Hotel and logging

A visit organized in May 2023 as part of the first presentation of Fierté Charlevoix, in collaboration with the organization Fierté agricole de la région, allowed about thirty people to discover the result of a dream shared by two enthusiasts: Muscovy duck farming combined with a country guesthouse in an exceptional setting in Saint-Hilarion.

Alexis Tanguay and Aleck Vitam, friends and partners in life for almost 10 years, embarked on this agricultural entrepreneurship project in 2021. “The creation of an agricultural business quickly became a life project allowing us to reconcile our ambitions and our personal values,” explains Aleck.

The two partners share much more than the tasks involved in livestock farming, food production, and running their tourist guesthouse. They are both driven by a deep conviction of the importance of challenging the status quo and constantly seeking innovation and elevation in flavours, service, business practices, and human relationships.

“For us, it is imperative to place people at the centre of all decisions and to promote respect, inclusion and personal development, both for our partners and for members of our community,” explains Alexis.

Their impact on the environment is also central to their concerns. Both strive to remain aware of excesses in order to avoid them, and always seek to acknowledge and correct their mistakes in a world bigger than ourselves.

“We must always question the ecological and social footprint of our practices and decisions, with a vision focused on a clean, equitable and profitable future,” adds Aleck, who has a pronounced environmentalist streak, with a touch of the philosopher. “For me, philosophy is the foundation of all science,” he says.

 
To that end, he notes that their duck is free-range and pasture-fed, for a flavour truly rooted in the culinary terroir of Québec and Charlevoix. The birds are not force-fed and are treated well. For Alexis, “guaranteeing the quality of all our products by adhering to the highest standards and using fresh, locally sourced ingredients is what constantly drives us.” While duck may be unfamiliar to some, tastings help people appreciate it.

Because, beyond producing these ducks (which arrive as freshly hatched ducklings and are raised through to slaughter for consumption), the marketing of the shop and its fine duck products, lovingly prepared on site, takes up much of their time and energy.

 
Every weekend for almost three seasons, they set up stalls at public markets in Québec, Saint-Irénée, La Malbaie, and Baie Saint-Paul, rotating between them depending on the events. Their products are also distributed to a few retail outlets and shops in Charlevoix, and appear on the menus of some good restaurants in the region. The ducks and their products are also sold directly at the farm.

Ambrosia Farm therefore has a dual mission: to welcome people for a unique agritourism stay at its guesthouse and to produce flavourful and inspiring food, with respect for the environment and animal welfare.

To this end, seeking to become an agritourism destination in the region, the farm has secured financial assistance of $14,000 from the MRC Charlevoix, as part of a $55,823 farm financing project, to obtain new equipment, reduce dependence on subcontractors and facilitate the development of new products.

 
The company also plans to set up a shop at the farm, a picnic area, structures for observing the ducks, and interpretive signs to enhance self-guided visits.

 
As for the guesthouse, it already offers three carefully furnished bedrooms, each with access to a beautiful bathroom. Breakfast is served every morning. Guests also have access to the common areas of the house during their stay. Several outdoor activities are available on-site and in the area around Saint-Hilarion.

Ferme Ambrosia
fermeambrosia.com
335 Rang 1
Saint-Hilarion (QC) G0A 3V0
(418) 400-8283

Barbara and Phil Thibodeau built from scratch, without a pun intended, this imposing residence assembled piece by piece, serving as a Bed & Breakfast by the sea in Pointe-Verte, New Brunswick. They named it Gîte Toutes Saisons (All Seasons B&B) to express their desire to make it a welcoming place all year round.

Each of the four rooms bears an evocative name: Summer Sunset, Autumn Sunrise, Winter Refuge, Spring Serenade.

Located between Bathurst and Campbelton, the B&B began welcoming travelers in 2000. A few years earlier, this site was just a large two-acre lot without any development. After acquiring it in 1999, they undertook to build a large house and develop the land to reflect their values and passion, with the added bonus of immediate proximity to the sea with its tides, sunrises, and aquatic birdlife.

