Réseau plein air Québec

What Réseau plein air Québec does

Réseau plein air Québec (RPAQ) is a Quebec-based non-profit umbrella organization (OBNL) that coordinates and advocates for the province's outdoor recreation sector. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Montréal, RPAQ operates as a coalition of 13 outdoor recreation federations — including Canot Kayak Québec, Vélo Québec, Ski de fond Québec, Voile Québec, FQME, and Parq — collectively representing 914 member organizations. Its mandate is to provide a unified voice for the sector, develop standardized safety and risk management practices, and improve public access to outdoor activities across Quebec.

RPAQ's core digital asset is the On y va platform (onyva.quebec), a publicly accessible directory enabling Quebec residents to discover and plan outdoor activities. Its knowledge products include 16 published discipline-specific Guides de pratique et d'encadrement sécuritaires (with 8 additional guides planned by spring 2026), a comprehensive risk management toolkit developed in collaboration with the Comité pour le développement et la promotion du plein air (CDPPA), and scientific publications co-authored with academic researchers including the Chaire de tourisme Transat ESG UQAM. Distribution occurs through the federation network, the organization website (reseaupleinair.quebec), active social channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok), a dedicated press room, and recurring seasonal awareness campaigns such as Cultive ton plein air, La nature te juge, and the Mois du bénévolat en plein air.

The organization's business model is non-commercial: RPAQ does not sell products or services and provides all resources free of charge. Revenue derives from Quebec provincial government grants (notably from the Ministère du Tourisme and the Ministère de l'Environnement — including a $2.5M Accès Nature commitment in 2025 and a $1.645M Destination nature pour tous! transport subsidy program), membership contributions from federations, and collaborative funding arrangements with partners such as Sépaq and the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal. RPAQ is led by Directrice générale Annick St-Denis and operates with approximately 10 employees.

Name

Réseau plein air Québec

Legal name

Réseau plein air Québec

Website

https://reseaupleinair.quebec

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Réseau plein air Québec is a Montréal-based non-profit umbrella coordinating 13 Quebec outdoor recreation federations covering 914 member organizations, operating the On y va activity directory, publishing safety guides, and advocating for sector-wide policy and access.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Recreation Coalition and Member Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation (BPAGAGAF)

Keywords

• Outdoor recreation network
• Outdoor activity directory
• Safety practice guides
• Federation coordination services
• Risk management resources

Headquarters

HQ city

Montréal

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Subsidies: RPAQ receives funding from government bodies including the Ministère du Tourisme, the Ministère de l'Environnement, and other provincial ministries to support its mission, programs, and initiatives such as the Accès Nature program ($2.5M investment announced in 2025).
2. Membership Fees: RPAQ serves as an umbrella network for 13 outdoor recreation federations representing 914 member organizations. Membership fees from these federations contribute to the organization's operational funding.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Réseau plein air Québec is a non-profit umbrella organization that coordinates 13 outdoor recreation federations representing 914 member organizations in Quebec. Its core deliverables include the "On y va" online directory of outdoor activities, 16 discipline-specific safety and practice guides, and a standardized risk management toolkit co-developed with the CDPPA committee. All resources, tools, and platforms are provided free of charge to the public and member federations.

Product overview

Réseau plein air Québec (RPAQ) operates as a coordinating network for 14 outdoor activity federations in Quebec, offering a portfolio of information platforms and educational resources rather than a single product. The core offering is the 'On y va' platform—a searchable directory of outdoor activities across Quebec. Supporting this are 16 comprehensive 'Guides de pratique et d'encadrement sécuritaires' covering activities such as canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, climbing, skiing, and cycling, designed for both free and guided practice. Additional resources include risk management tools with trip planning templates and emergency measure guidelines, scientific publications, funding program information, and advocacy initiatives for improving access to private lands and shorelines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• On y va: An online directory platform for discovering and planning outdoor activities across Quebec, launched by Réseau plein air Québec.

