The very name of this ecotourism company already evokes something special. A blend of spatial escape and earthly experience comes to mind even before discovering what it offers.
Pat Gauvin and Émilie Leblanc founded Cielo Glamping Maritime, a year-round ecotourism accommodation site open since January 2019 in Haut-Shippagan, within Acadian territory in New Brunswick. Yet, nothing initially pointed these two young professionals—who worked in vastly different fields—toward entrepreneurship. He was a film and television producer-director; she worked in health and research.
In 2017, when they conceived this project, it was their deep connection to the community, their Acadian heritage, and their desire to showcase local and regional products and producers to a wider audience that inspired them. “There was no model like it in the region or anywhere nearby. Our concept was unique. The dome structures we wanted didn’t exist in the country. We found them in Poland. Then, we designed and built the interiors ourselves. The development site was untouched wilderness, with only a single path leading to it,” explains Patrick, whose family has a long entrepreneurial history near Moncton. Patrick grew up in Haut-Shippagan, while Émilie hails from the region.
Cielo Glamping is located on the shores of St. Simon Bay, where guests can enjoy stunning sunsets from one of five luxurious domes available for rent. These domes, nicknamed the Pearls, are fully equipped small homes featuring a full kitchen, a bathroom with a glass shower, a charcoal BBQ, a hammock, a seasonal outdoor shower, and year-round electric hot tubs.
The Pearl of the Woods: Named for the surrounding forest. Sparse trees and coastal hay highlight an unrivaled view of St. Simon Bay. The Munro Pearl: Offers a unique view of Munro Island, framed by the famous sunsets over the water. It is the only dome with a semi-accessible ramp for people with reduced mobility. The St. Simon Pearl: Showcases the beautiful St. Simon Bay, whose breathtaking sunsets are unforgettable. It is also named after the famous oyster cultivated by Huîtres Mallet. The Moon Pearl: The only dome where guests can bring their dog. Watch the stars from the second-floor bed in this moon-inspired dome. The Lunatia Pearl: Inspired by the Atlantic moon snail found in the bay and the skylight that lets you glimpse the moon.
To give guests a full Acadian experience and showcase local products, they created the Hub—a space focused on sharing resources and networking between community members, visitors, and local producers. The Hub emphasizes developing, producing, promoting, and selling new local products. The Cielo site includes extensive gardens where vegetables, small fruits, and edible flowers are grown and transformed in the on-site kitchen.
Since its inception, the Hub team has created dozens of new products, either made in the commercial kitchen or in collaboration with various regional producers.
The Hub’s unique dining concept revolves around discovering these products and others from New Brunswick producers. Guests can select products from the Hub’s gourmet shop, and the team will transform them into exquisite Cielo sharing boards. Gift boxes with three or more products can also be assembled.
Cielo’s owners, Patrick and Émilie, are thrilled with their growing international recognition, with features in multiple publications and television programs locally and abroad. According to them, 60% of their clientele comes from New Brunswick, about 30% from Quebec and Ontario, and the rest from European tourists.
For now, there are no plans to add more domes or undertake major work. However, the entrepreneurial couple is working on a unique new accommodation project: converting a crabbing boat into a tourist lodging. Patrick and Émilie are sure to keep surprising everyone.
Also, watch for upcoming events in 2024 and 2025: the Hub will host performances by various artists (singers, musicians, etc.) from Acadia and beyond. Memorable evenings await.
Cielo Glamping Maritime
glampingcielo.com
232, Chemin des Huîtres
Haut-Shippagan, New Brunswick
506 601-8005
Life is made up of various experiences, which we generally hope will be positive and enjoyable. Some come to us of their own accord. Others must be actively sought out, and those are often the most exciting, such as dining at a Montréal institution more than 19 years old where the meal is served in complete darkness. It is genuinely SENSational, with every sense except sight heightened.