Phil and Barbara hired local labor to build their B&B. This local cedar wood cottage, entirely designed by the owners, is a place of serenity in the Baie des Chaleurs.

Nature lovers, the hosts have a strong ecological conscience. They practice sound waste and food resource management, sourcing locally as much as possible, and highlighting local artisans. They opted for underfloor heating, which only heats occupied spaces during the day to reduce energy consumption.

With undeniable social commitment, Phil (originally from Bathurst) and Barbara (born in Ontario) are hosts who share their culture with authenticity and generosity. They sit down at the table with travelers and share life anecdotes and diverse knowledge. Phil has long participated in the multicultural committee aimed at fostering exchange between locals and immigrants, in addition to volunteering to accompany the sick. They are passionate about promoting change in their community. Barbara retired a few years ago from a teaching career in Chatham, Ontario.

The only house rules are: arrive when you want, go to bed when you are tired, get up when you are well-rested, and eat when you are hungry! The four rooms are spacious and cozy, inviting peaceful sleep. A fine cook, Phil will surprise you with a delicious local breakfast at the large table in their beautiful rustic dining room. "Phil loves preparing meals for people," explains Barbara. He is in his element in the kitchen. "You should see him go when we have family over during the holidays or when we welcome groups to the B&B," she adds.

They have many stories to tell, which they share authentically and simply with their guests. They raised a beautiful family of four children, one of whom still resides in Acadia while three are in Ontario. One of their granddaughters, a professional cook, has already shown interest in taking over from her grandparents when they decide to pass the torch. Phil is 83 and Barbara is 78. Even though they are in relatively good health, the day will come when they will have to think about resting and living peaceful days. Owning and managing a B&B for nearly 25 years is no easy feat.

Several services are included in the accommodation rate, including breakfast, Wi-Fi, direct access to the sea and beach, gardens, parking, etc.

What is certain is that a stay with these open-minded and welcoming people guarantees good times and happy memories.

Gîte Toutes saisons B&B
relaxseaside.com
10, rue des Oiseaux
Pointe-Verte (NB)
(506) 783-3122

Steve and his partner acquired this cottage property five years ago, on an exceptional seaside site. It features 8 newly built cottages: 4 family cottages, two of which sleep up to 7, and 4 others sleeping a maximum of 5.

Domaine Repos du pirate is located at the eastern end of Sainte-Flavie, very close to the Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, a renowned and important Pêches et Océans Canada research centre. Every unit offers everything you need for a comfortable stay and to feel at home. Guests also have access to a shared outdoor spa, outdoor fire pits, BBQs, a children's playground, and direct access to the beach.

For the past five years, it has welcomed seasonal or temporary workers at local institutions and businesses, as well as small groups and families on vacation. Some return year after year.

Flower and garden lovers will appreciate being close to the Jardins de Mitis, a renowned and always fascinating attraction.

Domaine Repos du Pirate
domainereposdupirate.com
780, route de la Mer
Sainte-Flavie, QC GOJ 2L0
418.509.4675

No visit to Tadoussac is complete without a stroll down Rue du Bord-de-l'Eau to admire the bay and its sheltered marina. This street captures the very soul of Tadoussac. It's easy to understand why locals remain captivated by the views before them - since 2000, Tadoussac Bay has belonged to an exclusive club of the world's most beautiful bays, alongside San Francisco Bay and the Bay of Mont-St-Michel in France.

Standing proudly over the bay is an unmistakable landmark: the elegant white-and-red Hôtel Tadoussac. Everything about this property speaks to its exceptional character - from the vibrant flower gardens and towering trees that surround it, to its history-rich interior with period furnishings, renowned dining room, and breathtaking views.

 

The story of the hotel begins in 1864, when wealthy families from Montreal and Quebec City built the original Hôtel Tadoussac. That first building boasted a grand façade with twelve windows spread across three floors. After changing hands in 1879 for $12,000, it underwent its first major renovation in 1888. Sadly, the original hotel was destroyed in the fall of 1941.

