This text is part of the special Business Tourism booklet
Whether it’s for the extraordinary natural setting, the local dishes of a small inn or the simple pleasure of avoiding the traffic of Montreal, organizing a convention or a symposium in the region has many advantages. Here are some business destinations that will surprise the eyes and the taste buds.
“Sherbrooke is the urban city in the heart of the Eastern Townships; it is very popular for its natural environment while having the advantages of the city,” says Lynn Blouin, director of promotion and business and sports tourism at Destination Sherbrooke.
Announced just before the pandemic, the renovation work of the Delta Sherbrooke hotel by Marriott was recently completed. Freshly renovated, the venue offers a congress center with 22 meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 1,300 people, depending on the configuration chosen. For smaller groups, the 5-star hotel OTL Gouverneur Sherbrooke has nine meeting rooms and 126 rooms in a warm and modern atmosphere. A few steps from the Marché de la gare, in the heart of downtown, the Grand Times Hotel stands out for its conference room which offers a panoramic view of the Lac des Nations and Mount Orford.
In addition to the hotels, the Granada theater, of Italian inspiration, is used to organize gala evenings. The OMG restaurant, located in a former church, is ideal for happy hours or for a meeting with a relatively small group. These two places are generally appreciated by delegates, according to Mme Blouin. Since this fall, they can also board the Sherbus, a guided tour to discover the history and heritage of the city. In particular, it will be possible to stop at microbreweries in Sherbrooke, or take the tasty “route des cafés”, a circuit offering stops in the best cafés across the city.
After two difficult years, business tourism resumed this year in Sherbrooke. Nearly thirty events are already planned for the coming year. Lynn Blouin would like to highlight the work of the Sherbrooke tourism team, concerned about supporting customers. “We offer a turnkey, hand-in-hand service,” she concludes.
The Laurentians, between nature and diversity
The Laurentians region has something to seduce with its proximity to Montreal, its breathtaking landscapes, but also with the diversity of its offer and the quality of its tables. “There’s something for everyone, with more urban hotels, resort hotels like the Estérel Resort, and smaller inns in the heart of nature,” explains Manon Lefebvre, director of marketing at Tourisme Laurentides.
In the small municipality of Saint-Hippolyte, located at the foot of Mount Tyrol, is the Auberge du lac Morency. This rustic establishment has eight rooms of various sizes and configurations, for intimate corporate events or for meetings of up to 100 people. The place stands out in particular for the excellence of its restaurant, whose specialty is smoked salmon directly on site.
Just outside Montreal, in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, the Lacroix cider house is also an original place to host a corporate event. Its “farm to table” philosophy and its dishes enhanced with local seasonal products should satisfy the taste buds of the most gourmet delegates. A meal service in the form of a lunch box is also offered.
For larger events, the Manoir Saint-Sauveur can be a wise choice. Located in the heart of the village and completely renovated, its 23 multifunctional rooms accommodate from 10 to 500 people. “It’s really ideal for a village experience, where many activities can be organised,” says Manon Lefebvre.
For six months, a strong increase in demand has been observed by the hotel industry in the region, and often at the last minute. “2023 is definitely going to be a big year,” rejoices Mme Lefebvre. And for those who cannot choose the ideal place, Tourisme Laurentides offers to do it for them, according to the criteria, dates and budget requested.
Drummondville, central and accessible
The birthplace of poutine, Drummondville is also a destination of choice for business tourism. “We have a lot of calls, it’s crazy, and we’re already starting to be booked for 2023,” says Julie Verreault, tourism development advisor at Tourisme Drummondville. At the crossroads of Montreal, Quebec, Trois-Rivières and Sherbrooke, Drummondville stands out as a solution in Montreal, both central and accessible.
“It’s very easy to get in and out of the city,” says Ms.me Verreault. We have no orange cones, no traffic, and we have plenty of parking spaces. If you prefer to avoid the car, the train is a practical and comfortable option.
The Centrexpo Cogeco can accommodate more than 3,000 people for large-scale events, such as exhibitions, conventions and fairs in its main hall of 60,000 square feet. Not far from there, the Best Western Hotel Universel and the Hotel and Suites Le Dauphin have their own congress centre. The two establishments are composed of more than twenty meeting rooms each.
When the time comes to take a well-deserved nature break, the hiking trails and, currently, the vibrant fall colors of the Drummond Forest Regional Park are also available to delegates.
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the To have to, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of To have to did not take part.