Without ice, what is the future of whitecoat observation?

For the 3rd consecutive year and the 7th time since 2010, the whitecoat season is cancelled.

Not surprisingly, the decision to cancel the activity was made due to the lack of ice in the Gulf and pessimistic long-term forecasts on the state of the ice pack, says Ariane Bérubé, Director of Sales, Marketing and Communications at Accents Hotels.

After several postponements in the last decade, the company is wondering about the future of whitecoat observation.

More than 100 international clients had their reservations cancelled last week, laments Ariane Bérubé.

At the peak of the activity’s popularity, in the 90’s, the whitecoat watching attracted between 500 and 600 visitors in the middle of winter, she says.

She also notes that the clientele seems to be more and more aware of the impacts of climate change on the archipelago.

The Accents Hotels team is also thinking about ways to boost winter tourism without relying on the emblematic whitecoats.

On the other hand, she adds that the renovation of the rooms of the Château Madelinot should be finalized in the coming weeks.

The hotel establishment has undertaken a major project in the spring of 2021.