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An Innovative Model of Regenerative Tourism

16 February, 2025

Regenerative tourism at
Vallée Bras-du-Nord.

 

At Vallée Bras-du-Nord, we deeply believe that tourism can be a driver of territorial regeneration — socially, environmentally, and economically. Every action and initiative we undertake is designed to have a positive, tangible, and measurable impact on our local community, as well as on the planet. Our approach is inspired by the principles of sustainable tourism, ecotourism, and ecological transition. Discover how our regenerative tourism model is transforming the landscape, human relationships, and the way we connect with our environment by valuing biodiversity, collective well-being, and harmonious coexistence with all living beings.

From social initiatives to putting people at the heart

 

Regenerative tourism, as we envision it at Vallée Bras-du-Nord, is not just about preserving nature; it's also about caring for people. The En Marche Project is a perfect example: this initiative helps young people who are far from the job market reintegrate into society through outdoor work experiences. This approach reflects the values of social innovation, territorial inclusion, and intergenerational transmission. We believe that social inclusion can be fostered through meaningful experiences in nature and that, through collective work and solidarity, we can make a significant impact on people's lives. It's also a concrete way to express our social responsibility and strengthen the resilience of local communities.

Drowster

Our working conditions, focused on quality of life both at work and outside of it, make Vallée Bras-du-Nord a great place to live and work. We emphasize sustainable and fulfilling jobs that allow our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. By investing in job quality, HR innovation, and addressing the regional labor shortage, our initiatives go beyond purely economic goals; they aim to create a healthy balance between work, leisure, and personal growth. In doing so, we help build a human development model centered on meaning, recognition, and the value of human capital.

Drowster

We are also fortunate to contribute to the Louis-Jobin High School outdoor program, an initiative that allows teenagers to reconnect with nature. In a context where mental health issues—particularly anxiety disorders among youth—are on the rise, offering an escape through adventure and nature is more important than ever. Access to nature here becomes a powerful lever for mental health and educational well-being. By encouraging regular immersion in the outdoors, we believe these experiences can offer a meaningful way to confront these challenges, helping young people reconnect with what truly matters and find a space for calm and renewal. These experiences also embody nature-based pedagogy and sensory reconnection.

Outdoor activities within everyone’s reach

 

We believe that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone, and we take action to ensure that our local community can fully benefit from it. That’s why we launched free access to the Saint-Raymond sector for all residents. In addition, our discounted rates for memberships offer residents a tangible way to reclaim their territory, enjoy outdoor activities, and connect with nature without having to worry about the cost. This model supports local roots, territorial inclusion, and the democratization of the nature experience.

Amy Gagnon

We know that the more people engage with their territory, the more likely they are to protect it. By allowing our neighbors to discover, love, and appreciate Vallée Bras-du-Nord, they become ambassadors of nature—committed not only to its preservation but also to passing on their love for the environment to future generations. This is how we nurture a culture of ecological care and community-based tourism, rooted in shared responsibility.

A strong environmental mission

 

Our commitment to the planet is at the heart of our mission. Through initiatives like 1% for the Planet, we support projects that contribute to the protection and restoration of biodiversity here in Québec. These projects reflect our desire to actively take part in ecosystem regeneration, reforestation, and the conservation of all living things. This symbolic gesture is a way of giving back to nature a part of what it offers us every day.

Myriam Laroche

We are also proud to announce that we will soon obtain the Biosphere Certification, a testament to our commitment to upholding the highest standards in sustainable development and environmental management. This recognition reflects our integration into a global network of destinations committed to an ambitious ecological transition. It is part of a broader effort to promote nature-respectful tourism, while also holding ourselves accountable for the preservation of our beautiful territory. This certification also represents a way to align our model with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the evolving expectations of today’s conscious traveler.

Regenerative tourism as a lever for the revitalization of Saint-Raymond

 

Regenerative tourism is not limited to environmental actions. It also plays a key role in the economic and social revitalization of our local community. Saint-Raymond is a living example of this transformation. As an outdoor destination, we not only attract visitors, but also new families who choose to settle in the countryside, seeking a higher quality of life. This phenomenon strengthens residential appeal and revitalizes resource regions. Tourism creates a new dynamic: local businesses are reinvigorated, and we are fortunate to collaborate with many of them to offer authentic, immersive, and responsible experiences to our visitors. New businesses are emerging, contributing to economic growth and diversifying the services available in our beautiful region.

Amy Gagnon

By promoting regenerative tourism, we are helping to build a local development model based on sustainability and inclusion. Our approach is grounded in the principles of open innovation, territorial design, and collective intelligence. This movement toward an outdoor culture in Saint-Raymond is not just a passing trend, but a profound transformation—one in which both residents and visitors play a crucial role. It represents a true paradigm shift, where the territory becomes a space for co-creation and shared commitment.

The environment as a driver of change

 

Regenerative tourism is much more than just an alternative to mass tourism. It is a powerful tool to protect and preserve what we love. At Vallée Bras-du-Nord, we firmly believe that the best way to protect our environment is to help people discover it. By allowing everyone to experience nature in all its splendor, we raise awareness and inspire a deeper sense of collective responsibility.

Family admiring the breathtaking scenery from an observatory located on one of the hiking trails available in the Valley, and enjoying the view of mountains, nature and the forest.
Photo: Frederic Plumey

This intimate connection between people and nature is the foundation of our commitment. We know that the more individuals have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the outdoors, the more they will become aware of environmental issues and feel motivated to care for our planet. In this sense, regenerative tourism serves as a catalyst for systemic change, not only for our local community but for the world as a whole. In doing so, we are contributing to a global movement for tourism that is positive, responsible, and rich in territorial value.

Regenerative Tourism at Vallée Bras-du-Nord

 

At Vallée Bras-du-Nord, we are convinced that regenerative tourism is a powerful driver of change. Through our social actions, environmental initiatives, commitment to the local community, and the revitalization of Saint-Raymond, we demonstrate every day that tourism can have a positive, lasting, and inclusive impact, in synergy with the goals of ecological transition, social innovation, and territorial resilience. By offering an experience that is inspiring, transformative, and rooted in local values, we are contributing to the emergence of a new form of tourism—one where respect for the environment and human values come together to create a better future for all.

Join us in this movement, and together, let’s regenerate our land and our world!