A new chapter began in 1942, when William Hugh Coverdale, an Ontario businessman and president of Canada Steamship Lines, rebuilt the hotel. When it opened its doors on June 27th that year, the new hotel offered 137 rooms to welcome guests.

  

Today's Hôtel Tadoussac carries forward its rich heritage while embracing the future. Though it has changed hands several times, it remains a cherished destination for travelers from around the world.

At the helm since 2000 is Tina Tremblay, who brings her own deep connection to Tadoussac. A graduate of Université Laval's business program in 1981, Tina joined the hotel as financial controller in 1985. She has guided the property through five different ownerships, including three changes between 2005 and 2016, when it was acquired by its current owner, a Canadian real estate management company.

The hotel's reputation as a regional leader in sustainable development owes much to Tina's dedication. Her commitment runs deep - not only does she work on Rue du Bord-de-l'Eau, she calls it home. Born in Tadoussac, she grew up playing on these very grounds and the nearby beach, where her grandmother also lived.

 General Manager since 2000, Tina Tremblay.

Today's guests can enjoy a full range of activities - from swimming and tennis to hiking and whale-watching excursions. The celebrated Coverdale dining room anchors the culinary experience, complemented by two additional venues: William and Café Lounge Coquart. With 60% of visitors coming from Europe, and year-round conference facilities hosting up to 200 people, the hotel buzzes with international energy.

 

Each June, Tadoussac welcomes the Happening des arts, launching the summer season. In 2025, from June 6th to 8th, artists will once again transform the streets into living galleries, creating works in real time across promenades and outdoor spaces - a truly immersive celebration of art against a stunning backdrop.

 

The Hôtel Tadoussac remains a key partner of this event, which grew from the Tadoussac Song Festival that Tina helped create in 1984. Each year, she also welcomes medical students from Université de Sherbrooke, who combine their conference with enjoying the festival's performances.

Tina's connection to local heritage extends beyond the hotel - she co-owns the historic Maison Tremblay, her family's home for four generations. Now available for rental, this century-old house offers a unique gathering space where families can come together, accommodating up to ten guests across five bedrooms.

Hôtel Tadoussac
hoteltadoussac.com
165, Rue du Bord-de-l'Eau
Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0
(418) 235-4421

Pierre Perreault

The guest house La Mer Veille It has been part of the local landscape for 23 years. However, the ancestral home that houses it was built in 1880. It was converted by its owner to accommodate six fully equipped studios, encouraging stays of five days or more.
The site was largely spared by the high tides of December 6, 2010, which, combined with strong winds, caused flooding and devastated land in several places along the coast, from Rimouski to Sainte-Flavie among others.

Damien RuestDamien Ruest, who served as mayor of Sainte-Flavie for four years in the 2010s, and his partner Lise, are welcoming and charming hosts. Their establishment on the banks of the Saint-Laurent is well located right at the entrance to the village of Sainte-Flavie. With the Québec and Patriotes flags proudly displayed by this longtime independence activist, it's hard to miss. A well-maintained municipal park with family-friendly facilities is right next door.
Seasonal workers, small families passing through, and tourists from all over come to stay throughout the year. Many return regularly.
The La Mer Veille guest house is certainly worth considering if you're looking for peace and relaxation on the banks of the great river.

Motel La Mer Veille
motellamerveille.net
336, route de la Mer
Sainte-Flavie, Qc G0J 2L0
418-775-1700

A holiday in Charlevoix? Wild nature, fresh air and a stunning diversity of landscapes, three national parks, one of the world's best spots for watching marine mammals, and the astonishing variety of its natural sites: the Charlevoix region has plenty to appeal to even the most demanding.

