History

From a modest Isle-aux-Coudres home to proud corporation

1956: Alvine Desmeules and Louis Dufour build a 10-room house for themselves and their 16 children on a rocky point on Isle-aux-Coudres.

1960: The enlarged home becomes the Hôtel Cap-aux-Pierres

1976: A fire ravages the hotel which now has 26 additional units, an outdoor pool and a bar room. Reconstruction begins only a few months later.

1983: The Dufour family starts offering cruises along the Tadoussac coast. Foundation of a maritime workshop at Isle-aux-Coudres and development of high-tech expertise in naval construction.

1986: Construction of the Hôtel Val-des-Neiges, a facility that helped define the concept of business conferences in rural settings combined with an environmental ethic.

1992: Acquisition of the Hôtel Clarendon, the oldest hotel in Old Quebec City.

1999: Buyout of the Dufour Groupe by the Pillenière family. Computer systems upgrade and establishment of an integrated hotel network.

2000: Renovation of the Hôtel Clarendon at a cost of $1.2 million.

2003: Grand prix du Tourisme Québécois - Groupe Dufour and its maritime division wins bronze in the Tourist attraction – under 100,000 visitors category.

2004: Grand prix du Tourisme Québécois - Groupe Dufour cruises win silver in the Transportation category.

2006-2007: Major renovations to the Hôtel Val-des-Neiges (lobby, restaurant, pool, rooms. Installation of an exterior spa).

2007-2008: Renovation of rooms and Le Charles Baillairgé Restaurant-Bar-Lounge in the Hôtel Clarendon.

2008: Hôtel Clarendon obtains 3 Green Key rating from the Hotel Association of Canada.

2009: Hôtel Val-des-Neiges obtains 3 Green Key rating from the Hotel Association of Canada.

2010: Groupe Dufour registers for the 2010 Climate Challenge. More than ever the company shows its commitment to operating a green business.