Charlevoix Guide: Best Things To Do In Charlevoix

Whether you seek relaxation, cultural immersion, or outdoor exploration, Charlevoix promises a memorable and enriching experience for all who venture to this enchanting destination in Canada. Charlevoix is an incredible destination in all seasons. Below are highlights from summer and winter trips full of information that you can use for any season. Here’s a guide of things you can’t miss on your own Charlevoix road trip.

Before we jump into things to do, It’s important to know that this part of Quebec along the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River began 400 million years ago with an epic meteorite which created a crater sculpting what is now recognized as one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in Quebec. Its lasting impact is now explored and enjoyed by tourists from all over who come to experience the vast abundance of physical features and activities that offer opportunities for its visitors to reawaken the senses while reconnecting with nature….an experience not to be missed!

Le Massif

This mountain is a haven for skiers/snowboarders in the winter. You can also head here in the summer and fall for unique activities.

Dine at Camp Boule

Enjoy a delicious meal inspired by the local seasons paired with mountain views. They have an exquisite and flavourful menu based on grilled meats cooked over a wood fire. I loved their burrata salad and grilled beef. 

Le Vol De L’Oiseau Mécanique

In the summer, enjoy the world’s first night-time carousel located on a mountainside. Le Massif has one of the highest vertical drops in Eastern Canada, that you’ll be able to experience on the chairlift which takes you to the beginning of Le Vol De L’Oiseau Mécanique. The journey is a mix of easy trails and then ends with the main chairlift where you will see incredible light installations set to a soundtrack. The synchronicity of light and sound and detail is impeccable and you won’t want this show to end. 

You’ll be on the chairlift for nearly 6 km under a moonlit sky moving through the different scenes of the show. I loved the anticipation of what was to come as we passed between different installations on our ascension up the mountain. From laser beams to what looked like piano keys on the forest floor, we were totally mesmerized by the creative illuminations of the show. 

Baie Saint Paul

Baie-Saint-Paul is a charming town with a vibrant arts scene, picturesque streets, and delicious gastronomy. Take some time to tour the area and soak in the town’s quaint, colourful and friendly atmosphere. Spend some time exploring the town’s restaurants, art galleries, shops and more. 

Baie-Saint Paul is charming and picturesque in all seasons. Carve out some time to explore Saint-Jean-Baptiste Street full of wonderful local restaurants, galleries and shops. Here’s some spots to start off your adventure:

• Hydromel Charlevoix: take a flight of honey wines and spirits naturally crafted in Charlevoix. Their beehives are located in different areas of Charlevoix, each developing unique honeys.
• Fraîcheurs et Saveurs: this candy shop will give you a dose of nostalgia with all their retro candies that will transport you right back to your childhood. They also have unique sweet and savoury treats. It’s also a great spot to grab ice cream in the summer.
• Explore local art at galleries like Galerie d’art Iris, Galerie l’Harmattan, Galerie Porte Rouge
• Alpagas Charlevoix à Baie-St-Paul: get cozy socks, toques, hats and more for your winter adventures

Restaurant Le Saint-Pub

Step into Restaurant Le Saint-Pub for a cozy restaurant offering a great selection of dishes made from regional products and homemade beers. We couldn’t resist their mac n’ cheese and poutine specials during our winter visit. They win for the most unique poutine. When it arrives at your table you’ll see magic before your eyes as they light your poutine on fire. I can confirm the poutine tastes as good as it looks, and the same goes for the mac n cheese.

Baie-Saint Paul Lookout

Enjoy a panoramic view at this lookout beyond Baie-Saint Paul on your way to La Malbaie. I loved admiring the St. Lawrence River, lined by mountains.

Saint-Irénée

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, you need to visit Saint-Irénée. Walk along the pier and enjoy views of the beach, water and railroad. Lounge at the beach and then grab a bite at the nearby restaurants.

This is a beautiful place to spend some time in any seasons. During winter, walk along the pier and enjoy views of the St. Lawrence River. I also loved admiring the ice chunks during low-tide. You’ll also get a better look at just how thick the ice is with its many layers.

La Malbaie

With its warm hospitality, stunning vistas, and diverse activities, La Malbaie remains a favorite destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in the heart of Charlevoix. La Malbaie is an amazing half-way point that is perfect as a home base for your trip. It has incredible accommodation options and lots of great restaurants and activities nearby. 

Where to Stay in La Malbaie

There are plenty of options of where to stay in La Malbaie including chalets, yurts, hotels and more. You can see a full list of La Malbaie accommodation options here.

For my summer visit, we stayed at Terrasses Cap-à-l’Aigle, where modern accommodation meets nature in a beautiful setting. Enjoy the contemporary architecture and mountainous terrain overlooking the St. Lawrence River. 

For my winter visit, we stayed at Domaine Frais Air. Enjoy a relaxing escape in these stunning cottages overlooking the St. Lawrence River. From dawn to dusk I loved soaking in the views of the water, watching ice and boats float by. The wood fireplace was the perfect spot to unwind after our winter adventures.

