What to do in Charlevoix: Activities and Gastronomy

With its grandiose nature dominated by magnificent landscapes between the sea and mountains, Charlevoix fascinates : steep cliffs, lush parks, mountainside villages and majestic mansions. Proclaimed as a World Reserve by UNESCO, Charlevoix owes its amazing geography to the fall of a meteorite of more than 15 billion tons, which fell 350 million years ago.

A

natural and authentic tourist area that stretches from the village of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François to the mouth of the Saguenay River, it has 13 municipalities, many of which are part of the Association des plus beaux villages du Québec. The cities of Saint-Siméon (Port-au-Persil), Saint-Irénée, Les Éboulements and La Malbaie (Cap-à-l'Aigle) testify to the incredible beauty of Charlevoisian landscapes.

Find out what to do in Charlevoix and plan your next trip with family, couple or friends!

What to do: Outdoor activities in or around Charlevoix

MALBAY RIVER FLY CRUISE

In

the heart of the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière- Malbaie National Park, embark on a 1.5-hour cruise on the Malbaie River commented by a naturalist park guard. The activity offers several departures per day. Enjoy a special moment for wildlife observation and the play of light on the rocky walls.

HAUTES-GORGES OF LA-RIVERE-

Until the end of October, enjoy a breathtaking activity! This national park is one of the small wonders to see in Quebec. It is thanks, among other things, to the Parc des Hautes-Gorges-De-La-Rivière-Malbaie that the Charlevoix region has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve. It takes its name from the network of valleys that are cut out with very significant elevation differences across its mountains of more than 1,000 metres above sea level. The particular route of the Malbaie River and its grandiose landscapes make this place quite unique. What to do in this beautiful place? Hiking for sure!

Île-AUX-COU

This small island of 11 kilometers long by 5 kilometers wide is located opposite the town of Baie-Saint-Paul in an enchanting setting just off the coast of Charlevoix. What to do there? The island has retained its rural charm and tranquility, and you can see vestiges of the past such as the numerous schooners stranded on the beats, visible in several places. The ideal is to go around the island by car or by bike to capture all the beauties of the island.

THE ACROPOLE-DES- DRAVEURS

The Acropolis des Draveurs hiking trail is a must-see activity in Quebec. You can see the highest rock walls in eastern Canada , and at the very end of the trail you can even get a breathtaking view of the Malbaie River, which is well encased at the bottom of the valley. However, be aware that the trail is classified as “difficult” because of its steep drop (800 meters). Be sure that the efforts made will, on the other hand, be rewarded very widely! The duration of the hike is about 5 hours round trip. The ideal thing is to hike early in the morning as you may have the chance to meet caribou at the top! What to please everyone in this Charlevoix activity.

COAST DE CHARLEVOIX

Route 138, which crosses the Charlevoix region between Québec City and Tadoussac, is a magnificent panoramic route. On the other hand, between La Malbaie and Baie Saint-Paul, you must definitely prefer Route 362 rather than the 138. The latter is so grandiose that Tourisme Québec has even made it a tourist circuit named the Route du Fleuve. Certainly one of the most beautiful scenic roads in Canada. What to make your visit a splendid discovery of Charlevoix.

SAINT-PAUL

Founded more than 350 years ago, the city of Baie-Saint-Paul is one of the oldest and most charming municipalities in Quebec. It has a very picturesque side and is lucky to be surrounded by the sea, mountains and large open spaces. It has long been a popular destination for painters and has preserved much of its heritage with its 85 century-old houses. What to do in Baie-Saint-Paul You have to stop there for a walk along its narrow streets, lined with shops and art galleries.

TADOUSSAC

Tadoussac is rightly part of the select club of the 50 most beautiful bays in the world. It is also the oldest village in Canada. What to do the detour! In fact, he celebrated his 400th anniversary in the year 2000. Tadoussac is a world-class whale watching site. It is an activity to observe the fauna and flora not to be missed during your visit to Charlevoix.

Gastronomy of Charlevoix

Epicureans indulge in an epic gastronomic adventure on the Route des Saveurs de Charlevoix! Cheeses, ciders, craft beers and fine chocolates, organic meats, ducks and market gardening products are known throughout Canada. Whether you stop for a few minutes at the producer's house to taste his products or take time for dinner, the agrotourism circuit of Charlevoix is the gastronomic activity to discover this autumn!

THE LABOUR

Here is one of the restaurants of the Hôtel Le Germain Charlevoix which bears its name very well since it offers a magnificent view of the fields surrounding the hotel. Here you will have the opportunity to see the kitchen brigade at work. Local cuisine and the menu evolves with the seasons, the harvests and with the arrival of fish, seafood and meat. What to make a really friendly atmosphere.

TO EACH His Bread

A true must to taste the best artisan bread in the region and to fill your basket with picnic of local products and fresh sandwiches. Here you can enjoy breakfast or lunch on site while enjoying one of their gourmet pizzas on a wood-fired fire. This is a gourmet stop not to be missed in the beautiful Charlevoix region.

THE SAINT PUB

Welcome to the first microbrewery in Charlevoix which opened its doors in 1998. Here, in addition to tasting quality beers, you can enjoy fine dishes made from beers and local produce. Don't miss the specialities of the smokehouse for a complete gastronomic activity: chicken, ribs and smoked meat marinated in beer. What to do many happy people!

AH THE COW!

Here is the small Swiss restaurant in Charlevoix, which serves its specialities of Raclette and Cheese Fondues. It is a gastronomic restaurant of the type “Bring your wine” is an activity to share for a successful stay! What to delight wine & cheese enthusiasts!

BLACK sheep

Le Mouton Noir is a gastronomic restaurant of French cuisine that won to be known, among other things with its pretty terrace overlooking the Gouffre River from where you can observe fishermen at work. You will enjoy hearty specialties of tartars, mussel soup, smoked salmon in mille-feuille or cassoulet and sweetbreads. A taste activity to do that definitely worth a visit.

THE AUBERGE OF THE CL

At the restaurant of the Auberge des Falaises, a beautiful inn perched on the hill, you will have a prime view of the St. Lawrence River. Here you can enjoy a gourmet tasting menu with dishes of local produce such as Charlevoix veal or Quebec lamb, local cheeses, guinea fowl, quail and even emu. For dessert, don't miss the goat cheese and banana cake or the chocolate duo! What to please gourmets lovers!

THREE DUCKS

Here is an address that has everything to please gastronomic enthusiasts. Marinated veal carpaccio, duck breast, vegetable risotto, sweetbreads and seafood chowder are served in a delicate and sophisticated way. The service is very attentive and the view of the St. Lawrence River is always superb. The restaurant, which debuted more than 50 years ago, has earned many distinctions for its gastronomic qualities. It is a taste activity to do and not miss in the region!

Outgo offers what to do in the Charlevoix region: Discover exclusive experiences in collaboration with local merchants, whether it's trying out a new activity or discovering a stunning gastronomy, there's a a host of experiences offered in the Charlevoix region!

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