Raise your hands if you are a traveler who is interested in eco-tourism, self-sustainability, and green travel! Alright, you can put them down now, grab a pen and paper…or just save this blog because you will definitely want to put the Zooboxes at le Vertendre on your bucket-list! This spectacular gem which is located on the forgotten side of Mont-Orford, in Eastman Quebec (about 1.5 hours from Montreal), was designed to stimulate any individual with its creative and passionate approach to sustaining a GREEN Quebec! Believe it or not, this Zoobox is 100% self-sufficient!
Le Vertendre prides itself on thinking differently, thus taking on an environmental responsibility to protect wildlife and flora. Every accommodation located within le Vertendre has been designed to organically merge with their surroundings and promote awareness of our impact in regards to the planets resources.
With that being said, the accommodations (zooboxes and cottages) found here can be greatly enjoyed without the guilt of disturbing what mother nature has put in place around these parts of Quebec.
We stayed in Zoobox 81, an approximate 1.5 to 2 km walk from the parking lot! At le Vertendre, cars aren’t permitted inside the grounds where all the accommodations are found and we can all attest that the reasoning behind it is valid; they want to keep this place as GREEN as possible (we are PRO this idea!). There are trolleys and sleds available to you in order to facilitate transportation but we highly recommend to bring a backpack, makes the walk easier!
So, what makes these zooboxes so unique, eco-friendly, and self-sufficient?
1. Powered by solar panels & equipped with an energy-generating bicycle
The stationary bicycle allows you to self-generate electricity that is then stored for later use. This simple physical activity gives the guests an idea just how much energy is required to generate electricity, something most of us turn a blind eye to and take for granted in our every day life! The solar panels capture the sun’s energy and turn it over to the batteries in the zoobox.
2. A king-sized bed that is suspended from the ceiling…yes, you read correctly!
Let’s talk about practical; the suspended bed works with a safety cable and pulley system. The bed can be brought down when you need it and lifted up to free up space. We are so in love with the idea of conserving space! I mean think about it, why the need for more rooms when you can just pull up the bed when you aren’t sleeping? Making notes for our future home!
3. Rain-fall harvested outside shower / bathtub on wheels
The bathtub can be rolled wherever your heart desires however it is recommended that you fill it up after moving it. We are all about conserving water and the zoobox is all about that! The system will shut itself off if you leave the water running for more than 15 minutes (or forget to turn it off). Also, the water is drinkable, yay! The water is pumped from a well that is approximately 40m underground. That means no plastic water bottles are needed and we were so happy since we carry our reusable bottles with us everywhere we go.
4. Folding glass doors
The abundance of fenestration in the zoobox is to maximize the use of solar energy. This was by far our favorite part about the zoobox (along side the suspended SUPER comfortable bed!). At sunrise we opened the doors and only closed them when we were ready to go to sleep. Keeping the doors open allow the air to circulate which is beneficial since the zoobox heats up quickly during the summer months.
5. Fully equipped kitchen
Who doesn’t love a fully equipped kitchen!? This makes clean eating so much easier! You can bring your own food and if ever you are missing something, there is a grocery store 5 minutes away. The kitchen is equipped with a low-voltage refrigerator, gas stove/oven, coffee maker, cookware, and cutlery. Heads up! There is a possibility of mice joining you during your stay (no surprise there, you are in their home, so be nice) so just make sure to store everything properly! oh psst, there is a popcorn machine, but you have to do some physical activity in order to pop them!
Also
– The zoobox has a fireplace in order to generate heat during the winter months
– The zoobox can accommodate up to 8 people with 2 extra mattresses on the above level that is accessible by a climbing wall / firefighter’s pole
– Campfire site, wood, matches, and headlamps
– The cottages can accommodate up to 14 people
– PET FRIENDLY! Dogs are allowed, just check their website for more details (there will be a dog that greets you at reception!).
– Cellular reception (but you do not need it!)
– They supply you with bed sheets, bath towels, and toilet paper.
– Check in time is 4pm, check out time is 11am
– Minimum stay of 2 nights
This zoobox has everything a traveler needs and probably more!
Our stay at le Vertendre could not have been more perfect! It exceeded our expectations and we are truly grateful for the wonderful experience. We had the luxury of celebrating 4 years of our relationship in this beautiful zoobox and we know that there’s nothing better than being able to disconnect with your significant other or loved ones to enjoy what nature has to offer. As a couple, we are always looking for ways to escape the busy city life that we currently live and le Vertendre was the perfect escape, literally! We fully support the movement of eco-tourism and we couldn’t be more excited to write about this place in hopes that you’d follow along in our footsteps and find joy here as well! We wouldn’t have had our weekend any other way than fully immersed in the forest with nothing more than what was provided and each other.
Thing to do near your zoobox/cottage
-During Spring, Summer, and Fall: canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking
-During Winter: skiing and snowshoeing
Nearby activities
Mount-Orford National Park, downhill skiing, Spa Eastman, golfing, grocery stores, horseback riding and more!
For more information/prices/bookings/directions, please visit Le Vertendre
If you want to learn more about zooboxes and how to get involved, please visit Zoobox