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. 

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.
 

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.

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!

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.