Mediaplanet sat down with Jami Savage, a Vancouver-based Travel Writer, about showcasing responsible tourism and sustainable travel destinations and her family adventures travelling to Quebec.
What inspired you to focus on responsible tourism, and how do you see Quebec as a leader in this movement?
As a parent I think we’re always looking for ways to teach the next generation how to do better than we did, and the tourism industry is no exception. I want our family to be seen as leaders in the industry, championing positive change, no matter how challenging it is. So we seek out destinations that are actively leading the charge in sustainability and Quebec City is one of the best in Canada. They have a goal of being one of the most sustainable cities in the world and have received accolades including Canada’s first historic hotel to reach carbon neutrality at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac.
As a family-oriented traveler, what are some of the must-visit destinations in Quebec that you would recommend for families?
If visiting during the winter I would recommend planning your dates around Carnaval de Quebec. As the largest winter festival in the world, Carnaval just celebrated 70 years and guests can experience 10 days of outdoor adventures including tobogganing, ice skating, concerts, snow bath, ice climbing, night parades, and you can even meet Bonhomme himself at his Ice Palace! For adventurous families, another “not to be missed” experience is Hôtel de Glace, where you can sleep inside Canada’s only ice hotel!
What unique cultural experiences in Quebec have you found particularly enriching, especially for those traveling with children?
A stay at Hôtel – Musée Premières Nations, Quebec’s 4 star Indigenous owned and operated hotel is a wonderful way to connect with the Wendake Indigenous culture. They have a traditional long house on-site and you can take part in interpretative programming including fireside storytelling. What I loved the most was the open and safe space to ask questions, where we could dig deep into everything from traditional ways of life, to current Indigenous culture.
How do you see the future of Indigenous tourism evolving in Quebec, and what role can travelers play in this evolution?
Every year more Indigenous entrepreneurs in Quebec start their businesses, sharing their expertise and passion with travellers. From artisans sharing their crafts, to chefs unveiling new menus in the kitchens, to dancers, storytellers, guides, naturalists, the list goes on. For travellers looking to create deeper connections with the places that they are visiting and the Indigenous culture be sure to seek out these experiences and support them with your time and tourism dollars.
What is your favourite travel memory with your kids?
The first time we visited the Hôtel de Glace it was -40 degrees out. After touring the unique hotel the we decided to surprise the kids and pulled out their bathing suits. The look on their faces was priceless as they were confused as to what we were suggesting. Little did they know that right next to the ice hotel was Bora Parc, a 102,000 square foot Polynesian-style waterpark. With 14 waterslides, wave pool, adventure river, and more, we went from -40 to +32 in 5 minutes and had one day that we will never forget!