This is what prompted Daniel Guay, 20 years ago, to create a centralized platform for chalet and condo rentals in the region, Hébergement Charlevoix. "Whether with friends, as a couple or with family, in a cozy retreat just for you. Rustic, luxurious, at the foot of the ski slopes or on the shores of a lake surrounded by wilderness, there are many options for finding a chalet to rent," explains its director.
The organization offers a selection of over 300 comfortable and affordable chalets, houses and condos in the Charlevoix region. "We offer the comfort and tranquillity of a house or chalet for a hassle-free stay, just like being at home," says Daniel Guay. Winter or summer, all year round, you can find the perfect getaway, bringing only your clothes and personal belongings. This has its advantages, especially when travelling with family.
Ski enthusiasts know how popular and highly regarded the ski resorts of Charlevoix are. Many of the chalets and condos available are conveniently located near the slopes, sometimes even right at their base. Those who prefer the river, the sea air, and the region's sandy beaches will also find plenty to enjoy. In short, there are chalets and houses for rent to suit every taste and occasion.
In addition to offering accommodation options, the company's website features a range of activities and tourist attractions to visit in Charlevoix year-round. There's plenty to choose from. It also highlights regional festivals and the best places to eat. A team of seven staff members continuously updates these sections.
Vacationers looking for the rare gem can easily find it by using the website's search tool, or by visiting the Baie Saint-Paul offices to meet the team in person.

In short, 20 years of experience in rental accommodations is certainly a guarantee of professionalism and quality. Furthermore, Daniel Guay is a director of the Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ), which is responsible, among other things, for registering tourist accommodations in Québec. All listings on the Hébergement Charlevoix website are registered there.

Hébergement Charlevoix
hebergement-charlevoix.com
43, rue Racine
Baie-Saint-Paul, Qc G3Z 2P9
418 435.5107

 For over 25 years, Magella Landry, once a commercial crab fisherman with several boats who spent his winters in Montréal, was involved in the tourism development of Natashquan and the Côte-Nord. Today, he has returned to a somewhat less hectic life, managing and promoting the Auberge Port d'Attache, which he built and has operated since 1995.

Located at the western entrance to the village, directly on the shores of the Golfe St-Laurent, the inn offers eight individually decorated rooms, each with a telephone and television. Guests can also relax in the reading room or simply admire the stunning view. In the morning, guests have breakfast with other travellers in the dining room, lovingly prepared by the chef, who takes pleasure in serving eggs, pancakes, or French toast. All of this is included in the room rate.

 
Like many other villages in the region, tourist accommodation is rather limited in Natashquan. The issue has been addressed in recent years with the aim of providing housing for workers and newcomers. A stay at the Port d'Attache is filled with fond memories, as the place is beautifully decorated with antique furniture, historical images, and paintings depicting local scenes, among other things.

Magella Landry remains an important figure in the Macacain scene*, having been vice-president of Tourisme Côte-Nord and president of the tourism and cultural development organization that recently became Destination Natashquan.

 
He also became involved and coordinated, in the mid-2010s, along with about a hundred other citizens, a movement dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Gilles Vigneault heritage site in Natashquan, or, in other words, to ensure the survival of "La Source." The aim was to prevent the sale of this site to private interests, which would spoil these places steeped in history, and to halt the deterioration of the buildings, which will soon be irreversible.

The people of Natashquan wanted to save these buildings (two houses and three outbuildings) to create a living memorial, a place to share the poet's source of inspiration, a welcoming space for creation, and an artist residency. A national fundraising campaign was launched to raise $500,000 for the Natashquan Fund for the Preservation of the Source. "A very small sum considering the scope of the act of remembrance and transmission of the source that the people of this tiny village are committed to carrying out for the entire province," said Magella Landry at the campaign launch.

After all these years of dedication, and in order to better care for his family, the innkeeper is considering finding a buyer for his inn. With no family member to take over, he must look elsewhere. He hopes a local or regional buyer will come forward when the time is right. The inn is open year-round and has an exceptional location, ideal for both those who appreciate beautiful scenery in the summer and snowmobilers in the winter.

And a word to the wise: the water in the bay at Natashquan is sometimes warmer for swimming than the surrounding air during the summer.

Auberge Port d'Attache
aubergeleportdattache.ca70, rue du Pré
Natashquan (Québec) G0G 2E0
418 726-3569

* Macacain: According to some, the demonym "Macacain" is said to be derived from "Acadian," the people from whom the inhabitants of Natashquan are descended.

