10 Must-Do Activities in Quebec’s Charlevoix Region

I’ve explored quite a bit of Canada since moving here just over five years ago. I chose Quebec and settled in Montreal. To learn more about my adopted city, take a look at our article, which explains in detail what to do in Montreal and offers a helpful overview of the city and what to see in each neighborhood. Today, we’re turning our attention to another Quebec destination: Charlevoix.

The Charlevoix region is known for its vast natural parks and beautiful scenery, charming villages, and wealth of culinary and cultural experiences. Together, they make it one of Quebec’s most appealing destinations.

There’s plenty to discover, so here are the top ten things to do in Charlevoix! We’ve also written a complete guide to things to do in the Mont-Tremblant region!

Valérie and I also went snowmobiling in the Laurentians, another excellent option if you’re looking for winter activities!

To discover another part of Quebec, head to the Saguenay region. Valérie will show you around!

We also decided to rent all our winter clothing during our trip to Canada, and it turned out to be a great decision!

One of my favorite ways to enjoy the region is to head outdoors and go hiking. Charlevoix has three major nature areas:

• Parc National des Grands Jardins (Sépaq park)
• Le Massif de Charlevoix
• Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie (Sépaq park)

Each of these areas offers a range of hikes for different ability levels. The Sépaq sites are part of Quebec’s national park network. Daily admission currently costs CA$10.30 per adult, while children age 17 and under enter free when accompanied by their family. It’s well worth the fee: the parks, trails, and signage are well maintained, and facilities may include shops, discovery centers, museums, and other visitor services.

If I had to recommend one hike in the area, it would be L’Acropole-des-Draveurs in Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie. It’s a demanding route, with about 800 meters of elevation gain, and is often described as one of the toughest hikes in the region. The views from the top, however, are outstanding—among the best I’ve seen in Quebec.

Two other hikes in the area are also worth considering:

• Sentier du Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes: This challenging hike rewards you with sweeping views of the mountains and lake, making it a wonderful way to experience the region’s natural beauty.
• Sentier Les Caps: Following the coastline and offering wide-open views of the St. Lawrence and its rugged headlands, this trail is ideal for anyone who loves both the sea and the mountains.

Speaking of outdoor activities, there’s also a via ferrata near Saint-Siméon. Sylvain and I have already mentioned our partner Manawa, which lets you book outdoor adventures online. One of the options available is a guided way to explore Parc d’Aventure en Montagne Les Palissades de Charlevoix while combining excitement with safety. Thrill seekers should enjoy it!

In villages such as Baie-Saint-Paul, Les Éboulements, and La Malbaie, you may feel as though you’ve stepped onto the set of a North American movie. Full of character and cultural attractions, each village has its own atmosphere and offers plenty of opportunities for a relaxing food-focused break.

For art and easy access to the river, head to Baie-Saint-Paul. Take time to unwind by the water and explore the village. Wander its streets, browse the art galleries, or visit the Baie-Saint-Paul Museum of Contemporary Art.

Farther along the river, Saint-Irénée and Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive are understated but charming, with coastal scenery, small picturesque churches, and local markets.

Each village reveals a different side of Charlevoix’s history and culture. What I loved most was the warmth and authenticity of the people, along with the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

“La Route des Saveurs de Charlevoix” is another great way for food lovers—and I’m definitely one of them—to explore the region. This culinary route takes visitors to the heart of Charlevoix’s rich food traditions. The route features farms, cheese producers, vineyards, and bakeries. Stop along the way, sample local specialties, and discover the distinctive flavors of Charlevoix.

Travelers following the route will get a sense of the passion behind the region’s farming and food culture while sampling local products such as well-known cheeses, flavorful meats, and regional wines.

Whether you arrive by bike or car, L’Isle-aux-Coudres is reached by a free ferry. Set in the St. Lawrence River, the island has a peaceful atmosphere, along with farms and orchards where travelers can sample its famous apple pie and other local treats.

Life moves at an easy pace here. Go for a walk or bike ride, visit the island’s centuries-old churches, stroll along the beaches, and take in the views. You can also learn more about local history by chatting with the “Porpoises,” as island residents are known. Then stop at the village chocolate shop, the mill, or a local cider house.

The island also offers plenty of outdoor activities:

• In summer, it’s an ideal place to enjoy the river, go kitesurfing or kayaking, or cycle around the island on more than 20 km of bike paths.
• In winter, the island turns white and becomes a vast playground for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice canoeing.

For anyone hoping to try their luck, the Casino de Charlevoix is worth a visit. With slot machines, gaming tables, shows, restaurants, and nearby hotels, it sits in the heart of the region and can add a lively evening to your stay.

You can stay at the Manoir Richelieu, perched on the cliffs of Pointe-au-Pic and overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The casino regularly hosts shows and events, creating a lively, festive atmosphere. Whether you enjoy gambling or simply want an entertaining night out, the Casino de Charlevoix makes an enjoyable addition to an itinerary.

We covered whale watching around Tadoussac in a previous article, but you can also set out from the Charlevoix area.

Boat trips departing from the harbors of La Malbaie or Baie-Sainte-Catherine offer the chance to see several whale species, including belugas, fin whales, and humpbacks. The nutrient-rich waters of the St. Lawrence support a remarkable marine ecosystem, making whale watching here a memorable experience.

Whether you choose a Zodiac or a larger cruise boat, experienced guides share their knowledge of marine biology and conservation, adding an educational element to the outing.

Watching a whale rise from the water is the kind of moment that stays with you. Whale watching in Charlevoix is well suited to nature lovers and anyone fascinated by marine life.

