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Because It Takes a Whole Valley
Behind the church steeple of Saint-Raymond, the Laurentian massif stretches all the way to the horizon. It is across this vast, glacier-shaped territory that Vallée Bras-du-Nord unfolds. Far beyond the landscapes and adventures that captivate visitors, these forests and waterways hold the roots of a unique vision: a solidarity cooperative strong enough to transform an entire village.
Alongside a small team united by shared ideals—including Danielle Larose, a key visionary behind the project—Frédéric Asselin launched Vallée Bras-du-Nord in 2002. The first challenge was to convince the people of Saint-Raymond of their land’s potential as a major outdoor destination. Then came the task of building and promoting that vision. The ambition was also to create a cooperative model that was both innovative and economically viable—a path filled with obstacles.
“It was a challenge at every step. We were facing headwinds, and the community was skeptical,” recalls Étienne Beaumont, who now co-leads the cooperative alongside Frédéric. Originally from Saint-Raymond, Étienne had left the region for his studies but returned for a six-month contract building trails with young people who had nowhere else to go. Nearly 20 years later, he’s still here—standing alongside Frédéric. And the cooperative model remains strong.
Today, the cooperative brings together worker-members, supporting members, and producers. From the farmer who grants a right of way to the staff who dedicate their time each day, everyone plays a part in making the cooperative a social pillar and a source of pride for the Saint-Raymond community.
Young Families in Search of Community
Beyond preserving an exceptional territory, Vallée Bras-du-Nord has become, for many, a reason to stay in Saint-Raymond, to return, or even to settle there for the first time.
Étienne Beaumont is especially proud to be part of this revitalization. “The people who come to work here are passionate. They leave better-paying jobs to join a coop. They feel like they belong to something bigger.” That’s the case for Alexandra, adjusting her baby carrier while keeping an eye on her two-year-old, always ready for adventure. Nearby, her colleagues follow similar rhythms: Gabrielle rocks her second child, and Jasmine, eight months pregnant, plays with her three-year-old daughter. The Bras-du-Nord family is putting down roots.
Drawn by a community of shared values and a haven of nature, Alexandra and her partner, Alexandre, chose to settle in Saint-Raymond during the pandemic—joining Alexandre’s parents, who were already living there. Without knowing what to expect after leaving Sept-Îles, Alexandra found her role as Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Vallée, along with a daycare spot for little Grégoire. “Raising our children here feels reassuring, especially with everything coming our way—from climate change to rising polarization,” she says. Since then, her parents and brother have also relocated to the region.
As for Alexandre, he's rediscovering a transformed Saint-Raymond after 20 years away. “When I left in 2001, two lumber companies were shutting down, and all my uncles were out of work… It was hard to imagine a bright future,” he recalls. Sitting on a large rock, the trained geographer points toward Delaney Falls. “Here, waterfalls are high-elevation lakes that spill over. This landscape is shaped by glacial erosion.” In this setting, the Finance and Sales Coordinator feels fully at home.
NURTURING CONNECTIONS AND THE LAND
Visiting Vallée Bras-du-Nord means discovering a rich diversity of breathtaking landscapes: shimmering bodies of water, 80 km of hiking trails, and an extensive network of mountain biking paths. These trails, crossing both public lands and private properties, are accessible thanks to the invaluable collaboration of local landowners. Frédéric Asselin still remembers going door to door to request those rights of passage: “We convinced them one by one, saying, ‘Give it a try for a year, and we’ll see from there.’” Since then, the wheels haven’t stopped turning.
Just a few minutes from downtown Saint-Raymond, “Mont du Suisse” is home to a mountain biking zone. Just across the way, the dairy cows of Fanny Roy and Pierre Eggen watch the steady flow of cyclists. The name “Mont du Suisse” pays tribute to Pierre, who is of Swiss-German origin and agreed to partner with the cooperative. “I figured the bike trails would discourage people on dirt bikes from damaging my land,” he explains. And it worked—the cyclists passionately protect the trails from any intrusion.