Restaurants in La Malbaie

Something that really stands out in La Malbaie’s food scene is the celebration of local ingredients in the dishes from seafood to Charlevoix cheeses and honey. There are lots of dining options offering creative dishes and local specialties.

Auberge Café Bistro La Marmite

Inside La Marmite, a charming bed and breakfast built in 1888, you’ll find Auberge Café Bistro La Marmite. This is a restaurant you can’t miss during your visit.

The first thing that immediately stood out was the ambiance with the greenery, twinkle lights and colourful pillows. The food here was incredible on every level: presentation, creativity and flavour! We went with their 4-course menu, which was the perfect opportunity to try multiple dishes. They also have a wine pairing option you can add on.

Each dish was full of fresh flavours, from the Atlantic halibut crudo to beet linguine topped with burrata. The dish that really stole the show for us was their butternut squash cappuccino. It comes in a teacup, and this savoury dish is packed with flavour. They also have board games available, perfect for pairing with one of their wines. 

Auberge Chez Truchon

We headed to Auberge Chez Truchon for breakfast. They have a beautiful dining room and we loved our spot by the fireplace in the winter. Their breakfast dishes were incredible and are full of local products. With so many great options to choose from, we went with a sweet and savoury dish to split. Their Liège waffles were delicious and taste exactly like what you would get in Belgium. We also loved their Truchon Omellette that included tomatoes, herbs and Fleurmier cheese.

Boulangerie Pains d’Exclamation!

Make sure to stop here for breakfast or baked goods. Boulangerie Pains d’Exclamation! has a delicious selection of croissants, desserts and more. I highly recommend their croissant breakfast sandwich and almond croissant, although you cant go wrong with any of their pastries. Kickstart your day with one of their coffees or hot chocolate. They also have a great patio where you can enjoy views of the water while you dine. 

Bistro Local 245

Bistro Local 245 has a great menu full of incredible dishes from seafood to pasta! The hardest part will be narrowing it down to one item! I went with their recommendation of the fish tacos and I’m so glad I did. The flavour, crispiness, and presentation probably makes them the best fish tacos I’ve ever had.

They also have a table d’hote if you want to try some specialties. We started with their charcuterie board to try some local meats and cheeses, which we thoroughly enjoyed.  

Le Saint Laurent

Dining at Le Saint Laurent in Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu Charlevoix is an experience that seamlessly combines culinary delights with breathtaking surroundings overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Their menu blends locally sourced, seasonal ingredients crafted into exquisite dishes by skilled chefs. The restaurant has an elegant ambiance for enjoying dishes like their salmon tartare. Make a reservation for a golden hour to watch the sunset from your table.

Restaurant L’Orchidée

Restaurant L’Orchidée is known for its prime rib. Enjoy the classic dish or one of their creations, like their Sacchetti with black truffle threads, cheeses, pulled prime rib, and cream sauce. You’ll also find lots of local ingredients on their menu.

Café Chez Nous

Enjoy a meal at this retro-diner style restaurant. They have breakfast classics like eggs benedict and crepes. Café Chez Nous is also a great spot to get lunch to go before adventures like whale-watching or exploring Parc national des Hautes‑Gorges-de-la-Rivière‑Malbaie. The photo below is a picnic stop we found on our way to Baie-Sainte Catherine.

Restaurant Allegro

Enjoy modern cuisine at Restaurant Allegro. Their menu offers pasta, pizza, salads, burgers, an affordable wine list and more. In the summer you can enjoy their patio with views of the St. Lawrence River. 

Le Belles & Bum 

Le Belles & Bum offers pub fare in a central downtown location near the water. We ordered a mix of their appetizers to share: the burrata, shrimp tempura and nachos. Each dish has generous portions and we left full. We loved cozying up with their poutine during our winter visit.

Galerie d’art Au P’tit Bonheur

Galerie d’art Au P’tit Bonheur has been in the heart of Charlevoix for over three decades. The gallery is full of vibrant paintings from artists across Canada. You’ll quickly see how passionate the team is about the artists’ work they feature.

Their curated selection of paintings were beautiful and it felt like you could step right into the image of many. The owner Marie-Ève shared how the Gallery’s name means “little bits of happiness” and how these paintings can transport people and evoke emotion that creates happiness and nostalgia in the viewer. 

Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park

Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park is a gem in all seasons, offering incredible lookouts, nature escapes and experiences. Whatever season you visit Charlevoix, this park is worth a visit. It gets its name from the valleys that cut through the mountains. It’s also among the highest walls east of the Rockies.

What makes this park extra special in the winter is that you can access parts of the park you wouldn’t be able to normally. La Malbaie River freezes in the winter, and you can play ice hockey, fat bike and even enjoy one of their bonfire stations on top of it. The whole time, you’ll also be surrounded by mountain views.

*With an experience like this, make sure always to follow the signs as some parts of the ice can be thinner* 

You can enjoy a mix of activities in winter, like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat-biking and more. I had to try fat-biking on the ice. It was my first-time fat biking, and what a thrilling experience heading out on the ice surrounded by mountains.

