Aéroport de Québec Inc. says a new restaurant and retail concept highlighting Wendat cuisine and craftsmanship will open at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport later this year.
The airport authority and Sagamité announced recently that the 273-square-metre restaurant and shop will begin serving travellers in the fall 2026, offering dine-in and takeaway food alongside Indigenous-made goods.
The project adds food service and retail capacity beyond the security checkpoint, an area where airport officials say passengers have long sought more options before departure. The new location, situated between gates 31 and 32, will include seating for up to 80 people and feature a menu rooted in First Nations culinary traditions.
The expansion also marks a growth step for Sagamité, which will receive financial backing from federal and provincial governments as well as RBC to support the initiative.
“We are proud to be opening our third Sagamité restaurant at YQB, along with a souvenir and craft shop. It’s the perfect opportunity to share the Wendat Nation’s food and culture with travellers from around the world. We are grateful to the governments of Canada and Québec, and RBC, for their financial support, which is allowing us to honour our traditions and keep them alive by providing a unique, authentic experience to travellers at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport,” said Steeve Gros-Louis, owner and founder of Sagamité.
Airport officials say the addition aligns with broader efforts to enhance passenger experience while incorporating regional communities into the airport’s commercial offering.
“We are pleased to be able to give travellers the chance to experience the richness of Wendat culture. Sagamité is helping our airport become not just a point of departure, but a gateway for exploration and discovery. The new concession also fits perfectly with our intention to enhance the passenger experience at YQB by involving communities from around Québec City and across all of Québec in YQB’s growth and offering a variety of outstanding services,” added Stéphane Poirier, President and CEO of YQB.
The announcement drew support from Indigenous and political leaders, who pointed to the project’s role in showcasing Wendat culture and expanding tourism-related offerings.
“As a Nation, we are recognized for our entrepreneurial dynamism and our ability to keep our culture alive through impactful initiatives. Sagamité, under the leadership of Mr. Steeve Gros-Louis, is a prime example. This new offering at the Québec City airport further underscores the historical and contemporary presence of the Wendat Nation in the greater Québec City area. Sagamité will allow travellers to experience aspects of Wendat culture,” said Pierre Picard, Grand Chief of the Wendat Nation.
“Having a Sagamité at YQB is wonderful news for all of Québec! Indigenous tourism is an extraordinary asset to our province, and each new project like this adds to the 250+ experiences already available across Québec. I am thrilled to be seeing Wendat culture and cuisine make their way to the Québec City airport, where they can be enjoyed by travellers from around the globe. Congratulations to the entire Sagamité team,” added Ian Lafrenière, Deputy Premier, Minister of Domestic Security, and Minister Responsible for Relations with the First Nations and the Inuit.
“In Québec City, one of the ways we share culture is around the table. It’s one of the best parts of our community. I am delighted to see the Wendat Nation’s culinary and crafting traditions be given such an excellent showcase right at our airport, where it can become visitors’ first or last impression of what our region has to offer,” said Bruno Marchand, Mayor of Québec City.
Sagamité currently operates two restaurants in the Québec City region. The business focuses on traditional dishes, including game and bannock, and will also sell handcrafted items such as jewellery, mittens and moccasins.
Aéroport de Québec Inc., which has managed the airport since 2000, said the addition is part of ongoing efforts to expand services and reflect the cultural identity of the region within its terminal operations.
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