The extravagant landscapes of the Charlevoix region are unique. Here in the heart of the Canadian Shield – comprising the oldest rock on Earth – the Laurentian Mountains chain flings itself into the salty waters of the St. Lawrence River. The spectacular vistas created by this blend of sea- and mountain-scapes have long inspired poets, painters, writers and musicians. Throw in villages perched on mountainsides, imposing cliff faces and celebrated agro-tourism destinations, and it’s no surprise that this magical region was the birthplace of vacation resort life in Québec.
Taiga? So far south?
Atop the highest peaks of the backcountry, taiga reigns supreme. Amazingly, caribou – normally an Arctic species – and its natural predator, the great wolf, also live here.
Lace up!
If hiking is your passion, this is the place to manufacture memories, as you drink in unparalleled views from points along the Traversée de Charlevoix or Sentier des caps trails.
Rivière malbaie
The highest cliff faces in Eastern Canada are found here, on either side of the gently winding Rivière Malbaie, which you can explore on a riverboat cruise.
A tradition of quality
Manoir Richelieu began life more than a century ago, welcoming well-to-do families from afar. Today this luxury inn still offers a unique and unforgettable resort experience.
Several cruise operators offer tours lasting several hours, giving you a close-up view of whales and other marine mammals dancing their elegant aquatic ballet.
UNESCO granted Charlevoix the status of World Biosphere Reserve in 1989; it’s one of the few such areas that is inhabited.
Charlevoix’s unique topography resulted from the impact of a meteor weighing an estimated 15 billion tonnes around 350 million years ago.
On Isle-aux-Coudres is something seen nowhere else in Canada: a watermill (1825) and windmill (1836) on the same site. A miller still grinds flour here!
If you visit Isle-aux-Coudres, a great way to sightsee is by bicycle. It takes only a couple of hours to bike around the entire island, and it’s best to go counterclockwise.
To fully appreciate the town of Baie-Saint-Paul, a haven for countless artists, take to the narrow streets on foot and stop in at one of the many cafés and terrasses.
For some years now, great chefs in the region have joined forces with local farmers to show off the riches of their produce and livestock. Bon appétit!
