting local products and reducing their ecological footprint to their commitment to the community, these tourism players are helping to make the Lanaudière region even more welcoming and authentic.
Discover 10 inspiring businesses that are making a real difference!
Enracinés – Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon
Enracinés, located in Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon, is a fine example of commitment to sustainable agriculture. Certified Goûtez Lanaudière! and holding Ecocert Canada organic certification since 2021, this enterprise carefully cultivates vegetables, fruit, plants and flowers on 44 acres of family land. Enracinés offers an authentic pick-your-own experience with strawberries, raspberries, vegetables and, in autumn, squash and pumpkins. Immersive tours also allow visitors to go behind the scenes of the farm, talk with producers and even take part in farm work. By promoting biodiversity and offering fresh, organic produce, Enracinés contributes to a healthier, more environmentally-friendly way of life.
Au Jardin des noix – Sainte-Ambroise-de-Kildare
Le Jardin des noix, in Sainte-Ambroise-de-Kildare, embodies sustainable agriculture and ecological innovation. Certified Goûtez Lanaudière! and organic by Ecocert, this 35-acre orchard boasts over 4,000 walnut and hazelnut trees. The company relies on energy autonomy with 120 solar panels, and valorizes its residues by creating unique products in collaboration with local artisans, such as pork fed on walnut cakes, sausages, flavored beers and soaps. It also offers guided tours and workshops on nut picking and wild foods, for an immersion in sustainable farming practices and the richness of the Lanaudière terroir.
Café culturel de la Chasse-Galerie – Lavaltrie
The Café culturel de la Chasse-Galerie has been awarded the Scène Écoresponsable certification, level silver in 2022 and gold in 2024, thanks to its actions to reduce its ecological footprint. It eliminates single-use plastics, uses washable crockery, implements reusable cups and recycling and composting stations. Stage lighting is 100% LED and tickets are electronic. The establishment favors local products, such as Alchimiste beers, and uses eco-responsible cleaning products. A fine example of green innovation in the cultural milieu!
Sentiers de la SCIRBI – Berthierville
Since 1985, SCIRBI has been protecting and enhancing the natural environments of the Berthier islands. It manages nearly 10 km of hiking and cross-country ski trails, and installs infrastructure to educate visitors about sound ecological practices. Between 2018 and 2022, the organization restored 102 hectares of farmland to diverse natural environments, such as meadows, wetlands and woodlands. These initiatives support biodiversity and offer visitors a unique experience while respecting the environment.
Yewaska – Sainte-Mélanie
Yewaska stands out for its strong commitment to environmental protection and ecosystem conservation awareness. On its site, eight theme stations are spread along the interpretation trails to inform visitors about the importance of preserving the forest and its biodiversity. The company adopts eco-responsible practices such as the exclusive use of electric carts for internal travel and the installation of tertiary treatment septic systems to minimize its environmental impact. Yewaska also favours the purchase of local products, reduces the use of plastics and favours sustainable materials and recycled paper. True to its mission, the company builds its buildings with wood from its own forest, using diseased or naturally fallen trees, thus ensuring responsible management of forest resources.
Auberge du Lac Taureau – Saint-Michel-des-Saints
Auberge du Lac Taureau stands out for its commitment to sustainable development, rewarded by Clé Verte certification with 3 keys and the title of Hotel Establishment of the Year 2024 awarded by the Association Hôtellerie du Québec. It relies on eco-responsible practices such as LED lighting, automatic thermostats, terminals for electric vehicles and equipment to reduce water consumption. The Auberge also promotes composting, recycling and the reduction of single-use products. By promoting local products and participating in the circular economy showcase project, the establishment demonstrates its leadership in sustainable tourism.
Forêt Ô Cascades – Rawdon
The Forêt Ô Cascades in Rawdon puts the environment at the heart of its actions through exemplary eco-responsible practices. Its infrastructures, including the welcome kiosk and multifunctional pavilion, are designed according to LEED sustainable principles, thus reducing their ecological footprint. Sorting stations for recycling and composting are installed on site, with compost recovered directly on site. To raise visitor awareness, signage encourages the adoption of environmentally-friendly behaviours. The park is also distinguished by its accessibility: Rawdon residents benefit from a voluntary contribution for entry, promoting access to nature for all. In addition, local and eco-responsible products are available on site, reinforcing the park's commitment to a sustainable, community-based approach. What's more, the Unik Hotel is back again this year, offering you a glamping experience in harmony with nature. The hotel is committed to sustainable tourism, with intelligent waste management and eco-friendly products from local producers. As soon as you arrive, a welcome cocktail introduces you to the creations of local microbreweries and distilleries. The village is powered by solar energy and rechargeable batteries for minimal environmental impact.
Chalets Lanaudière – Rawdon
At Chalets Lanaudière, we do everything we can to take care of our beautiful natural environment! The team is trained in the right actions to take to minimize our ecological footprint, both individually and collectively. This involves energy-efficient equipment, such as super-efficient LED lights and electric heating systems, and simple gestures to reduce water consumption. Customers and staff are made aware of the fragility of local ecosystems and invasive species, and we apply the 4R principles (Recycle, Reuse, Repair, Reduce). We also promote biodiversity through sustainable landscaping and a forestry plan. We also take great care to protect our lakes, allowing only our own boats on the estate and prohibiting motors on Morgan Lake, except in emergencies.
Days Inn - Berthierville
The Days Inn Berthierville stands out for its eco-responsible initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint. The hotel uses bulk biodegradable shower gels and shampoos to limit the use of plastic containers, and has equipped all its rooms with low-flow showerheads and energy management systems to optimize consumption. During breakfasts, composting and recycling are implemented, with bins available in common areas and each room. The establishment also favors recycled paper products, compostable bamboo crockery and biodegradable cleaning products, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development.
Parc régional de la Chute-à-Bull – Saint-Côme
Park management focuses on the conservation of natural environments, in particular protecting the Rivière de la Boule and its impressive waterfalls. The marked trails offer a great opportunity to discover a diverse forest of spruce, white pine and red pine, while learning about the historical remains of the forest industry. The Chute-à-Bull cavern has been open to the public since July 2024. During the development of this space, rigorous measures were taken to respect the environment, such as the installation of secure access and protections to avoid disturbing this sensitive habitat. Respect for flora and fauna is at the heart of every project, so that visitors can enjoy the site while preserving this natural treasure!
All these concrete actions, whether they involve managing ecosystems, reducing our ecological footprint or enhancing our natural heritage, are essential to preserving the beauty of the Lanaudière region for future generations. By adopting these best practices, everyone can contribute to the conservation of these unique places and the protection of our planet, one gesture at a time.