When arriving via Highway 170, which cuts through the entire city of Saguenay, the Delta Saguenay Hotel stands out with its impressive height and sprawling footprint, acting as a welcoming beacon. This sets the tone for what its management offers to visitors, whether for family vacations in the region, a brief work trip, or an event or business meeting at its conference center.

Located in the Jonquière sector of Saguenay, this 4-star Marriott hotel caters to both families and business travelers. It sits slightly outside the city center and away from the Saguenay River, 26 km from Bagotville Airport, which serves the region. With its Boston Pizza restaurant, newly added indoor pool, and fitness center, the Delta Saguenay is one of the premier hotel establishments in the area.

 
According to the hotel’s General Manager, Olivier Fortin-Tremblay, investments made by the owners since 2012 have transformed it into a unique location in the region. The refined rooms include amenities such as a desk, ergonomic chairs, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and mini-fridges. Some rooms feature bathtubs, while others have walk-in showers. Suites additionally include a fridge, microwave, dining area, fireplace, and sofa bed.

 
All rooms were renovated in 2012, drawing inspiration from the Canadian landscape with a refreshing and modern color palette and maximized use of natural light. Previously owned by an Ontario financial group, the Delta Saguenay became locally owned in 2017, led by businessman Laval Boulianne with support from the regional FTQ Solidarity Fund.

In 2018, the franchise managers invested in building a restaurant near the main lobby entrance, followed by a $1.2 million investment in a two-story annex housing an indoor pool with a spa and sauna, as well as an interactive playroom. These upgrades, operational since 2020, were necessary to attract more families, according to the General Manager. While maintaining its business focus with the conference center, the building now also offers a recreational purpose.

The Delta conference center boasts spacious rooms with all the necessary logistics for major events: 17 conference rooms and a ballroom spanning 11,660 square feet. The venue is highly regarded for the quality of its facilities and professional services provided to organizers of various events and meetings.

  
Of note, the Delta Saguenay also welcomes snowmobiling enthusiasts during winter, given its proximity to major regional and provincial trails. Additionally, the management practices an inclusive guest policy for all visitors.

In fall 2023, the hotel owners hinted at plans to improve the region's accommodation offerings, which are deemed insufficient by local tourism development stakeholders. Studies show that event attendees prefer to stay onsite. The Delta Saguenay currently offers 160 rooms, with plans to increase to 200 by adding a new tower on businessman Laval Boulianne’s property. This project could be realized by early 2024.

Hôtel Delta Saguenay

Website

2675, Boul. du Royaume
Jonquière, QC G7S 5B8
(418) 548-3124

Commercial, hospitality, and tourism activities tied to the Baker family name remain part of Gaspé’s economic and historical landscape today. Few people, though, know the long, winding path that has marked its history for over two centuries.

John Baker (1851–1930) first went into business in 1879, a few years after his father, John Baker Sr, moved from the Gaspé Peninsula and settled downtown. He then opened a tavern at the tip of the Vieux-Port de Gaspé. Two years later, with the tavern thriving, John Baker bought two lots on rue de la Reine (then Queen Street) from Ernest Tëtu. He built a Victorian-style building there and named it the Hôtel Baker.

Afterwards, many events and upheavals (including the world wars, fires, deaths, and significant legislative changes in Québec related to private salmon fishing clubs) influenced the life of the Hôtel Baker. The 1920s were prosperous years. According to some accounts from the time, the Hôtel Baker’s ballroom was very popular between 1920 and 1929, during the Roaring Twenties. The lavish costume balls held there drew the Gaspé aristocracy of the day.

By then, John Baker owned three buildings: the One Ash Inn and Baker’s Lodge, which mainly served fishermen and hunters, while the Hôtel Baker primarily accommodated tourists and commercial travellers. John Baker died in October 1930 in Waterloo, Ontario. His estate was divided among his three great-nephews, and management passed to William Baker. The Baker empire eventually ran into trouble, largely because of new government legislation that in turn eliminated private fishing clubs, replacing them with provincial reserves. The hotel and Baker’s Lodge were sold. William Baker died mysteriously at the One Ash Inn in March 1956, of a presumed heart attack.

