Who are we?
Where the forest, industry, and people come together.
BoreA DécouVERTE is a non-profit organization (NPO) and the ÉCONOMUSÉE® of the distiller: Essential oils located in Chapais, in Eeyou Istchee–Baie-James.
Our Vision
To make BoreA DécouVERTE a leader in experiential tourism and education about the boreal forest by offering authentic and inspiring experiences that bring visitors closer to the region, its people, and its natural treasures.
We believe that knowledge fosters a sense of wonder, understanding, and respect for the region.
Our Mission
To help people discover, understand, and appreciate the natural, cultural, and industrial heritage of Northern Quebec through educational, tourist, and immersive experiences. We raise visitors’ awareness of the richness of our region, the local expertise found here, and the importance of sustainable resource management.
A place born from a simple idea
Help people discover what lies behind the doors.
The boreal forest is an integral part of Northern Quebec’s identity. Yet few people have the opportunity to see how these resources are harvested, processed, and utilized on a daily basis.
BoreA DécouVERTE aims to make a world that is generally reserved for workers, specialists, and industrialists accessible to the public. We decided to set up a reception area right within the BoreA Canada facilities in order to share the knowledge, skills, and innovations that come to life here, in the heart of this region.
Through this industrial tourism experience, visitors learn about the various steps involved in turning the plant into essential oil, as well as the connections between the forest, local businesses, and the region’s communities.
This educational mission is also aimed at the school community. Our team tailors its activities to elementary, middle, high school, and college students to make concepts related to natural resources, energy, the circular economy, and essential oil production accessible in a practical and interactive way.
Jean-Claude Villeneuve, an engineer by training, has always been committed to sharing his knowledge by tailoring his message to each audience. Its goal remains the same: to spark curiosity, foster understanding, and inspire wonder.
More than just a visit, BoreA DécouVERTE is an invitation to experience the boreal forest in a new way—to discover the skills it inspires and the men and women who passionately pass them on.
A unique approach in the heart of the boreal forest
Our Five Pillars
BoreA DécouVERTE is built on five pillars that guide all of its activities, from welcoming visitors to promoting natural resources.
- Environmentally Responsible Process
We prioritize environmentally friendly practices at every stage of our operations. - Giving Objects a Second Life
We believe in making the most of forest resources and in the circular economy. - Valuing People
People, expertise, and communities are at the heart of our approach. - Sharing Knowledge
We promote learning, science outreach, and the sharing of knowledge. - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
We contribute to sustainable development and the growth of our region.
The People Behind the Project
A collective adventure rooted in the North.
BoreA DécouVERTE is, above all, a story of passion, passing on knowledge, and collaboration—where every team member helps bring an authentic, human experience to life. Behind every visit are people who share their expertise, their knowledge of the land, and their attachment to this corner of the country.
BoreA DécouVERTE also draws on the richness of its environment—local businesses, educational institutions, development organizations, tourism stakeholders, and community members—to showcase the region and its know-how.
Because a region isn’t discovered only through its landscapes, but also thanks to the women and men who live and work there all year round. Through close contact with this exceptional territory, they have developed a deep awareness of the value of the natural resources around them. By sharing their know-how and their perspective on the forest, they invite visitors to slow down, observe, and reconnect with nature.
What if you came to discover it for yourself?
Behind every essential oil, every plant, and every innovation lies a human story deeply rooted in the boreal forest.
We now invite you to meet the people who bring our territory to life and to explore behind the scenes of a unique know-how.
