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Charlevoix is a region along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River east of Quebec City, where mountains drop steeply toward a river so wide it looks like the sea. Its rolling valleys were shaped in part by an ancient meteorite impact, and the area is recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. Farming villages, artists and summer resorts have long shared the landscape.
Baie-Saint-Paul is the cultural hub, with galleries lining its streets and the Musée d'art contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul. Food plays a central role: the Route des saveurs links cheese makers, farms and bistros across the region. A short ferry ride leads to Île aux Coudres, a quiet island for cycling, while Pointe-au-Pic is home to the grand Manoir Richelieu and the Musée de Charlevoix. Le Massif offers skiing with direct views over the river. Hikers head to the Parc national des Grands-Jardins or the dramatic river canyon of the Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie.
Charlevoix rewards road trippers who like to stop often, eat well and walk in the hills. Summer and early fall are best for touring and hiking, while winter brings snow sports. The private Jardins des Quatre-Vents open only on select days, so plan ahead.
WiserMap travel guideCharlevoix Quebec Baie-Saint-Paul Galleries and Le MassifPlan a trip to Charlevoix in Quebec: Baie-Saint-Paul galleries, Le Massif skiing, Île aux Coudres, the Manoir Richelieu and two wild national parks.Read the guide
An artistic town in a wide valley where the Gouffre River meets the St. Lawrence, known for its many galleries, bistros and the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil. Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste is the main strolling street. Park near the river and explore on foot for a few hours.
A tiny riverside hamlet east of La Malbaie with a little white chapel on the rocks, a waterfall and a small harbour, often called one of the prettiest spots on the Charlevoix coast. Galleries and a pottery studio open in summer. Park by the chapel and walk down to the shore.
A rural island reached by a free ferry from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, with a 23 km loop road that is ideal for cycling. Stops include old windmills and watermills, farms, small museums and bakeries. Ferries can have lines in summer, so arrive early and rent bikes on the island.
A signed food trail linking farms, cheese makers, cider houses, bakeries and restaurants across Charlevoix, known for duck, lamb, cheeses and local beer. Producers welcome visitors for tastings and shopping. Get a map at a tourist office and plan a few stops in one area.
A seasonal tourist train running along the St. Lawrence shoreline between the Quebec City area, Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie, with the track sometimes only metres from the water. It stops at several villages. Book ahead and sit on the river side for the best views.
A science centre near La Malbaie explaining the huge meteorite impact that shaped the Charlevoix landscape about 450 million years ago, creating the crater whose rim forms the region's hills. Guided talks and night sky sessions are offered in season. Book ahead in summer.
A famous private garden in La Malbaie created by the Cabot family over generations, with formal and wild areas, ponds and Asian-inspired features. It opens to the public only on a few days each summer for charity visits. Check the dates well in advance and book tickets early.
A provincial park in the Charlevoix uplands with taiga landscapes unusual this far south, lakes and caribou country. The classic hike is Mont du Lac des Cygnes, with a summit view over the crater. Canoeing and camping are popular. Check trail conditions at the visitor centre.
A park protecting deep valleys where the Malbaie River runs between cliffs over 700 metres high, among the highest rock walls in eastern Canada. Visitors can canoe, take a river boat, cycle or hike the Acropole des Draveurs trail. Book the boat and canoe rentals ahead.
Route 362, known as the Route du Fleuve, follows the high north shore of the St. Lawrence between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie through Les Éboulements and Saint-Irénée. The road climbs and dips over steep hills with wide views of the river and Île aux Coudres. Use the pull-offs for photos and drive it in daylight.
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