Homegrown Business: Genevieve Cooke of Wildwood Nature Escape

Genevieve Cooke, co-owner of Wildwood Nature Escape, is behind a waterfront outdoor retreat along the Coulonge River in Québec that blends swimming, tubing, paddling, glamping, and camping into one off-grid destination. Built as a place for visitors to disconnect while still enjoying simple modern comforts, the site has become a getaway for couples and families looking to experience nature without giving up comfort entirely. We spoke with Genevieve Cooke to find out more about what inspired the project and how they created a riverfront escape just a few hours from Montréal.

What is your business called and what does it do?

Wildwood Nature Escape is a swimming, tubing, paddling, glamping and camping destination located along the Coulonge River in Québec, Canada.

What made you want to do this work?

I have always loved the outdoors and camping. As my kids got older, my partner and I started looking to do something different with our free time. We loved the idea of having a waterfront outdoor retreat to share with family, friends and of course, our customers. After we discovered the location along the Coulonge River, we decided to make a glamping destination that people could visit to swim, paddle, tube down the river, as well as camp and glamp.

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

We wanted to have a place that offers a great outdoors location that is off-grid, while also providing some modern comforts like beds, showers, and washrooms buildings as well as access to a pristine river for water sports.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Mostly, we have seen couples looking to escape the city and disconnect. We have also seen a few family groups who rent multiple locations on the property to have cookouts and barbecue together while experiencing the outdoors. I would say the ages are roughly 25-55 years old. We are also a great spot for people ending a canoe or kayak trip down the Coulonge River, as we have river access and are at the end of a long stretch of the waterway used for trips.

How does your business make money? How does it work?

We rent glamping domes, cabins and tent sites. In the future, we also plan to have on-site and digital stores for people to buy merchandise and amenities.

Where in the city can we find your profession?

We are located about 3 hours from Montreal and 90 minutes from Ottawa along the Coulonge River.

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

Q: What do you offer in your domes and cabins, and what should we bring?

A: Our domes and cabins have beds and sheets/pillows but no blankets, electricity or plumbing. We have a fireplace inside for cooler nights, and a fan reduces the humidity in the warmer months. We also have barbecues with propane at every site, as well as outdoor fire pits and indoor wood-burning fireplaces. You should bring everything for cooking (coolers, food, utensils), blankets and everything else you would need for camping. We pretty much just provide shelter with a clean and comfy bed with sheets. The main building on the property has 4 individual shower rooms and a men’s and women’s washroom with 3 flush toilets in each.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part is being in nature and showing people the property. Everyone seems to have a really fun time in the river, and being in such a quiet and pristine part of the province of Québec.

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

Camping is great because you can hear nature.

Mostly, it’s just squirrels judging your setup.

Where can we follow you?

Website | Facebook | Instagram

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?

Parc des Chutes Coulonge. It is an incredible tourist destination just 5 minutes down the road that features amazing waterfalls, rock climbing along the rapids, zip-lining over the rapids, and a cool history museum about logging in the area.