Annual Conference Québec City, Québec 2027
From May 12–14, 2027, more than 300 municipal, Indigenous, industry, and environmental leaders will gather in Québec City for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative’s Annual Conference: Water Won’t Wait: Securing Our Region’s Future.
From Lake Superior to the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, communities are leading the way in shaping our region’s future. From investing in critical water infrastructure and strengthening local economies to protecting freshwater resources and preparing communities for extreme weather, community leaders are facing growing challenges – and new opportunities to act.
Situated along the St. Lawrence River, Québec City provides a fitting backdrop for these conversations. Its strong connections to freshwater, maritime commerce, culture, tourism, and economic opportunity reflect the important role water has long played in shaping communities and economies across our region.
Together, we’ll explore how local leaders can turn today’s biggest water challenges into opportunities, advance solutions in their communities, and strengthen the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region for generations to come. Because when it comes to securing the future of our communities, our economy, and our most precious resource, water won’t wait.
Promo Video
Sponsorship Opportunities
Partner with the Cities Initiative to support us in building a healthy, resilient Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River region. Through your partnership, you will get the attention of more than 300 municipal, Indigenous, industry, and environmental leaders at our 2027 annual conference in Quebec City, QC and demonstrate your commitment to preserving our precious freshwater resource.
Conference Accommodations
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative has a room block reserved at the Hilton Québec for May 12 to May 14. Reservations must be made no later than Tuesday, April 19, 2027 to receive group rate (see details below).
Hilton Québec
1100 René Lévesque East, Québec City, QC G1R 4P3
Check-in: 4:00 PM | Check-out: 12:00 PM | Non-Smoking
Rates: 359.00 CAD – 379.00 CAD per night + taxes and fees
View hotel website
Reservations can be made online or via phone:
- Book at group rate for Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
- Reservations can be made by phone at 418-647-6500 or toll-free at 1-800-447-2411. Please reference group code GGREA if booking by phone.
Situated opposite Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Hilton Québec offers a convenient location within walking distance of the Plains of Abraham and Québec’s National Assembly. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a heated rooftop pool and a distinctive lobby inspired by the St. Lawrence River.
Following a redesign by LemayMichaud, the hotel’s lobby now features a spacious, contemporary setting that draws on the character of the St. Lawrence. River-inspired details include canoe-shaped furnishings and artwork evoking the landscapes and shorelines of the river, including Anticosti Island.
In January 2025, the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, Cree Nation, Wendat Nation and Mi’gmaq Nation of Gespe’gewa’gi announced their acquisition of a majority interest in the Hilton Québec through Atenro, a limited partnership established by the four Nations. The transaction represents an important milestone in Indigenous economic development beyond reserve communities.
Our Host City
Located along the St. Lawrence River, Québec City brings together more than 400 years of history, a vibrant francophone culture, and a strong connection to the water. The city’s historic architecture, walkable neighborhoods, restaurants and cafés, and views of the St. Lawrence give Québec City a distinctive sense of place. At its heart is Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only fortified city north of Mexico.
The St. Lawrence has played an important role in shaping Québec City throughout its history and remains central to the city today. Visitors can experience that connection throughout the city, from the historic Old Port and waterfront to the ships travelling along the river.
Québec City is located in a region with a rich and enduring Indigenous history, shaped by the presence, knowledge and traditions of First Nations who have called the St. Lawrence Valley home for generations. Onyionhwentsïio’, the traditional territory of the Wendat Nation, covers over 66,000 square kilometres (41,000 sq. miles), extending from the Saguenay River to the Saint-Maurice River to the west, and south of the St. Lawrence River, as far as the Saint John River. Home to the only reserve inhabited by Wendat people in Canada, Wendake, located just outside the city, is proud of its roots and its culture and proud to share them with visitors curious about the nation’s history and traditions.
We encourage you to spend some time exploring our host city while you’re here. Wander through Old Québec and Petit-Champlain, experience Québec City’s food and culture, and take in the views of the St. Lawrence River. Visit Destination Québec cité for more information on things to do while you’re in town!
As you explore Québec City and the surrounding region, we encourage you to also make time to discover Wendake, located just 15 minutes from the city centre, and learn more about the Wendat Nation and its enduring connection to the land.