After this experience, we headed to Le Riverain Trail. We were in awe of the mountain views peaking through the trees on both sides of us. Look above and you can see the clouds floating above the mountains, frozen waterfalls and snowy mountaintops. I can’t wait to return to this park and explore more trails. 

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu

Celebrate winter at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. From enjoying their outdoor firepits with a cozy blanket and drink to skating, there are plenty of winter activities to enjoy here. Guests can enjoy access to their indoor/outdoor pools, and visitors can purchase a pass. I loved spending some time in their outdoor pool in the winter. Enjoy a drink while soaking in the pool and watching steam dance across the water surrounded by snow.

Les Sources Joyeuses

Head cross-country skiing at Les Sources Joyeueses. Enjoy outdoor activities that will bring you to beautiful viewpoints. The Mirador is the best location to observe the magnitude of the Charlevoix crater. The weather didn’t cooperate with this activity this visit, but I would definitely do this next time!

Learn the History of Charlevoix in La Malbaie

Observatoire astronomique et de l’Astroblème de Charlevoix

Learn about Charlevoix’s meteoritic origin at Observatoire Astronomique et de l’Astroblème de Charlevoix. You’ll dive into the past of the meteor that shaped Charlevoix over 400 millions years ago. The meteor that struck Charlevoix is estimated to have been about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) in diameter. The impact caused significant geological changes, forming a crater roughly 56 kilometers (35 miles) in diameter. You’ll also have the chance to see pieces of meteors and even pieces from the moon! 

You’ll be able to observe a 3D map of Charlevoix and the towns you’ll be visiting on your trip and which allows you to observe the  impacts of the meteorite on the region helping to put everything into perspective. 

Cité Mémoire Charlevoix

Cité Mémoire Charlevoix is a multimedia installation path which will bring you to different points of interest in La Malbaie to show you the heritage and history of Charlevoix. Make sure to download the Cité Mémoire app before going so you can listen to the audio at each station. The different installations also draw inspiration from real life events and people. My favourite part was the finale projected against a cliff that brings you through 1000 years of history from the meteorite and more. You can enjoy this experience nightly after dusk to 11pm. 

Musée de Charlevoix

The Musée de Charlevoix offers a journey into the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Charlevoix region. This museum showcases the unique history, traditions, and creativity that have shaped the local community’s identity. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits, including fine art, historical artifacts, and interactive displays that provide a comprehensive understanding of Charlevoix’s past and present. The museum’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the region’s cultural tapestry is evident in its thoughtfully curated collections, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who have called Charlevoix home.

Saint-Siméon

Mont Café Bistro 

Mont Café Bistro is the perfect spot for lunch with a view. Get their iced cappuccino and a sandwich, sit on the patio and admire the lighthouse and boats passing by. Their team is so friendly and has great recommendations. 

Saint-Siméon Lighthouse

This historic lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships safely through the Saint-Siméon Strait and the treacherous waters of the St. Lawrence River. Today, enjoy the surrounding walking path and adirondack chairs. 

Sea-Kayaking with BOSCO Charlevoix

BOSCO Charlevoix is an adventure company offering guided excursions in Charlevoix. They offer sea-kayaing that allows you to discover Charlevoix from a different perspective on the water. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate with us on the day that it was scheduled, but this is still something I would love to return and do in the future.

Port-au-Persil

Stop by Port-au-Persil to enjoy the beautiful view from the pier and waterfall. It’s a great spot to spend some time on the pier watching the ships go by. You can admire the waterfall from the pier or walk closer to be up close to the action. Stop by Ciderie Port-au-Persil while you’re there for some local cider.

Baie Des Rochers

This is a stunning park to enjoy the natural beauty of Charlevoix. Go for a hike, enjoy some time by the water and soak in the views. We drove down to the wharf and spent some time watching the tide come in. We also saw a father and son having fun cooling off in the low tide. 

You’ll be able to see the rising tide, a waterfall, forest and more in the same view at this park. Hike to a stunning view from above on the Anse-de-Sable trail. 

Baie-Sainte-Catherine

This is one of the best places for an unforgettable whale watching experience. Take a boat tour and witness these majestic creatures, including belugas, minke whales, and humpback whales, in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for other types of marine life like seals.

Whale-Watching with Croisières AML

Head out on an adventure to see these majestic creatures with Croisières AML. We did their zodiac tour and I loved it. Glide on the water with beautiful coastline views on the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Croissières AML guarantees you’ll see whales. 

You’ll have a knowledgeable guide sharing cool facts along the way and quickly directing you where to look to see the whales.

We saw seals, porpoises, and a beautiful humpback whale. It was an amazing experience watching it swim through the water and then seeing its huge tail pop out as it dove down. Our guide knew that once it dived down we would wait less than 10 minutes before it would pop back up in a new location. 

This is an experience you can’t miss when you’re in Charlevoix. I’ve gone whale-watching here twice and each time we’ve seen so many whales. It’s an incredible Canada bucket list experience. 

Thank you to Charlevoix Tourism for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I hope you have as much fun exploring Charlevoix as I did. I’d love to see your adventures. Feel free to tag me on Instagram and Tik Tok.