Some regions are distinguished by the quality of their reception facilities and others by the charm of their natural setting. Few offer the best of both worlds! Overview of an ideal destination for organizing a social activity or an out-of-the-ordinary business event.
Strategically located 90 minutes from Montreal and 60 minutes from the Capitale-Nationale, the Centre-du-Québec combines the reception capacity of urban hubs such as Drummondville and Victoriaville with the recreational potential of its resort centers in a rural setting. This is what makes this tourist region able to host events of all sizes, from major conferences to the Lac-à-l’Epaule and a small-group strategic thinking workshop. .
A destination that offers flexibility to combine work and pleasure
Inspired by the latest trends in hybrid travel (blended travel), Tourisme Centre-du-Québec’s experts respond to the changing needs of a business clientele wishing to integrate a leisure dimension into their professional activities. Their approach: to ensure that participants in a corporate event can combine business with pleasure thanks to a varied offer of activities of a sporting, cultural or gastronomic nature to be discovered in the context of the event or within the framework an extension of stay on a personal basis.
Capital of cranberries, maple country and vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts, Centre-du-Québec stands out for the astonishing diversity of its landscapes and the richness of its terroir. It is possible to practice there all year round during a host of cultural and sporting activities, and visitors can set off to discover the local flavors that have made the reputation of the region by touring agricultural producers, microbreweries , distilleries, vineyards and restaurants, which stand out for their friendliness. And we cannot ignore the quest for the origins of authentic poutine by frequenting the establishments of the region, which are specialized in the matter.
A resource to know
When it comes to events, the recipe for success is not always simple, and the ingredients for success are multiple. This is why Tourisme Centre-du-Québec provides organizers with a resource to advise and support them in creating a memorable stay. A simple phone call allows you to communicate with an adviser who will collect all the necessary information and propose solutions in line with the needs expressed. This personalized service is free and much appreciated, because the team knows the region well, its reception facilities, its tourist attractions and the activities offered by many privileged partners.
To simplify their procedures, event organizers are invited to use an online form via the website ourmeetings.com to submit a request, which will be analyzed and forwarded to the partners concerned.
Info: nosreunions.com
Victoriaville, the well-kept secret
“Despite its many attractions, Victoriaville is still unknown or little known, because it offers much more than its geographical location in the heart of Quebec,” explains Steeve Gagné, director of the municipality’s tourism component. In fact, it’s a well-kept secret that offers exceptional value and hospitality. In addition, our unique landscapes are worth the detour, as are the sites that offer breathtaking views of the Piedmont-des-Appalaches. Another attraction of the municipality in connection with its natural territory: recognized leadership in sustainable development, which is reflected in all corporate events.
An expanded hotel offer
“The main conference centre, Le Victorin Hôtel et Congrès, provides organizers with 15 state-of-the-art rooms totaling 27,000 square feet,” explains Steeve Gagné. The large-capacity establishment can accommodate up to 650 people in banquet format and its restaurant, Le Laurier, is certified “Terroir d’ici”. The Quality Inn & Suites, for its part, offers a conference room that can accommodate 115 people, a ready-to-eat service focusing on local flavors, a swimming pool and a spa, as well as bicycle and scooter rentals. electrical. Finally, Le Sainte-Hélène Auberge & Spa Nordique offers a quality Nordic experience in a rural setting,” he concludes.
An inclusive approach
Thanks to its adapted infrastructures and its accessible tourist offer, Victoriaville was the first municipality in Quebec to obtain “Destination for all” certification from the Kéroul organization, in the context of a large-scale pilot project. In practice, this means that Victoriaville is an inclusive tourist destination, accessible to people living with physical or cognitive disabilities; they can therefore find accommodation and indulge in a host of activities in a safe, barrier-free environment, in a respectful and welcoming context.
Our good addresses
The restaurant Le Laurier at the Hotel Le Victorin
The chef favors purchases with short loops and he puts forward local meats, seasonal vegetables, cheeses and alcohols from the region.
La Grange Pardue brewing farm
In this Ham-Nord microbrewery, you can taste tasty beers, made from varieties of hops and barley grown on site.
The village of Sainte-Élizabeth-de-Warwick
We visit this charming town to discover the Fromagerie du Presbytère, well known for its award-winning blue cheese. To be enjoyed as a wine and cheese formula under the trees, on the establishment’s flowerbed.
Kingsey Falls
During the summer season, a walk in the botanical garden of Parc Marie-Victorin is a must. You can also treat yourself to an 11-kilometre canoe-kayak excursion on the Southwest Nicolet River. It’s hard to do better as a team building activity!
Info: tourismeregionvictoriaville.com/business
Drummondville, at the heart of the action
“Our municipality is redefining the notion of accessibility, since 80% of the population of Quebec can get there in less than an hour’s drive,” says Julie Verreault, tourism development advisor – business and sports tourism. Another advantage: the absence of orange cones and traffic jams, as well as free parking. In addition, Drummondville is not only accessible by car, but also by train from Quebec and Montreal. »
An impressive capacity
The municipality has more than 750 hotel rooms, a trade fair center, two congress centers and a total of 100 rooms, some of which have very large capacities. These include the Centrexpo Cogeco Drummondville, an ultramodern facility that can accommodate more than 3,000 people in its main hall of more than 60,000 square feet. “It’s the perfect place to organize a fair, a convention, a banquet or a show,” comments Julie Verreault. The multifunctional modular spaces ensure that the site can accommodate large-scale events as well as more intimate meetings. »
Note: event participants can stay at the Grand Times Hotel, which has 140 rooms and is directly connected to the Centrexpo Cogeco, or at one of the three nearby hotels offering a total of 300 additional rooms. Among these, there is the Hotel and Suites Le Dauphin, which houses a convention center, 27 meeting rooms, a swimming pool and a massage therapy center, and which offers exceptional value for money.
Our good addresses
The outdoor adventure playground
A few steps from the Parc régional de la forêt Drummond, you will find a whole range of team-building activities here: obstacle course with zip line and ascent of century-old trees in summer, bike rides with oversized tires (fat bike), snowshoeing, kicksledding and sliding in winter.
The Station Bistro
This real institution, which has more than 50 years of history, welcomes visitors in a 1960s station setting. With its singers, its DJ and its terraces open all summer, it is the ideal place to spend a good moment.
The Rose Cafe
Housed in the greenhouses of Rose Drummond, which can be seen from Highway 20, this charming café is a quiet place where it is good to relax – or work in peace!
The Bioterra Urban Health Spa
An oasis of calm to recharge your batteries and receive treatments, massages and more, and which can accommodate groups and corporate events.
Info: tourismedrummondville.com/tourisme-daffaires
Video: Centre-du-Québec Tourism
Tourisme Centre-du-Québec contributes to the development and promotion of the tourism industry in the territory while promoting the success of member businesses.
This content was produced by Le Devoir’s special publications team in collaboration with the advertiser. Le Devoir’s editorial team had no role in the production of this content.
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