Alejandro Martinez conceived and founded Montréal’s O’Noir restaurant in 2006, the first of its kind in North America. The concept, already established in Europe and Australia, appealed to Alejandro and several family members, who became his partners in the venture. Originally located on rue Sainte-Catherine ouest, the restaurant moved in 2016 to a larger, more suitable building on rue Prince-Arthur near Carré Saint-Louis, where it could meet all the requirements of such an operation.
It has two dining rooms, one on the ground floor and another upstairs, and can accommodate up to 170 guests in an evening. A summer terrace offers a different, more bistro-style menu without reservations. O’Noir serves a range of starters, main courses and desserts, as well as drinks, cocktails and wines. Diners choose a fixed-price menu of two, three or four courses regardless of the dishes selected; drinks and wine are extra. The menu changes three or four times a year according to the seasons and special events.
Beyond the darkness that envelops diners as soon as they leave the entrance hall, where they are warmly welcomed and select their food and drinks, the experience is fairly conventional. A server leads guests to their table (how do they even find it?!) and explains what is on it. Once seated, diners become familiar with the contents: utensils and a napkin. That is all.
One important point: the serving staff are people with significant visual impairments who have been specially trained for the work. O’Noir partners with Horizon Travail, an organization that helps train and prepare visually impaired people to enter the workforce. The staff demonstrate exceptional skill, courtesy and attitude.
Every effort is made to ensure an enjoyable experience and ease any concerns that may arise on a first visit. Naturally, people with claustrophobia or severe anxiety would find little pleasure in it. Drinks and dishes are brought and placed on the table with precise directions from the server. This helps prevent accidents or sudden movements that could have unpleasant consequences. Alejandro also notes that a staff member remains in the dining room whenever guests are seated, ready to respond to any safety issue or emergency.
Alejandro is very proud of what he and his partners have created. Because this is not a “normal” establishment, safety, hygiene, food quality and other aspects of its layout and operations require rigorous rules and standards. Staff training is also essential and ongoing. All carefully selected employees are bilingual; they must learn the premises inside out and practise moving through the darkness with dishes, then serving them to the correct guests. It is genuinely impressive.
O’Noir employs about 25 people in total, although its kitchen and bar staff are sighted.
There has also been an O’Noir restaurant in Toronto since 2009.
Restaurant O’Noir
onoir.com
124, rue Prince-Arthur Est
Montréal, QC H2X 1B5
514 937-9727
July 18, 1980. A group of dreamers named Jean-Marc, Claude, Henri and Fernand kept this place, already rich in history, alive and opened its doors to art and music. La Grave, after all, is a site that profoundly shaped the development of the Îles de la Madeleine.
I arrived in the archipelago on that same date 45 years later, after a night aboard the ferry from Souris, P.E.I., to Cap-aux-Meules, and discovered that the evening’s celebrations promised to be memorable.
Until the end of the 1950s, La Grave was the gateway to the Îles and the centre of commercial activity. The former general store played its own part in Madelinot history. Its first owner, Jersey native John Phillip Savage, settled in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine around 1865. People took the time to hear the news, whisper gossip, share worries and hopes, and speculate about the country’s future.
Within the walls of this storied place grew a strong sense of belonging, a deep attachment to local culture in all its forms and a festive spirit that has endured through every era since its founding. A new breeze swept through the café in 2007. Three dynamic entrepreneurs, Sonia, Francine and Denis, brought their vision and determination to carry the institution forward as its reputation spread far beyond the Îles. Café de La Grave was becoming an essential stop for anyone visiting the archipelago, with freshness and whimsy defining the new team.
In 2015, Marie-Claude Vigneault and her mother, Nathalie, took the reins and assembled a strong team to continue the institution’s work. Over the years, a history has grown around Café de La Grave, shaped in different ways by thousands of people.
On July 18, 2025, dozens of long-time patrons, visitors, tourists, relatives and friends filled the café to take part in the anniversary. By 6:30 p.m., the dining room was alive with anticipation. Two former owners from the founding group made a special point of attending because memories are what keep history alive.