This would spell the end of the Baker family’s reign in Gaspé’s hotel industry after more than a century. In May 1974, the Hôtel Baker was sold once again to a group of businesspeople from Gaspé, including the current owner, Roger Denis. In a grim twist of fate, Baker’s Hotel burned down on 31 July 1975. A few months after the fire, the same group of investors decided to take on the construction of a new hotel on the same site as the old Hôtel Baker.

 
Perched on an exceptional site overlooking the Sud-Ouest basin of Gaspé Bay, the building opened in June 1978 as the Auberge des Gouverneurs. It had 44 rooms, along with the 12 motel units previously built as an addition to the Hôtel Baker.

So it’s quite a saga, partly recounted here, that preceded the arrival of the current owners. The general manager, Pascal Denis (also a shareholder in the company, along with other family members), is proud to have maintained Québec ownership of the establishment.

 
Since 2001, major changes and expansions have confirmed the hotel’s position as a leader in hospitality, dining, and conferences in Gaspésie. These took the form of 14 new rooms, a 102-seat cinema, as well as the expansion of the conference rooms and of the Têtu restaurant. “In addition to our many services, our aim was to become a destination in its own right, and we’ve now achieved that, year-round,” explains Deputy Director Christine Cabot. She also points out that each year, upgrades and maintenance work keep equipment of superior quality in the five room types on offer and elsewhere in the property.

 
As for the restaurant, the Gaspésian tavern Têtu aims to be a hybrid of a family restaurant and a sports bar, in a warm and unpretentious atmosphere. Its name, as you may recall, evokes that of Ernest Têtu, the owner of the land where the hotel was built. To give diners a taste of Gaspésie and of Québec more broadly, they revisit culinary classics for a flavourful experience. No wonder the dining room is constantly full.

  
As for the cinema, the management wanted to fill a gap in Gaspé at the time, for the enjoyment of the local population as much as of hotel guests. A popular film is screened each week. The schedule is posted on the website.
Finally, the hotel is frequented by groups of tourists arriving by bus. In winter, groups of snowmobilers and ATV riders arrive via the trails to stop over for a rest and a meal.

Hôtel Baker
hotelbaker.ca
178, rue de la Reine
Gaspé (QC) G4X 1T6
418-368-3355

Nadia-Karina Minassian and her partner took over the Motel Fraser in Chandler in 2010. Twelve years later, they’re proud of what they’ve accomplished. They have made it a leading hospitality and dining destination in the area, thanks to major investments in renovating and upgrading the reception, accommodation and dining facilities.

The general manager stresses that the work was carried out with local products, materials and artisans.
The hotel has 30 rooms and two neighbouring guesthouses. The rooms have been substantially renovated over the years. The restaurant le Sieur de Pabos has also been improved, on the kitchen side as well as in the dining room. The menu offers contemporary regional cuisine highlighting local and fresh produce. The hotel has also fitted out three meeting rooms. It is open year-round.

For the past three years, including during the COVID pandemic, the hotel has developed on-site activities with entertainment, while visitors, especially families, could not enjoy activities elsewhere in the region, as everything had been put on hold. This continues and will remain on the program, notably at the hotel’s pool.

The company’s general manager is a well-known figure in the region. With a degree in regional development, she has worked as a business restructuring consultant, as well as serving as president of Tourisme et commerce de la MRC de Percé. More recently, while running her hotel, she held the post of prefect of the MRC de Rocher-Percé, as well as serving as president of the Table des préfets de Gaspésie.
Nadia is also taking part in a joint initiative with four other regional hotel managers to develop sustainable development strategies for their establishments, with the aim of obtaining certification. Motel Fraser, however, has already put several measures in place in this direction.

Motel Fraser
motelfraser.com
325, rte 132
Chandler (Qc) G0C 2J9
418.689.2281