Products and services

• On y va Platform Online directory and platform that lists outdoor activities available across Quebec, enabling Quebec residents to discover, explore, and plan outdoor recreation opportunities. It is provided free of charge to the general public.
• Guides de pratique et d'encadrement sécuritaires A collection of 16 comprehensive safety and best-practice guides covering various outdoor activities including canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, climbing, skiing, speleology, and cycling. The guides serve both free and guided practice contexts and are designed for federation members, site managers, and practitioners.
• Outils de gestion des risques Standardized risk management toolkit including trip exit plans, emergency response plans, educational video capsules, reference sheets, and a glossary. Developed collaboratively with the CDPPA committee to help outdoor enthusiasts and site managers anticipate, prevent, and respond to incidents across simple and complex outdoor activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• $2.2 billion annual economic impact generated by outdoor recreation activities in Quebec (Chaire de tourisme Transat, 2017)
• +3 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Comité pour le développement et la promotion du plein air (CDPPA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Committee mandated to create standardized risk management resources across Quebec's outdoor recreation sector. Led the collaborative development of the risk management toolkit used by RPAQ and its member federations. Partners include Association des camps du Québec, Association des Parcs Régionaux du Québec, Aventure Écotourisme Québec, Fédération des éducateurs et éducatrices physiques enseignants du Québec, and RPAQ.
• Canot Kayak QuébeccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the 13 member federations under the RPAQ umbrella. Represents canoeing and kayaking practitioners in Quebec. Contributes to collaborative risk management tools, safety guidelines, and the On y va platform.
• Cheval QuébeccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember federation representing equestrian outdoor activities in Quebec. Contributes to the RPAQ network and collaborative safety guideline development.
• Fédération québécoise de kite (FQK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember federation for kitesurfing and snowkite in Quebec. Collaborated with RPAQ to produce the first-ever Guide de pratique et d'encadrement sécuritaires du kite au Québec (published April 2025).
• Eau Vive QuébeccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember federation for whitewater sports in Quebec. Co-develops paddle sports safety guidelines and risk management resources within the RPAQ collaborative framework.
• Spéléo QuébeccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember federation for spelunking/caving in Quebec. Part of the RPAQ federation network.
• Fédération québécoise de la montagne et de l'escalade (FQME)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember federation for mountaineering and rock climbing in Quebec. Contributes to safety guidelines and the broader RPAQ collaborative framework.
• Ski de fond QuébeccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember federation for cross-country skiing in Quebec. Contributes to winter outdoor activity guidelines and RPAQ network initiatives.
• Vélo QuébeccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember federation for cycling in Quebec. Represents road cycling, mountain biking, and gravel cycling. Contributes to cycling-specific safety resources and the RPAQ ecosystem.
• Voile QuébeccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember federation for sailing in Quebec. Contributes to sailing-specific safety and practice guidelines within the RPAQ collaborative framework.
• Rando QuébeccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember federation for hiking/pedestrian outdoor activities in Quebec. Produced the État des lieux de la formation transversale en plein air report (2019). Contributes to trail management and hiking safety resources.
• Québec SubaquatiquecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember federation for scuba diving in Quebec. Part of the RPAQ federation network.
• Parq (Parcs régionaux du Québec)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation of Quebec regional parks. Collaborates with RPAQ on the Destination nature pour tous! program ($1.645M transport subsidy announced 2025) alongside Sépaq, and contributes to the CDPPA risk management tool development.
• Course Orientation QuébeccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember federation for orienteering in Quebec. Part of the RPAQ federation network.
• Fondation RivièresminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRPAQ supports the ongoing efforts of Fondation Rivières, which advocates for public access to shorelines and waterways. According to Fondation Rivières, 98% of southern Quebec shorelines are currently inaccessible.
• Sépaq (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment-owned corporation managing Quebec's national parks. RPAQ collaborates with Sépaq on the Destination nature pour tous! program providing $1.645M in transport subsidies for groups visiting parks, and on accessibility initiatives announced in 2025.
• Chaire de tourisme Transat ESG UQAMminorOthersAcademic research partner. Conducted the foundational 2017 study on outdoor recreation clientele, practice sites, and economic/social impacts referenced by RPAQ across multiple publications.
• Regroupement Loisir et Sport du Québec (RLSQ) and BFL CanadaminorOthersInsurance partners referenced in RPAQ's resource toolkit. RLSQ provides group insurance policies (civil liability for administrators, directors, and general liability) for member organizations of Quebec recreation and sport associations.
• JuripopminorOthersLegal services organization offering low-cost legal services for OBNLs. Referenced in RPAQ's useful links section for organizations.
• Association des camps du QuébecminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the CDPPA committee collaborating with RPAQ to develop standardized risk management tools for outdoor activities in Quebec.
• Aventure Écotourisme QuébecminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the CDPPA committee collaborating with RPAQ on standardized risk management tools. Also partnered on survey research (Segma Recherche) related to outdoor recreation participation in Quebec.
• Fédération des éducateurs et éducatrices physiques enseignants du Québec (FEEPEQ)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the CDPPA committee collaborating with RPAQ to develop standardized risk management tools for outdoor activities in Quebec.
• Ministère du Tourisme (Government of Quebec)coreOthersProvincial government ministry providing funding support for RPAQ initiatives including the Programme d'appui au développement des attraits touristiques (PADAT) and other outdoor recreation development programs. Announced $2.5M investment for Accès Nature measure in June 2025.
• Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (Government of Quebec)coreOthersProvincial government ministry providing funding for the Programme Stations de nettoyage d'embarcations 2023-2028 and other environmental and outdoor recreation programs. Minister Benoit Charette collaborates with RPAQ on park accessibility initiatives.
• Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM)minorOthersMetropolitan Montreal government body offering financial aid programs for green and blue corridor projects that support outdoor recreation site development within the CMM territory.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Mountain Equipment Company (MEC): Canada-wide outdoor recreation retailer and member co-operative. Tangentially comparable as a large Canadian outdoor recreation organization with member engagement and safety/sustainability advocacy, but operating commercially rather than as a federated nonprofit.
• Sépaq (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec): Government-owned operator of Quebec's national parks and outdoor destinations. Adjacent mandate in Quebec outdoor recreation and an active RPAQ partner (Destination nature pour tous!), but operates facilities rather than coordinating a federated network.
• Parcs Canada / Parks Canada: Federal operator of national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas across Canada. Overlaps with RPAQ in promoting outdoor recreation access, but at much larger scale and as a government agency rather than a coordinating nonprofit.