At the piano, Suzanne Richard evoked the period when music stood at the centre of café life. Many people still hold quite vivid memories of those animated evenings, a tradition that continues today.
Alongside these inspiring ‘traditional’ nights, the café presents a wide range of visual-art exhibitions, performances and spontaneous jam sessions. It also sustains local culinary traditions while encouraging partnerships with food and agricultural businesses across the region. Café de La Grave’s menu rewards diners who enjoy unexpected ingredients and flavours: mussels, scallops, lamb, veal, poutine topped with pulled seal, cod and much more. There is something for everyone. At Café de La Grave, as one can see, nothing is ordinary.
At the time of writing, the celebrations were continuing. May the people behind the café and its entire team enjoy many more years carrying this wonderful, emblematic place in the Îles forward.
Café de La Grave
cafedelagrave.com
969, Chemin de la Grave,
Havre Aubert, Îles de la Madeleine (Qc) H4T 9C8
418-937-5765
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By Gaëtan Vaudry
During our brief stay of a few days in the city of Saguenay, we couldn’t help but stop at Café Cambio on Racine East Street four or five times. Firstly, to enjoy the atmosphere of this downtown Chicoutimi solidarity cooperative, and secondly, to savor affordable and healthy dishes that showcase products from various local producers.
As soon as Virginie Simard-Dufour starts talking about the products available at this fair-trade and organic micro-roastery founded in March 2005, her eyes light up. She speaks passionately about the tireless teamwork of 32 members, including 10 worker-members: “
Under the label, we embody a vision of a better world—one where farmers and workers sit at the negotiating table as equals
,” proudly notes the service manager, restaurant coordinator, and barista.
Café Cambio, a key gathering spot for students from the Chicoutimi CEGEP and the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), is also a venue for showcasing young Saguenay artists. The establishment regularly hosts art openings and intimate acoustic concerts of emerging music.
During my visit last November, I had the chance to enjoy some excellent dishes at this establishment, which was the brainchild of two young Montrealers and childhood friends, Guylaine Pelletier and Geneviève Demers. To start, I had a comforting mushroom soup, perfect for that time of year. I followed it with the spicy Bedi panini (Cajun-seasoned chicken, caramelized onions, spinach, mozzarella, and vegenaise), served with salad, corn chips, and salsa. For dessert, I enjoyed the daily special, all accompanied by one of their excellent fair-trade coffees. To my surprise, the bill for this delicious three-course meal was very affordable!
What also struck me during my first visit was their “Pay it Forward” concept, where customers can anonymously donate a soup or coffee to someone in need. Given the growing issue of homelessness in downtown Chicoutimi, this gesture of generosity is truly admirable and meaningful.
Café Cambio’s coffee and products are available at various points of sale across the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, including Chicoutimi, Jonquière, La Baie, Saint-Ambroise/Saint-Honoré, MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est, MRC Domaine-du-Roy, Bas-Saguenay, Saint-Fulgence/Sainte-Rose-du-Sacré-Cœur, Tadoussac, Les Bergeronnes, Les Escoumins, and even the Côte-Nord!
Café Cambio
414, rue Racine Est, Chicoutimi
418 549-7830
cafecambio.ca
An authentically Mexican restaurant in the heart of Caraquet, in Acadia? This has been a reality since 2022. Forget some fast-food joints that offer "Mexican" dishes, which are far from representing the gastronomic delights of a country whose cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most varied and refined in the Americas.
All of this came about after the meeting of an authentic Mexican, Rodolfo Cantu, originally from the city of Monterrey, and a pure Acadian, Marie-Pier Cormier. The couple envisioned their project based on a menu of traditional gastronomic dishes inspired by Mexican cuisine, using local and regional products. The result: flavorful, fresh, and unique dishes.
The menu is simple yet varied. The dishes may vary according to the season and the arrival of products. Charcoal grilling and wood smoking, on highly professional and modern equipment, ensure exceptional quality for meats, among other things.
