The Gatineau Valley has well kept secrets worthy of discovery. The recreational tourism sector is one of them, and Michael Mercier and Vicky Veilleux, owners of CarpeDiem Aventures, are capitalizing on this opportunity.
“The Valley doesn’t have any mines or industrial parks, but it does have lakes and a gem of a natural setting, which is not widely known in Quebec,” Mercier explained. “The Gatineau Valley RCM has 3200 lakes, and we found that the recreational tourism potential there wasn’t being developed to its fullest,” added Ms. Veilleux.
The project took shape with bicycle rentals in 2018
Education is what brought both owners to the region 16 years ago. Both are still teachers at the Gracefield secondary school. “We were looking for a project to test out our entrepreneurial bent, and when the Véloroute des Draveurs (cycle path) was paved over in 2017, we saw an opportunity that really appealed to both of us,” she added.
The project took shape with bicycle rentals in 2018. This was followed by non-motorized watercraft rentals. Given the success of the undertaking, the fleet was quickly doubled in size. “One thing led to another, and we realized that there was not enough accommodation for people just passing through. We thus set up a campground and built mini-cottages on Lac Edja, which is strategically well positioned between Gracefield and Maniwaki, right near the cycle path and Highway 105,” said Veilleux.
THE GATINEAU VALLEY IS FERTILE GROUND FOR ENTREPRENEURS
People are seeking restful moments in a natural setting, and the Gatineau Valley has everything to meet this demand
Whether it is equipment rentals, logistical support or the organization of stays and drive-home services, everything is done with nature in mind. “We advocate sustainable development and we promote the environment,” explained Vicky Veilleux. For example, our cottages are built with wood from Kazabazua in the Valley, and all of the spots where our cottages are located were carefully planned so that they would leave the smallest possible environmental footprint.
In their view, the Gatineau Valley is especially recognized for hunting and fishing. However, they have noted that outdoor activities do meet a need and produce huge economic benefits as most customers come from Gatineau, Ottawa and Montreal. “People are seeking restful moments in a natural setting, and the Gatineau Valley has everything to meet this demand,” added Ms. Veilleux.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES PRODUCE MAJOR ECONOMIC BENEFITS
CarpeDiem is still a young business that is providing services that meet customers’ needs
Even though they do not hail from the Outaouais region, Vicky and Michael have developed a very strong attachment to their adoptive region, particularly to Gracefield and the Gatineau Valley RCM. “We couldn’t find a better place than the region to live with our children,” said Michael Mercier, who pointed out that his son Édouard and his daughter Émy-Rose contribute to the success of the business.
CarpeDiem is still a young business that is providing services that meet customers’ needs. For example, they will be building six new mini-cottages in the very near future, bringing the total of rentals to 10. Both entrepreneurs also intend to take advantage of the next winter season by setting up a skating rink and a slide. “The high season is summer from June to mid-September, explained Mercier. Our aim is to promote all four seasons.”
“WE COULDN’T FIND A BETTER PLACE THAN THE REGION TO LIVE WITH OUR CHILDREN”
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