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Summer is here at last and it's vacation time! You don't have to tour the amusement parks, break the bank or drive miles to have a good time! Why not rediscover your own region and refresh your approach? Why not keep it simple? Imagination is free and eco friendly!
For an adventure-packed, eco-friendly vacation that will drive the local economy:
- Reduce your mileage: opt for nearby vacation destinations and use active transportation, such as bikes, walking and public transit to get around. You can even take your bike aboard the metro or train: http://www.viarail.ca/en/bike.
- If you really have to go by car, how about carpooling, carsharing or trying out an electric car with a company like Communauto?
- Follow Leave No Trace Canada's conservation principles to maintain a balanced environment on nature outings.
- Bring your own reusable containers, such as bottles, coffee thermoses and lunch boxes.
- Opt for eco-friendly accommodation, local products and restaurants serving local foods.
A few tips for a hassle-free, eco-friendly vacation alone, as a couple or family:
By bike
- Route ideas and vacation planners: http://www.quebecscience.qc.ca/fr/salledepresse/5-bonnes-raisons-de-faire-du-cyclotourisme-en-famille-au-Quebec
- For an introduction to biking and a memorable family experience: Véloroute des bleuets http://www.veloroute-bleuets.qc.ca/en/?lang=en_US, le Parc linéaire interprovincial Petit Témis [Petit Témis interprovincial linear park] in the Lower St. Lawrence http://petit-temis.com or Ma sortie vélo (Montérégie): http://www.masortievelo.com/en/ma-sortie-velo-en-monteregie-suroit/
Eco-camping
- In the Eastern Townships—Camping écologique de Frelighsburg
- In the Laurentians—L'Achillée Millefeuille B & B
- In Kamouraska—the SEBKA ecological riverside park provides access to the foreshore
For more information: http://matv.ca/montreal/matv-blogue/mes-articles/2013-04-14-des-conseils-pour-campeurs-ecolos
Unusual accommodation
http://kabania.ca/en
http://www.audiablevert.ca/English/AuDiableVert.htm
http://lestoitsdumonde.ca/_en/index.html
http://www.chezrogerlermite.ca/index.html
http://entrecimesetracines.com/ecogites-en-foret/
http://www.lerondcoin.com
http://hayloftadventures.ca
http://www.canopee-lit.com/index.php?lang=en
Gourmet rest stops
- Check out Terroir et Saveurs du Québec, the largest network for gourmet outings in Québec, for routes and circuits. Suggestions include stops in the Chaudière-Appalaches region, the famous Eastern Townships wine route, the Montérégie cider route and La route des fromages fins du Québec [fine cheese route].
- Organized interactive farm visits. Some farms offer day and overnight camps where children help out with chores, vegetable gardens, craft workshops and more.
- When you pick your own fruits and vegetables—a very popular activity—you can choose the ones that appeal most while enjoying the peaceful countryside! Some berry-picking locations: http://fraisesetframboisesduquebec.com/producteurs/
- Economusées are cultural showcases for the craft and agri-food industries: http://www.equiterre.org/solution/bulletin-mem/les-economusees-des-vitrines-culturelles-sur-lagroalimentaire.
Have a great summer!
