Quebec pumps over $2.2 million into local tourism

Tashi Farmilo

A treetop trampoline park, a lakeside spa retreat, and a family snow-tubing hill are among the Outaouais businesses set to benefit from more than $2.2 million in provincial tourism funding announced March 20, as the Quebec government renewed its commitment to building up the area's appeal as a destination in its own right.

Arbraska Laflèche in Val-des-Monts received the largest single chunk of money: $1,112,600 through the province's Tourism Industry Recovery Assistance Program (PARIT). The funds will go toward expanding the park's uplå attraction and adding a third children's aerial course. Uplå is a massive web of nets and trampolines built into the forest canopy, suspended 6 to 10 metres off the ground and covering 12,000 square feet. It is one of the largest outdoor trampoline parks in North America and shares the property with Laflèche Cave, the most extensive publicly accessible cavern in the Canadian Shield. "We thank the Quebec government and the Ministry of Tourism for believing in our vision and our sense of adventure. Their contribution allows us to think outside the box and innovate in the field of active entertainment," said Caroline Grinham, Marketing Director of the Trekking Group, which operates Arbraska Laflèche. "By focusing on immersive experiences, we inspire people to discover the magnificent Outaouais in a new way."

Also through PARIT, Val-des-Monts' HOM mini chalets received $840,700 to build four more units at its Lake McGregor property. The retreat currently has 12 chalets spread across more than 105 acres of forested lakeside land. The units are elevated on piles for a treetop perspective, come with private hot tubs, and the newer ones include a full thermal circuit with a steam shower, dry sauna, and cold shower. The four new chalets follow the same model. "This support gives us the means to pursue our mission: to offer nature-friendly accommodations that promote rejuvenation," said Dominique Laflamme, president and co-owner of HOM mini chalets. "Our sustainable approach contributes to responsible tourism that benefits both visitors and the Val-des-Monts community."

Wakefield's Sommet Edelweiss received $313,073 through the Winter Tourism Support Measure, administered by Tourisme Outaouais, to upgrade its snow-tubing park. The hill is a winter fixture for local families and home to the only dedicated tubing park in the area. It is part of the les Sommets group of Quebec ski resorts. "This significant investment in the renewal of the tubing park at Sommet Edelweiss is excellent news for the Outaouais," said Isabelle St-Germain, Vice-President of Finance at les Sommets.

On top of the three business grants, the province renewed its Outaouais Regional Partnership and Digital Transformation Agreement for 2025 to 2027. The Ministry of Tourism is contributing $612,000, with Tourisme Outaouais adding another $500,000, for a combined $1,112,000 that will go toward marketing the area, improving digital tools, and supporting tourism planning more broadly.

"Tourism businesses here generate tangible benefits for communities, support jobs, and contribute directly to the vitality of our local economy," said Amélie Dionne, Quebec's Minister of Tourism.