The Charlevoix region in Canada, located in Quebec along the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River, is a place of stunning natural beauty. It is an area with beautiful mountains, dramatic cliffs, and charming towns and villages. The Laurentian Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for a wide range of activities, from hiking and biking to whale watching and more.
If Charlevoix is not on your list, it should be – especially if you like to spend time in nature, love good food and appreciate a slower pace. It is an amazing part of North America that felt under-discovered. ❤️
We recommend visiting in the summer or fall when the temperatures are milder, but there is plenty to do in the winter if you don’t mind the cold.
What you need to know before you go
Before you visit the Charlevoix region, here are some top tips so you have the smoothest trip possible:
- French is the main language spoken in Quebec, Canada. While you can get by with English, it is advisable to learn a few words and phrases in French.
- Even though there are hotels in the area, you will find a lot more options using Airbnb.
- You need a car to better explore Charlevoix.
- Temperatures are cooler than what you might expect in the summer, especially in the mornings and evenings. Bring layers of clothes so you can more easily adjust to the temperature differences.
- If you plan to go whale watching, be sure to bring extra warm clothing, as it can get quite chilly out on the water.
- Research what you may like to do and make reservations ahead of time, as activities and the more popular restaurants tend to book in advance.
Is Charlevoix, Quebec worth visiting?
The Charlevoix region of Quebec is seriously having a moment! 🌟 With its stunning natural beauty and a strong focus on quality food, it’s becoming a must-visit destination. Yet, it’s not overrun with tourists, so you can savor peaceful moments, incredible hikes, delicious meals, and a slower pace of life.
If you’re searching for a place to unwind and be wowed by the breathtaking surroundings, Charlevoix should definitely be on your list! ✨
How to get to Charlevoix, Quebec
By air
The easiest way to get to Charlevoix is to fly into Quebec City. It is a very manageable airport, and you can rent a car and be on your way soon after you land. However, there are few locations from where you can fly directly into Quebec City. An alternative is to fly into Montreal, rent a car there and drive a bit longer to Charlevoix.
By car
The most common route is to drive from Quebec City, which is about 1.5 to 2 hours away. Just take Route 138 East along the St. Lawrence River for a scenic drive that will get you straight into the heart of Charlevoix.
If you’re coming from Montreal, the drive will take around 4 to 4.5 hours.
By train
The Charlevoix Train runs seasonally between Quebec City and the town of La Malbaie, with several stops along the way. The views of the coastline and countryside along the way are stunning.
Best time to visit Charlevoix, Quebec
We highly recommend visiting Charlevoix during the late spring, summer, or early fall. 🌸☀️🍂 The temperatures are just right, and the natural beauty of the region is at its peak. While winter undoubtedly has its own charm, with plenty of activities to enjoy, the colder temperatures can make outdoor adventures a bit less inviting. In our opinion, the warmer months offer the most pleasant experience to fully appreciate all that Charlevoix has to offer.
How many days to spend in Charlevoix, Quebec
A long weekend is definitely enough to get a taste of what Charlevoix has to offer. But, if you can, spend a full week in the area. 🌿 You’ll have plenty of time to hike, bike, hop on the free ferries to enjoy the stunning Saint Lawrence River, and take leisurely drives through the region’s gourmet farms. Plus, you can savor local restaurants and visit Charlevoix’s farms without feeling rushed. It’s the perfect way to soak in the slower pace of life in this beautiful area.
What to do in Charlevoix, Quebec
The following activities offer plenty of options as you plan each day in Charlevoix. Be sure to consider the weather, as some activities, like whale watching and hiking, are weather-dependent.
Do some hiking
Hiking in Charlevoix is absolutely magical. The region boasts over 400 kilometers of hiking trails, with more than 50 individual trails varying in difficulty and scenery. The trails are spread across several parks and natural areas, including Parc national des Grands-Jardins, Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, and the Sentier des Caps.
What impressed us was the quality of the trail markings on trails we completed. However, be aware that there is no cellphone coverage on many of the trails. We highly recommend downloading the trail maps in advance to ensure you can track your location at all times. The AllTrails app is an excellent choice for this.
A few of our favorite trails include:
- Mond Eudore – Fortin – 5.6 miles out and back, moderate loop trail near Lac-Pikauba, Quebec. You need to register at the start of the trail and pay a small fee. No cellphone coverage!
- Marine Forest at Les Eboulements – 4.8 miles out and back, moderate trail in the Les Eboulements area. Popular trail with scenic views of waterfalls and the Saint Lawrence River. Moderate cellphone coverage!
- La Chute Trail – 0.8 miles out and back, moderate trail. Beautiful waterfall views along the way. Good cellphone coverage!