Others

• Fondation Rivières: Quebec nonprofit advocating for public access to shorelines and waterways. RPAQ actively supports its work; both share a nonprofit advocacy stance on outdoor access, though Fondation Rivières focuses specifically on riparian rights.

Direct peers

• Trans Canada Trail / Sentier Transcanadien: National trail network and nonprofit coordinating cross-Canada outdoor recreation infrastructure. Comparable in convening multiple stakeholders, advocacy for trail/outdoor access, and producing public-facing resources across provinces.
• Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA): National association representing the parks and recreation sector in Canada. Comparable member-driven nonprofit mandate focused on advocacy, professional development, and sector coordination across recreation disciplines.
• Outdoor Council of Canada: National umbrella organization promoting outdoor recreation in Canada. Directly comparable to RPAQ in mission (advocacy, safety, access) and structure (multi-stakeholder coalition), but operating at the national rather than provincial level.
• Aventure Écotourisme Québec: Quebec-based outdoor ecotourism industry association. Highly comparable to RPAQ in geographic scope, outdoor recreation focus, and nonprofit structure; the two organizations already collaborate on the CDPPA risk management committee and survey research.
• Regroupement Loisir et Sport du Québec (RLSQ): Provincial umbrella for leisure and sport associations in Quebec. Comparable coordination and member-service mandate at the Quebec level, with broader scope across sport and recreation rather than purely outdoor activities.

Regional players

• BC Outdoor Recreation Council: Provincial coordinating body for outdoor recreation in British Columbia. Functionally analogous to RPAQ at the BC provincial level — same role of bringing recreation interests together and advocating with government, but in a different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/reseaupleinairquebec
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/reseau-plein-air-quebec
• Instagraminstagram.com/onyva.quebec
• TikToktiktok.com/@onyva.quebec

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Réseau plein air Québec