Regional Parks Tourism Offer Development Program (DOTPR)

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, local tourism has increased, leading to significant traffic on sites offering outdoor activities. Wanting to avoid the crowds and respect the physical distancing measures in force, many Quebeckers have flocked to nature and adventure tourism.

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However, the limited reception capacity of certain regions or certain sites shows that development measures are necessary to better meet the needs of the clientele, continue to stimulate the economy of the regions, and offer activities adapted to the new health reality. and, when international travel resumes, keeping our customers in our territory and attracting new ones.

The Quebec Ministry of Tourism has granted $ 5 million in financial assistance to the Association of Quebec Regional Parks (PaRQ) to implement a program to develop tourism activities and infrastructure in regional parks.

The orientations of the Québec government's action plan for sustainable and responsible tourism are an integral part of the implementation of this program.

This page presents the program guidelines.

• You will find the promoter's guide and the project submission form in the Submit an application section .
• Before completing the form, read the promoter's guide carefully. 

Introduction

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, local tourism has increased, leading to significant traffic at sites offering outdoor activities. Wanting to avoid crowds and respect the physical distancing measures in effect, many Quebecers have flocked to nature and adventure tourism. However, the limited capacity of certain regions or sites demonstrates that development measures are necessary to better meet the needs of customers, promote access to nature, continue to stimulate the regional economy, retain our customers in our territory and attract new ones.

In 2021, the Quebec Ministry of Tourism granted $5 million in financial assistance to the Association des parcs régionaux du Québec (Parq) for the implementation of a program to develop tourism activities and infrastructure in regional parks. The envelope was increased by $6 million in 2022 and $1.5 million in 2024 .

This program is consistent with the guidelines of the Action Plan for Responsible and Sustainable Tourism 2020-2025 and the Sustainable Tourism Growth Strategy 2025-2030 of the Ministry of Tourism.

Aim And goals of program

Aim :

Ensure the development of tourist activities and infrastructure in regional parks.

Goals :

• Develop a four-season, accessible and safe recreational tourism offering in Quebec's regional parks.
• Ensure the development and modernization of infrastructure for tourism activities.
• Support the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices in order to position Quebec as a leader in responsible and sustainable tourism.

Customers eligible

Regional park management organizations, such as:

• non-profit organizations (NPOs) legally constituted in Quebec;
• municipalities;
• regional county municipalities (RCMs);
• intermunicipal authorities;
• cooperatives.

At the time of submitting its grant application, the regional park management organization must hold accreditation from the Association des parcs régionaux du Québec (Parq) , be in the process of obtaining it, or have committed to undertaking this process. The final payment of the grant is conditional upon obtaining accreditation.

Excluded:

• Crown corporations, ministries and agencies of the government of Quebec or Canada;
• private companies;
• companies under the protection of the  Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act  or the  Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act ;
• companies registered in the Register of companies not eligible for public contracts (RENA);
• applicants who, during the two years preceding the application for financial assistance, have failed to meet their obligations after having been duly notified to do so when financial assistance was previously awarded by the Quebec Ministry of Tourism.

Categories of projects eligible

Projects must fall into one or more of the following project categories:

• Reception services
• Offer of attractions and outdoor activities
• Tourist accommodation

Help financial

To be eligible for financial assistance, a project must have minimum eligible costs of $150,000.

The maximum assistance granted is  75%  of eligible costs, up to a  maximum of $300,000.

To present a request

The fifth call for projects is in effect from June 27 to September 19, 2025.

To apply for financial assistance:

1. Read the promoter's guide carefully. It is very important to read it; you will find all the information you need to prepare your application.

Read the promoter's guide

2. Complete the project submission form.

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