Événements Harricana Announces the Creation of a Trail Station in Charlevoix: A First in North America

Charlevoix, July 29, 2024 – Événements Harricana is proud to announce the creation of an innovative Trail Station in the Charlevoix region, the first of its kind in North America. This ambitious project, supported by over $300,000 in grants, aims to strengthen Charlevoix as a must-visit destination for trail running enthusiasts.

Project Details:

• Standardized Trail Signage: Uniform signs and markers to enhance the runners’ experience.
• Upgrading Existing Trails: Modernization and maintenance of current trails to ensure their quality and safety.
• Dedicated Base Point: A centralized location for welcoming and providing services to runners.
• Formalization of Passage Rights and Territorial Agreements: Including agreements with MGF, Montagne Noire, etc.
• Additional Services for Trail Running: Shuttle services, guides, and accommodation options to enrich visitors’ experience.
• Feasibility Study for New Trails Development: Exploring new routes connecting La Malbaie to Mont Grand-Fonds and St-Fidèle to Mont Grand-Fonds.
• Unified Website for Service Offerings: A centralized portal that gathers all information and services related to trail running in the region.
• Hiring a Dedicated Resource for the Project.

Partners and Funding:

The project benefits from significant financial support, with contributions of $150,000 from Tourisme Charlevoix, $150,000 from the MRC de Charlevoix Est, and financial backing from the City of La Malbaie. The main partners for the project’s realization are Mont Grand-Fonds and Sentier Québec-Charlevoix.

Impact and Leadership:

This project positions Événements Harricana not only as the reference in organizing trail running events in Canada but also as an innovative and leading organization in the development of this discipline in North America. The impact on the Charlevoix region will be substantial, attracting athletes and tourists from around the world.

Olympic Vision:

Événements Harricana has grand ambitions, inspired by the highest international standards to create an unprecedented trail running experience. This is a first step that will help develop the discipline and offer a place for trail runners from everywhere to practice their passion.

Development Phases:

This is phase A of a project that will include several other development phases, highlighting Événements Harricana’s long-term commitment to innovation and the growth of Charlevoix’s tourism industry.

Statements on the Project:

“Athlétisme Québec is thrilled with the project and plans to support it as much as possible in the coming months and years!” – Dave Brideau, Director of Sport Development, Athlétisme Québec.

“Today, we are taking a crucial step in our mission to promote trail running. We are laying the first stone to provide local athletes with the tools and support they need to succeed on the competitive scene.” – Sébastien Côté, Co-Founder of Événements Harricana and Chairman of the Board.

“Mountain tourism is an integral part of Charlevoix’s offer and contributes to making it a distinctive destination. At the same time, four-season tourism is essential in the context of climate change. By supporting initiatives like that of Événements Harricana, the entire tourism ecosystem benefits, allowing our communities to reap economic rewards. Congratulations to the promoters who shine a light on our region.” – Kariane Bourassa, Member of the National Assembly for Charlevoix–Côte-de-Beaupré.

“We are extremely proud to launch this innovative project that strengthens our leadership in the trail running world in Canada. This initiative perfectly aligns with our mission to develop and promote trail running. This project is a significant step in our organizational development, and we are eager to see the positive impact it will have on the Charlevoix community and beyond.” – Samuel Matte-Thibault, General Director of Événements Harricana.

“We are on track to make Charlevoix a premier destination for trail running enthusiasts who will be able to enjoy a network of specially designed trails throughout the season. We are proud of the partnership developed with Mont Grand-Fonds, Sentiers Québec-Charlevoix, and the municipalities of Charlevoix-Est that will host our runners.” – Claude Miville, Charlevoix Regional Representative on the Événements Harricana Board of Directors.

“This initiative is perfectly in line with the strategic territorial planning of the MRC de Charlevoix-Est, which aims, among other things, to unify the offer of outdoor circuits in the backcountry.” – Odile Comeau, Prefect of the MRC de Charlevoix-Est.

Employment Opportunity:

To successfully complete phase A, Événements Harricana is launching a job offer for a project manager. The station is scheduled to open in June-July 2025.

For more information, please contact Samuel Matte-Thibault, General Director of Événements Harricana at rh@harricana.info.

About Événements Harricana:

Événements Harricana is a leader in organizing trail running events in Canada. Since its inception, the organization has distinguished itself through its innovation and commitment to developing the discipline, attracting participants from all over North America and Europe.

Media Contact:
Camille Bedard, 581-309-1744, camille_bedard@outllok.com