- Falls Trail – Mont des Morios – 9.6 miles out and back, moderate trail. Beautiful views. No cellphone coverage!
Whether you’re looking for a short, easy walk or a challenging multi-day trek, there’s a trail for every hiker in Charlevoix.
Take a free ferry ride and explore
One of the fun and free things you can do in Charlevoix, Quebec is hop on a ferry. The service is provided by the Quebec Ministry of Transport and is free of charge for both vehicles and pedestrians. Crossings take about 10-15 minutes and offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. Our two favorites include:
- The ferry at L’Isle-aux-Coudres. This ferry connects the mainland (Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive) to L’Isle-aux-Coudres, an island in the St. Lawrence River.
- The ferry between Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac. This ferry crosses the Saguenay River and is part of Quebec’s Route 138.
Spend a day at L’Isle-aux-Coudres
We absolutely loved L’Isle-aux-Coudres for its beautiful landscapes, relaxed pace, and easy access. Whether you spend a full day or just a few hours on the island, there’s plenty to enjoy—or simply take it easy and soak in the tranquility. 😊
Things to do:
- 🚴♂️ Rent bicycles and cycle around the island: Explore the island’s 23 km loop.
- 🌾 Visit the Les Moulins de l’Isle-aux-Coudres: Tour the historic wind and water mills.
- 🛶 Kayak or paddleboard: Enjoy water activities on the St. Lawrence River.
- 🍏 Pick apples and taste local cider: Visit orchards and cideries for fresh local produce.
Visit Montmorency Falls
Montmorency Falls, located just outside Quebec City, is a stunning 83-meter (272-foot) waterfall, making it nearly 30 meters taller than Niagara Falls. The falls are part of Montmorency Falls Park and are a popular destination for both locals and tourists. You can catch a glimpse of the falls from the highway, and they already look spectacular. But take the time to stop and get closer, and you’ll truly appreciate the sheer power of nature.
While at the park you can:
- 🚡Take the cable car: Ride up to the top for a breathtaking view of the falls and the St. Lawrence River.
- 🌉 Walk across the suspension bridge: Get an up-close view from above the falls and feel the power of the rushing water.
- 🪜 Explore the staircases: Climb the panoramic stairs for different vantage points and photo opportunities.
- 🪂 Zipline over the falls: For the adventurous, experience the thrill of flying over the falls.
- 🚶 Hike the trails: Discover scenic paths around the park with views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
- 🍃 Picnic and relax: Enjoy the park’s green spaces, perfect for a picnic or leisurely break.
There is a fee to enter the park and an additional fee if you decide to take the Gondola.
Go whale watching in Tadoussac, Quebec
Tadoussac, located at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers, is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. It is about a 3-hour drive from Quebec City. If you are lucky (as whale watching in the wild requires a bit of luck), you will be able to spot a variety of whales, including minke, fin, and the famous blue whale.
You can choose from several options for whale watching:
- 🚤 Boat Tours: Several companies offer guided boat tours, ranging from large vessels with indoor seating to smaller, more intimate boats.
- 🛥️ Zodiac Excursions: A more adventurous way to go whale watching on smaller, faster boats. Be prepared to get wet. Also, if you get seasick, this may not be a good option for you.
- 🛶 Kayak Tours: If you prefer to do some exercising in search of the whales, guided sea kayaking tours are the perfect choice.
- 🏞️ Shoreline Watching: If you prefer to stay on land, Tadoussac offers several spots along the shore where you can observe whales from a distance. Pointe de l’Islet is a popular location for spotting them right from the shore.
We highly recommend the AML Cruise tours, which will give you plenty of options to choose from and provide expert guides to lead your adventure.
Explore Canadian art in Baie Saint Paul
To say that we loved Baie-Saint-Paul in Quebec’s Charlevoix region would be an understatement. Famous for its artsy vibe and stunning scenery, this town was charming and buzzing with activity. Nestled between the Laurentian Mountains and the St. Lawrence River, it’s the kind of place where you can stroll through streets lined with art galleries, cute boutiques, and historic buildings. The town has a relaxed, creative energy, perfect for enjoying local cuisine or exploring nearby hiking trails. Plus, it’s a great starting point for discovering more of the beautiful Charlevoix region or taking a trip to Isle-aux-Coudres.
Baie-Saint-Paul has been a draw for artists since the early 20th century. Today, the town hosts numerous galleries and studios, reflecting its strong artistic presence. Many Canadian artists live and work in Baie-Saint-Paul. The town even has a Modern Art Museum. If you are an art fan, this town is a must see. ❤️
Visit the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
About a 30km drive from Quebec City, the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is one of Canada’s six national shrines. What is a national shrine, you ask? It is a Catholic church recognized for its special cultural, historical, and religious significance.
