Travel reviews
What to do
- Noteworthy
- Worth the detour
- Must see
Dominated by landscapes that have long enchanted painters, poets, writers, and musicians, the Charlevoix region is where sea and mountains meet: steep cliffs, exceptional parks, impressive villas, and tidy villages nestled at the base of the hills or in peaceful coves.
Designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Charlevoix owes its spectacular geography to the impact of a 15-billion-ton meteor 350 million years ago. Don't skip Charlevoix during your 15 days Canada itinerary.
PARC DES HAUTES-GORGES-DE-LA-RIVIÈRE-MALBAIE
Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park is truly one of the most beautiful territories in Quebec, and one of the reasons that the Charlevoix region was designated a World Biosphere Reserve.
The park was named after a series of valleys cut deep into a range of high mountains reaching over 1,000 m in altitude. Steep slopes, beautiful natural surroundings, and the unusual course of Rivière Malbaie make this an exceptional and unique site.
PARC NATIONAL DES HAUTES-GORGES-DE-LA-RIVIÈRE-MALBAIESeason: The park is open year-round, but the period during which services are available varies according to sector. Visitors Centre: |
L'ACROPOLE-DES-DRAVEURS
Distance (round trip): 10.4 km
Time (round trip): 5 hrs.
Level: Difficult
Elevation gain: 800 m
The famous Acropole des draveurs hiking trail is a favourite activity and a must-do for visitors to Quebec. The trail offers stunning views of the highest rock faces in Eastern Canada, and leads to the park's highest peak and an exceptional 360° panorama of Rivière Malbaie, winding through the valley far below.
You should note that this trail is classified “difficult” due to its high elevation gain (800 metres) over a short distance (10.4 kilometres round trip). You can be sure that the effort required will be well worth it! The round-trip hike takes about 5 hours.
The best time to hike the trail is early in the morning as you may find caribou grazing at the summit!
DISCOVERY CRUISE ON RIVIÈRE MALBAIE
Explore the heart of Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park on board a riverboat during a ninety-minute cruise on Rivière Malbaie, accompanied by a park warden/naturalist.
There are a number of departures each day in addition to a dusk cruise in July and August. Dusk is often the best time to see wildlife and to admire the play of light on the rocky cliffs. The boat can accommodate 48 passengers; reservations are recommended.
Runs from mid-May until mid-October.
CHARLEVOIX COAST
Route 138, which crosses the Charlevoix region from Quebec City to Tadoussac, is a lovely scenic drive. However, between La Malbaie and Baie-Saint-Paul, you should take Route 362 rather than the 138.
This stretch of road is so spectacular that Tourisme Québec has designated it a tourist route, calling it the St. Lawrence Route. One of the loveliest scenic roads in all of Canada.
BAIE-SAINT-PAUL
Founded over 350 years ago, Baie-Saint-Paul is one of the oldest and most charming towns in Quebec.
Surrounded by sea, mountains and the great outdoors, Baie-Saint-Paul has long been a popular destination for artists and has managed to largely preserve its cultural heritage including its more than 85 century-old homes. Be sure to take a stroll down its narrow streets lined with quaint boutiques and art galleries.
You can also pay a visit to Baie-Saint-Paul beach (210 Rue Sainte-Anne). It's a lovely spot for a stroll or a picnic.
HELICOPTER FLIGHTThere is nothing better than discovering the stunning landscapes of the famous Charlevoix region... from the air! The basic tour lasts 20 minutes. You will soar over Mont des Éboulements, point of impact of the meteorite that created the Charlevoix Crater more than 350 million years ago. You will also fly over Petite-Rivière-St-François and Isle-aux-Coudres… It is possible to stop for a picnic lunch featuring Charlevoix specialties on one of the most impressive mountains in the region, Mont des Morios. 735 Boulevard Monseigneur-de-Laval (Route 138), Baie-St-Paul / 418-435-4071 / heli-charlevoix.com |
LA MALBAIE
With more than 200 years of history, La Malbaie is considered by many to be the birthplace of resort vacationing in Canada. You can stroll along Rue du Quai à Pointe-au-Pic or climb the Chemin des Falaises to discover bourgeois homes of a past century in a charming bucolic setting. Be sure to visit or photograph the iconic Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu and simply breathe in the sea air on the bicycle path along the river.
ÎLE-AUX-COUDRES
This picturesque 11 km by 5 km island is located in the St. Lawrence River just off the Charlevoix coast, across from Baie-Saint-Paul. The island has preserved its rural charm and serenity.
Beached schooners - remnants of a past age - dot the coast. A tour of the island (21km) by car or bicycle is the best way to discover its beauty.