We enjoyed the tasting menu, which offers four different dishes. For starters, a shrimp cocktail, cut into pieces, in a savory sauce enhanced with avocado and seasoned tomatoes. A delight for the taste buds.
Next came the duo of Ensenada tacos (battered fish) and Pollo a la Parrilla (chicken), both made with corn flour and exquisitely prepared with accompanying sauces. In the third place, it was the Cochinita Pibil, Yucatan-style braised pork, which added a truly surprising touch of taste and flavor to the meal.
To finish, the Pastel Tres Leches (three milk cake) came to close this series of dishes, leaving no room for restraint or disappointment.
The restaurant also offers various cocktails, tequilas, and mezcals, as well as pairing wines to start the meal or accompany the dishes.
Another element that adds to the pleasure of a meal at Casa Guajillo: it is housed in a more than century-old building that has been creatively and colorfully decorated, as Mexicans know how to do. It can accommodate 22 people, and groups of up to 12 guests. It is also possible to reserve for private events (parties, office parties, etc.).
Marie-Pier, at the bar and service, and Rodolfo in the kitchen, are proud to contribute to diversifying the restaurant offerings in Caraquet and the region with their Mexican gastronomic experience. The numerous clientele has already embraced the place for two years, which is a source of joy for the restaurateur couple.
Casa Guajillo
618, boul. Saint-Pierre
Caraquet, NB E1W 1A2
506 727-4696
facebook.com/casaguajillo
By Gaëtan Vaudry
Stepping into the Fjord Distillery shop, nestled at the foot of the Monts-Valin, it's nearly impossible not to be charmed by the smiling and dynamic team. For the Bouchard family and their employees, each person who enters the shop is much more than just a customer. They are a partner in the family's success!
During my visit, the marketing manager – Frédérique Folly – eagerly introduced me to one of their most recent successes: a 1.75-liter cubitainer, featuring their famous KM 12 boreal forest gin. Not available at the SAQ, the ‘ginier’ of the Bouchard family, the first micro-distillery in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region, has been selling like hotcakes since its market launch. This is in addition to their maple gin and Sélection blueberry brandy, high-end products they are particularly proud of.
Finally, let me tell you about one of the top sellers since last summer: the Hilymoncello lemon liqueur, which gives nothing less than a second life to the lemons used by the company. I am referring to the recycled lemons from their original cocktail and ready-to-drink productions. A brilliant idea... that is bearing fruit!
There are numerous projects on the horizon for the creators of the Fjord Distillery. In the coming months, the management will unveil a series of new products that will undoubtedly continue to enhance the company's reputation for many years to come.
It's worth noting that at the Fjord Distillery, the forest and the family are at the heart of the business. The team is committed to improving year after year in terms of sustainable development, in order to leave a positive mark on their customers and the environment.
The Fjord Distillery
48, Chemin de Price
Saint-David-de-Falardeau
418 673-1012
distilleriedufjord.com
By Gaëtan Vaudry
Upon the announcement of my visit to Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, the well-informed promptly provided me with a list of the finest dining spots not to be missed in the region. Among them was the table at the O'Batillage restaurant, offering exquisite local cuisine within the Auberge des Battures in the town of La Baie. Chef Étienne Trottier ensures a local supply that introduces us to the best of the boreal forest and regional producers. Even though we were in the low season of November, the team at O'Batillage welcomed us wonderfully. For my part, I was treated to a three-course meal, starting with smoked salmon from La Boucanerie d’Henri. Beyond this salmon, which I believe is the best in Quebec, the dish included a Frambleu coulis (from Domaine Le Cageot), cucumbers, flaxseed oil (from Ferme Tournevent), capers, raspberries, and puffed wild rice. An unmissable starter!
For the main course, I chose the seafood pasta featuring fresh tagliolini (La Prod LP) in Mornay sauce, Matane shrimp, Prince Edward Island mussels, Iles-de-la-Madeleine scallops, white fish, and sea lettuce. A generous portion that satisfies hearty appetites. Of course, we always save room for dessert, and I was tempted by an excellent crème brûlée. I could not have made a better choice!