The current Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré was built between 1923 and 1931, after the previous structure was destroyed by fire in 1922. However, the site has been a place of pilgrimage since the 17th century, with previous churches built on the location as early as 1658. Today, this church is visited by more than a half million people each year. You can read more about it here.
The basilica is free to visit and, if you happen to be there during service, the acoustics of the building are truly impressive.
Try all the local Charlevoix food
The food in the Charlevoix region is largely inspired by Quebec’s French traditions. Classic French techniques and flavors are blended with local ingredients to create unique, regional dishes. The emphasis is on high-quality, fresh produce and artisanal craftsmanship. You’ll find a great mix of local specialties like cheese from small-batch dairies, artisan breads, and hearty, flavorful dishes featuring locally sourced meats and seafood. Additionally, Charlevoix is also famous for its fine dining restaurants, which showcase seasonal ingredients and innovative cuisine.
It is impossible to try all that the area has to offer in one trip, so we encourage you to try what looks good to you. Below are some of our favorite places.
Try artisanal Charlevoix products
- Les Bonyeuses | Boulange, café & terroir – the best boulangerie we found in the area; excellent artisanal breads and pastries made daily using locally sourced ingredients.
- Boucherie Charcuterie Artisanal Lyn Tremblay – outstanding products from meat sourced from local farms. The variety of this store’s offerings is amazing! A must try!
- La Ferme Basque De Charlevoix – a total surprise, this farm specializes in handcrafting duck foie gras and other duck products, using Basque culinary traditions. Amazing pates, duck meat, and spreads from locally sourced fruits and vegetables.
- Centre de l’Émeu de Charlevoix – La ferme – a store for products made out of the prized emu oil, and an onsite restaurant where you can try emu meat dishes.
- La Famille Migneron de Charlevoix – amazing artisanal cheese factory for products made from cow’s and sheep’s milk from herds in the Charlevoix region. While there, sample their local wines, made from 100% organic grapes.
- La Chocolaterie Du Village – an amazing local chocolate and ice cream store! You can sample 80 varieties of Belgian chocolates made on the premises, using cocoa from 21 countries. And their dipped soft ice cream cones are out of this world! 😋
Discover Charlevoix restaurants serving regional specialties
- Le Saint-Pub – Microbrasserie Charlevoix – a local pub known for its high-quality food, local beers and ciders. When you see a line of people waiting to be seated every time you walk by, you can expect that the place is really good. And it was! Try the lobster sandwich! 🤩
- Le Diapason Boutique gourmande & Sandwicherie – gourmet sandwiches and local beers, plus a store full of locally produced products, including pates, sweets, jams and more. Be sure to try the duck burger – wow! 😋
- Joe Smoked Meat – rustic decor, simple and delicious food prepared right in front of you.
- Ah La vache ! La fondue en cavale – Swiss style fondue restaurant. Try their raclette.
Explore the creativity of Charlevoix’s top chefs
The top culinary restaurants in Charlevoix, Quebec, are also known for their focus on local ingredients, innovative dishes, and exceptional dining experiences. Be sure to try at least one of these on your trip:
- Faux Bergers (Saint-Urbain) – A farm-to-table restaurant featuring a seasonal multi-course menu, emphasizing local ingredients and rustic charm. We absolutely loved it! A must if you are in the area. Be sure to reserve your spot well ahead of your visit, as space is limited and they book weeks in advance.
- Le Mouton Noir (Baie-Saint-Paul) – Offers French-Canadian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients in a charming riverside setting.
- Chez Truchon (La Malbaie) – A fine dining spot specializing in French-Canadian dishes like lamb and venison, using fresh, local produce.
- Les Labours (Baie-Saint-Paul) – Located in Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix, this restaurant showcases fresh, local ingredients in an open kitchen setting.
- Vices Versa (La Malbaie) – Known for its dual menus created by a chef duo, offering an innovative and playful fine dining experience.
We were completely blown away by just about everything we tried in Charlevoix—it was a culinary adventure that exceeded all our expectations. 😋❤️
Explore Old Quebec City
On your trip to Charlevoix be sure to dedicate some time to visit Old Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some claim that this city is one of the most European-style cities in North America, and if you spend time in Oldtown, you will appreciate why. The small cobblestone streets, old buildings’ architecture, and type of food you can taste all recall the historic sections of many European towns. But Quebec City is also uniquely North American. Charming and very pleasant. Be prepared for how popular it also is, as you may find it a bit crowded.
What to see in Old Quebec City
Here are some points of interest we recommend:
- Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec – a historic funicular that takes less than five minutes to ride. The views from it alone are worth the ride. Be prepared to pay for your ticket by cash, as credit cards are not accepted.
- Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – a beautiful hotel steeped in history and now owned by the Fairmont hotel group. Some say that it is the most photographed hotel in the world, and for good reason. The hotel was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway company during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Be sure to step inside and appreciate the interiors, beautifully restored and maintained to this day.
- Place Royale – a historic square with a small church that speaks to what life used to be in Quebec City.
- Fortifications of Québec – the best-preserved military fortifications in North America. Built in the late 17th century and expanded and modified over the years, the city walls reflect the rich military history of Quebec City. Consider taking a tour guided with Parks Canada guide.
- Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Steps) – Quebec City’s oldest stairs, built in 1635. Be aware that the 59 steps are pretty steep. The stairs are multi-level and are lined with shops and restaurants, each with a patio overlooking the stairs and with views of Petit-Champlain.
- Place d’Armes – a beautiful city plaza with a neo-Gothic monument.
We really enjoyed half a day in Old Quebec City, but wish that we had more time to explore this charming historic town.
Where to stay in Charlevoix, Quebec
This is really a personal decision. There are plenty of different options, including a few luxury hotels, many camping options, and a variety of Airbnb rentals to choose from.
Luxury Charlevoix hotels
- Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu (La Malbaie): A luxurious hotel, which sits on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Beautifully decorated rooms, multiple dining options, and a spa. For history fans, this was also a hotel favorite of (and visited multiple times by) US president William Taft.
- Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix (Baie-Saint-Paul): A chic and contemporary hotel near the scenic Baie-Saint-Paul, known for its exceptional spa facilities and proximity to hiking trails.
- Hotel Tadoussac: A historic, picturesque hotel with a red roof and white facade, offering scenic views of the Saguenay Fjord and St. Lawrence River. Known for its classic charm, fine dining, and easy access to activities like whale watching and hiking.
- Club Med Quebec-Charlevoix (Petite-Rivière-Saint-François): Canada’s only Club Med, offering family-friendly amenities and stunning riverfront views, ideal for skiing and outdoor activities.
Airbnb in Charlevoix
If you are a fan of modern design, Charlevoix will surprise you with the number of private architect-designed homes that you can rent. Depending on the size of your party, you will be able to find unique homes, often with breathtaking views.
We absolutely loved the Panorama property in Baie Saint Paul, which you can book directly here or through Airbnb.
For an ultra-modern alternative, take a look at the Le Littoral Residence in La Malbaie. You can search for and rent it through Airbnb.
What we loved about Charlevoix, Quebec
- The natural beauty of this part of Canada is truly breathtaking. The Saint Lawrence River, cascading waterfalls, and numerous national parks create a stunning backdrop for any visit.
- Charlevoix offers a wonderfully relaxed pace of life. It’s the kind of place where you can truly unwind.
- The emphasis on locally produced quality food ingredients was evident everywhere. And many local chefs are creating truly world-class dishes.
- So many great hikes! Plus, every trail we were on was impeccably maintained and clearly marked. Not once did we worry about losing our way.
- The people here are incredibly warm and accommodating, even when language differences popped up. We always felt welcome.
- We were pleasantly surprised by the modern architecture of many of the house rentals. As fans of architecture and design, we absolutely loved it!
- The area’s close proximity to Quebec City’s major airport made getting to and exploring Charlevoix super easy.
What to wear during a summer trip to Charlevoix, Quebec
The clothes you bring and wear largely depend on the time of the year that you visit Charlevoix. If you make it during the summer, keep this in mind:
- Bring layers of clothing, as the temperatures vary quite a bit between mornings and evenings.
- Bring super comfortable shoes, as you will most likely do a lot of walking.
- If you intend to go whale watching, bring super warm clothes, even during the summer. It gets really, really cold when over open waters.
- Casual clothes are appropriate most everywhere. Dress nice but be comfortable for the activities you intend to do.
- If you plan to have dinner at one of the fancier restaurants, dress nicely but comfortably. No need to wear high heels or suits; no one does!
- If you plan to hike, a pair of hiking boots may be appropriate, as the trails are sometimes wet and slippery. You can get away with a comfortable pair of sneakers, but keep in mind they will most likely get pretty dirty due to some trails being quite muddy.
- Bring and wear lots of sunscreen, as the sun can be really strong.
- Bring some bug spray if you plan to spend time in the woods.
- Bring a good hat and a light rain jacket. Keep in mind strong rainstorms are a possibility.
Check out our list of travel essentials on what to take and how to maximize your packing.
In closing, we loved Charlevoix, Quebec. It was cool and relaxing, and nature was magnificent. We would love to come back in the late fall to see the leaves changing.
[All pictures taken by the Styled Traveler]
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