As the sun begins to set, the kids from the local bike club ride single file into the forest. From their land, Fanny and Pierre watch them with care. This summer evening feels almost pastoral—though on busy days, hundreds of bikes may pass right by their home. Still, as long as the benefits outweigh the inconveniences, the couple remains committed.
One of the young cyclists calls out to Pierre: “One of your cows is wandering near the trails—I don’t know if you saw.” Pierre smiles and heads off to retrieve the bold explorer. A quick check of the fence is in order.
Sustainable Tourism Is Overused
GHG calculations, quality jobs, commitment to the “1% for the Planet” movement, environmental preservation, and gender equality promotion—Vallée Bras-du-Nord is a shining example of sustainable tourism. And yet, neither Frédéric nor Étienne put these achievements front and center. Their blend of cooperative values and sustainable development stems from a vision of prosperity deeply rooted in their founding principles.
Whether it’s by developing a modern accommodation offering or designing mountain biking trails that attract enthusiasts from across Québec, the Vallée knows how to stand out. For Étienne, “If you don’t have economic strength, you rely on everyone else. Your vision is weak.” This independence protects the integrity of the land: each trail is carefully planned to minimize logging and anticipate erosion—even if it takes more time. The land has limits, and so does the forest. Étienne hopes that “the day I’m no longer here, these trails will still serve the community, and this economic model will remain rooted in a strong social fabric.”
Over the years, the community has rallied around the cooperative: a mountain bike club, a high school outdoor education program, and large-scale sporting events. Saint-Raymond moves to the rhythm of the Vallée. Residents pitch in for volunteer trail work and help patrol the network. “They’re our best ambassadors! There are still differences, but little by little, we’re coming together.”
The sound of snowmobiles and ATVs will always echo through Saint-Raymond. The territory is vast, with room for everyone—as long as the Vallée continues to preserve this delicate balance, with respect for all.
A Trail for Everyone with the En Marche Project
“It’s gonna take two of us to move this one, guys.” The rock Étienne Beaumont points to seems impossible to shift. Around him, the 2023 participants of the En Marche Project get to work, shovels and pickaxes in hand—a team of forestry workers like any other. But these ten young adults are also facing an invisible challenge: the challenge of rebuilding themselves. Having been pushed aside in school or the workforce, some are living with intense social anxiety; others are struggling with addiction.
“They're young people who don’t really know where they’re headed in life, and here we are... building a trail in the woods!” says Étienne. “We involve them in the decision-making: how are you going to get it done, do you have the right tools, are you well supported to make it happen? If you don’t put in much effort, not much will get done. But look at what’s possible when you work hard!”
The En Marche Project offers them an opportunity for professional reintegration. For six months, they work 35 hours a week in the Vallée—without substances, without phones, without music. In addition to building trails, they learn outdoor skills and take part in workshops led by a social worker, a psychoeducator, and community organizations.
Annie Plante, the project coordinator for the past 11 years, meets with participants today beneath a large yellow tarp. Once again, nature- and adventure-based intervention proves its power. “The youth see that no matter what, we’re here for them. Three out of four will genuinely improve their situation after the project ends.”
One of them, William, walks up to Annie with a confident look in his eyes. “How’s it going today, William?” she asks. He’s working hard to build his confidence and stay away from substance use. “When I started here, I couldn’t even look people in the eye. Just going to the grocery store and seeing people stressed me out.” Today, he walks with his head held high—and even smiles at strangers.
The En Marche Project has been at the heart of Vallée’s mission since the very beginning. Étienne finds daily inspiration in the courage of the participants. “Working with these young people was a revelation for me. I had this inner mission to share this way of life—the outdoors… They’re my heroes, truly.” And for a glimpse of the incredible work they’ve accomplished, just look at the Giant Steps Staircase—a 100% En Marche creation.