Experiencing the restaurant at Auberge des Battures is certainly a delight for the taste buds, but it is equally pleasing for the eyes. Throughout my substantial meal, the establishment, managed by Mr. Éric Civel, offered me an unparalleled view of the Saguenay Fjord. A feast for all your senses.
Restaurant O'Batillage / Auberge des Battures
6295, boulevard de la grande Baie Sud Saguenay, La Baie district
418 544-8234
https://obatillage.com
Founded with the simple concept of bringing an Italian bistro-style restaurant to Campbellton, Pronto offers dishes such as delicious appetizers, salads, and pasta, not to mention a well-stocked drink menu. It also serves the famous fresh pasta from L'Atelier Gourmand.
The owner, Keegan Rose, opened his restaurant in July 2022, and it is already recognized among the city's top-rated by critics and customers. He has been working in the restaurant industry since reaching adulthood. Having had the opportunity to open his own restaurant, he jumped at the chance.
The owner, Keegan Rose
In fact, he occupies the premises that the restaurant where he previously worked had left vacant when it moved elsewhere. A well-located and very busy place in the heart of the city, surrounded by many local businesses and very close to the Interprovincial Bridge leading to Quebec.
His initial project: to offer only Italian food at affordable and reasonable prices. He certainly believes it is possible to find it elsewhere in the city. But he points out that at his place, it is authentic and different from others. "Campbellton was missing this kind of place," he asserts. He personally trains the cooks who prepare the dishes that are the basis of his inspiration. Apart from the Italian menu, there is an interesting wine list featuring local and renowned products, as well as beers.
Pronto can accommodate about 40 people inside. A terrace outside in good weather allows for an additional fifteen or so. About 10 people find employment there.
While still in his thirties, he never thought he could own his own restaurant before his fifties. Having returned to Campbellton a few years ago, after working for some time in Calgary, for a restaurant chain in Rothesay, and having obtained his "red seal" chef certificate in Moncton, Keegan now felt ready to take the plunge.
Pronto is open from Tuesday to Saturday, for lunch and dinner. It is noteworthy that the owner and staff can provide service in both French and English. Taking great care of customers is part of his concept. And it seems to be working. It is advisable to book in advance to secure a table on weekends.
Pronto – Italian Bistro
prontocampbellton.com
99, Roseberry St
Campbellton (NB) E3N 2G6
506.753.5000
Old Québec is the most popular tourist destination in Québec and features many of the greatest restaurants in the city. In the tradition of Serge Bruyère, many fine chefs in Québec are found in Québec city. Let us mention Jean-Luc Boulay (Le Saint-Amour and Chez Boulay), Arnaud Marchand (Chez Boulay), Daniel Vézina (Laurie Raphaël) and Louis Pacquelin (Panache) among others. Jean-Luc Boulay and Arnaud Marchand from Chez Boulay offer the experience of northern French cuisine while highlighting typical local products. It is located on the ground floor of the elegant Manoir Victoria, on Saint-Jean Street. Close by, Mr. Boulay also presides over the kitchen activities at Saint-Amour, a prominent figure of Québec’s gastronomic scene. Moreover, Saint Amour appears in Trip Advisors’ top 10 fine dining restaurants and it is not unusual to spot a celebrity seated there.
Situated in an old 18th century warehouse in Vieux-Québec and part of the Auberge Saint-Antoine, the restaurant Panache offers the refined menu of chef Louis Pacquelin. While there, you can discover the artefacts showcased on the walls of the building, recalling the rich history of the French colony.
Tourists will also appreciate Les Anciens Canadiens, a restaurant established in a heritage building, where you can discover or rediscover some of the classics of traditional Québec cuisine. Near Château Frontenac, the Continental is renowned for its flambés. Close by, Le Parmesan offers delicious classics of Italian cuisine