PARC NATIONAL DES GRANDS-JARDINSSeason: The park is open year-round, but the period during which services are available varies according to sector. Visitors Centre: |
NEARBY
TADOUSSAC
Tadoussac Bay is listed as one of the 50 most beautiful bays in the world, and for good reason. Tadoussac is also the oldest village in Canada. In fact, it celebrated 400th anniversary in 2000.
But above all, Tadoussac is an internationally-renowned whale-watching site.
You won't want to miss it!
Where to eat
- $ Inexpensive
- $$ Moderate
- $$$ Upscale
- $$$$ Fine dining
LES BONYEUSES ($-$$)
A must-visit if you are looking for the best artisanal bread in the region, or to fill your picnic basket with fresh products and local specialties. Many delicious choices for breakfast and lunch, one of them being their fresh sandwiches made daily with love.
LE SAINT-PUB ($$)
Welcome to the oldest microbrewery in Charlevoix, founded in 1998. In addition to quality beer, the Saint-Pub serves tasty dishes prepared using local ingredients and, naturally, beer. Don't miss the smokehouse specialties including smoked chicken, ribs and smoked meat marinated in beer. The menu also offers salads, burgers, pasta and a variety of poutines. Warning, it is a very popular spot!
AH LA VACHE ! ($$-$$$)
This cozy, charming Swiss restaurant in Charlevoix specializes in raclette and cheese fondue. It is a "Bring your own Wine" restaurant, meaning that you can bring your own wine or beer to accompany your meal.
AUX FAUX BERGERS ($$-$$$)
Enjoy a great gastronomical experience in a charming country setting. The estate is also home to Fromagerie Le Migneron cheese shop, a winery, a sheep farm and a lamb sales counter. Local products are clearly in the spotlight! The evening meal consists of a 7-course surprise tasting menu in a family-friendly atmosphere. Arrive at 6:30 to admire the sunset over the fields as you wait for the meal, which begins at 7:30. You can also stop here for lunch, from 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for a 5-course meal with wine pairings. You can eat on the patio if you don't mind the flies. Reservation is required.
MAISON DU BOOTLEGGER ($$-$$$)
This steakhouse offers a unique and original concept. In addition to a good meal, the dinner table d’hôte includes a guided tour and a Rock & Roll show with Joey Tardif and the Bootlegger House Band. The house specialty is meat grilled over a real charcoal pit. When you arrive, you will be shown the mysterious stairs to the attic... Where a fascinating museum experience awaits. Evenings are lively and festive!
LES LABOURS ($$$)
One of the restaurants of Le Germain Hotel, a charming country hotel with an urban feel, surrounded by farmland. The open kitchen design allows guests to watch the team at work. The focus is on fresh regional ingredients, and the menu changes with the seasons, the harvests and the local supply of fish, seafood and meat. A friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
MOUTON NOIR ($$$)
Mouton Noir is a French cuisine restaurant with a well-deserved reputation. Its pleasant terrace overlooks the Gouffre River, where fishermen can be seen hard at work. You are sure to enjoy the generous house specialities including tartares, mussel soup, smoked salmon in puff pastry and cassoulet with veal sweetbread.
AUBERGE DES FALAISES ($$$)
Auberge des Falaises is a charming inn perched on a hillside overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Its restaurant offers fine dining in the form of a five-course dinner or tasting menu, with dishes showcasing local products such as Charlevoix veal and Quebec lamb, local cheeses, guinea fowl, quail and even emu. For dessert, be sure to try the banana and goat cheese cheesecake or the two-chocolate fondant!
AUBERGE DES TROIS CANARDS ($$$-$$$$)
This restaurant offers fine dining that is sure to please the most discerning palate. The menu includes magret of duck and veal sweetbread dishes prepared with sophistication and elegance. Attentive service and a superb view of the St. Lawrence River enhance the dining experience. The restaurant has earned many distinctions over the more than 50 years since it opened its doors.
Festivals calendar
Festif Baie-Saint-Paul
Dates: Late July
This ‘‘festive’’ music festival brings together people from all over the province. It’s a perfect mix between the best of the Quebec music scene as well as the international one. Come celebrate at a fun, creative and sustainable event.
Location
When to visit
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Climograph
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| Month | Average temperature min (°C) |
Average temperature max (°C) |
Precipitations (mm) |
Overall score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -16 | -7 | 56 | |
| February | -14 | -4 | 55 | |
| March | -9 | 1 | 56 | |
| April | -1 | 9 | 76 | |
| May | 5 | 17 | 59 | |
| June | 9 | 21 | 70 | |
| July | 12 | 24 | 105 | |
| August | 12 | 24 | 64 | |
| September | 9 | 20 | 72 | |
| October | 3 | 12 | 84 | |
| November | -3 | 5 | 68 | |
| December | -11 | -3 | 86 |