Running through the landscapes of Quebec’s Charlevoix region, the Train de Charlevoix offers a scenic rail journey. The route follows the St. Lawrence River for 125 kilometers between Quebec City and La Malbaie, passing mountains, coastal villages, and green fields along the way.

The train passes through seven towns and villages along the shoreline. From the panoramic cars, passengers can sit back and enjoy Charlevoix’s natural scenery.

More than a simple means of transportation, the Train de Charlevoix is a sightseeing experience in its own right and an original way to discover the region.

Onboard commentary introduces passengers to the history, culture, and geography of Charlevoix. Whether you’re planning a scenic day trip or a romantic getaway, the train offers a relaxed and distinctive way to explore the region.

For travelers who love nature and being on the water, a guided sea-kayaking trip on the St. Lawrence River from Saint-Siméon is a great option.

From the water, you can admire the Charlevoix Mountains from a different perspective and paddle into the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, an area rich in marine life.

With a little luck, you may spot harbor seals or even beluga whales. Three different outings are available, making the activity accessible to a range of participants. Experienced guides help make the trip safe, informative, and rewarding.

If you visit Charlevoix in winter, consider trying dog sledding. As I mentioned in our article on where to go dog sledding in Quebec, it’s one of the province’s most iconic winter activities.

It’s often one of the first experiences people picture when planning a winter trip to Quebec. You’ll travel through snowy landscapes, spend time outdoors, and connect with the natural surroundings.

In Charlevoix, you can book a dog-sledding outing in Saint-Siméon. The guides at Bosco Charlevoix welcome visitors and share their passion for sled dogs.

You can ride as a passenger in a sled driven by an experienced guide or try handling the team yourself. Personally, I’d recommend taking the reins—it’s an exciting experience!

During the summer, you can also visit the Bosco Charlevoix dog park near Saint-Siméon. It’s a chance to meet the dogs on their “day off,” spend time with them, and enjoy an activity that works well for families.

Bosco Charlevoix also offers dog trekking in both winter and summer. After a safety briefing, the guide pairs you with an Alaskan Husky suited to your needs before you set out to explore the area.

Attached to a waist belt, the dog helps you maintain your pace on steeper sections while giving you the chance to share the hike with your canine companion.

To round out this list, here’s one of winter’s biggest thrills: snowmobiling. One particularly appealing option is exploring the forests around Charlevoix on an electric snowmobile. Departing from La Malbaie, the quieter machine lets you enjoy the landscape with less engine noise. Over the course of the outing, you can get used to the snowmobile in a supervised setting while discovering Quebec’s winter scenery.

Your guide provides warm clothing suited to the activity and stays with you throughout the outing.

Charlevoix is one of my favorite regions in Quebec, and I strongly recommend setting aside enough time to explore it during your trip.

You can also find all our favorite places to try snowmobiling around Quebec!

As always, the best route depends on where you’re coming from. Travelers arriving from France will generally find the widest choice of flights from Paris. Check Skyscanner‘s flight comparison tool and adjust your dates to look for lower fares. Once you arrive, renting a car or camper van is the most practical way to explore the region. We particularly recommend DiscoverCars and Motorhome Republic when comparing options. Use the buttons below to take a look!

For those who enjoy scenic drives, Route 138 follows the St. Lawrence River, with views of the mountains and coastal villages. From Montreal, the drive generally takes around four hours, depending on traffic and your exact destination.

From Quebec City, another option is the seasonal Train de Charlevoix, which combines transportation with panoramic views along the river.

Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport is the nearest major airport. Whichever route you choose, the journey into Charlevoix gradually introduces you to the region’s natural and cultural character.

To make your search easier, here is a short selection of accommodations in the area.
This isn’t an exhaustive list—there are many other places to stay throughout the region—but I’ve chosen properties I know and consider worth looking into.

Baie St‑Paul

• Auberge Cap aux Corbeaux : a lovely inn overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, located just a five‑minute drive from downtown Baie‑Saint‑Paul.
• Gîte TerreCiel : a B&B in Baie‑Saint‑Paul offering beautiful rooms with private bathrooms.
• Hôtel et spa Le Germain : a charming hotel in Baie‑Saint‑Paul featuring stylishly contemporary rooms, along with a restaurant and a spa.

Saint‑Joseph‑de‑la‑Rive

• Auberge de la Rive de Charlevoix : this comfortable inn is an ideal base for exploring the area’s attractions, such as the maritime museum, the paper mill and the Charlevoix nativity‑scene shop.

La Malbaie

• Hôtel Le Petit Manoir du Casino : a beautiful, historic building overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, featuring a restaurant, a spa and an indoor pool.
• L’Auberge sur la Côte : a historic property in La Malbaie offering river views and a terrace.

If your trip also includes Montreal, we’ve written a complete article on where to stay in Montreal!

In conclusion, Quebec’s Charlevoix region offers a wide variety of experiences, from whale watching and national park hikes to picturesque villages such as Baie-Saint-Paul. The Route des Saveurs highlights the area’s food culture, while outdoor enthusiasts will find hiking in summer and snowmobiling or dog sledding in winter.

I’ll keep exploring Canada and its beautiful landscapes, and I hope to see you again soon for more adventures. For more travel inspiration, take a look at our article on Fogo Island, Newfoundland.

Written by Valérie PLANQUE

I've been living in Montreal for 6 years now, and I take every opportunity to discover and appreciate this beautiful region of Quebec by sharing my personal experiences with you! You'll love it!

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