Notes from the North
Outdoor Adventure Magic before
the ATTA World Summit in Québec
By Nancy Dorrans
No matter how many times I cross the border, Québec never loses its pull. The warmth of Québécois hospitality and their passion for celebrations have drawn me back across many seasons. In September, I returned to attend the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) World Summit, held this year in Québec City.
Pre-Summit Adventure in Quebec
But before the four-day conference began, I set off on an active five-day Pre-Summit Adventure (PSA) hosted by Québec Pure Experience. This was followed by an unforgettable Day of Adventure canoeing in Parc national de la Jacques‑Cartier (Sépaq). Both experiences offered something truly special: adeep dive into the region’s vast boreal forests, majestic mountains, and dramatic river valleys and some really fun and adventurous people. My tribe!
Our PSA was truly global. Vishwas is from India. Gabriel from Sicily lives in France as does Fabrice. Pere from Spain lives in Brazil. Diana, Steve, and Elise are Canadian in Toronto, Winnipeg, and Cape Breton. Phil is Australian and would like a pet squirrel. Kelly is a Mainer living in Montana. We bonded quickly.
The first night we stayed at the Monastère des Augustines.
Located within the fortified Old Town, this restored heritage property was founded in 1639 by the Augustinian Sisters, who established one of the first hospitals in North America.
Before the official start of our PSA, Phil, Elise, Pere, and I ventured down in Old Quebec and bonded over what else? Beer and poutine, of course! After a group dinner in town, an overnight and delicious silent breakfast at the Monastère, we boarded the Train de Charlevoix at Montmorency Falls. We traveled by train for two and a half hours along the north shore of the St. Lawrence toward Baie-Saint-Paul.
Our hotel for the night was Hôtel Le Germain.
Charlevoix is a former farm, where “contemporary architecture meets Charlevoix’s agricultural heritage.” We were treated to a tour of the hotel’s Jardin and met the highland coos, lambs, and chickens grazing in the fields behind the hotel. The coos in the field were also on the menu that night.
After our garden tour and short hike, a gourmet picnic lunch was prepared and served by Charles, our guide and driver. He is also an amazing chef!
Next was a windy 3.5-mile hike in Parc national des Grands-Jardine’s exploring the Laurentian massif, where “windswept plateaus and sparse vegetation evoke an unexpected alpine tundra…”
The next morning, we bid adieu to Charlevoix and stopped in Lac-Beauport for a short hike on the Mont Tourbillon trails to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the lac.
We had our bathing suits in our backpacks in anticipation of our afternoon visit to the Sibéria Spa. It’s about thirty minutes north of Quebec City, “where Nordic bathing contrasts with the surrounding boreal forest atmosphere.” Here was a chance for us to soak and breathe deep. We even did cold plunges in pools and quick dips in the river before and after the sauna. And then there was the ice exfoliation steam room!
Vishwa was eager to share, “You must try the ice steam room, there’s nothing like it.”
Late that day we arrived at Villa Éco.
The Villa Éco is renowned for its immersive wilderness setting near the Rivière Bras-du-Nord. The setting offered a relaxed and authentic moment to unwind after the day’s journey. Charles prepared and our other guide Lorelie helped with the most delicious dinner of traditional poutine. It was served on the table, Quebecois style!
The next two days we hiked along the Sentier de la Hauteur on terrain that rose to scenic lookouts above and within the Vallée Bras-du-Nord. A highlight was learning about the “Bollywood pose” at the majestic Chute Delaney – a 150-meter natural waterfall wonder. The evenings were filled with more Bollywood camaraderie, stories, and much laughter.
Day of Adventure
We returned to Québec City and said our goodbyes to Charles and Lorelie. We all needed to recharge before our Day of Adventure.
I chose to canoe on the Rivière Jacques-Cartier through the legendary Jacques-Cartier Valley in Parc national de la Jacques‑Cartier. Jacque was and remains very popular. The towering cliffs were shaped by glaciers and the views are breathtaking.
My paddling partner was Jeff McCabe from the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation. It was my good fortune to sit next to him that morning. Jeff is a seasoned outdoorsman and has spent a lot of time in a canoe. While the rest paddled inflatable two-person kayaks, Jeff and I successfully ran the few light rapids in a canoe. These rapids also took my breath away.
Next year the summit will be held in Andalusia. I’ll hope to be there and reconnect with my global tribe. The adventures are breathtaking, but it is the amazing people I meet that draws me back to these events. So many people from all over the world who share an interest and commitment to adventure travel and sustainability!
