Taking a trip to Charlevoix is more than just a vacation – it’s reminiscent of entering a sumptuous new world, filled with an unrivalled array of nature, art, culture, and gastronomy. For every diverse variety of traveller, a magical experience awaits.
CHARLEVOIX
Located around an hour from Québec City, Canada, the enticing region of Charlevoix spans 6,000 square kilometres and boasts a unique terrain that was shaped by a meteorite 400 million years ago.
Known as one of the premium vacation destinations in Québec, Charlevoix invites tourists to take their time to enjoy a place that provides a total change of scenery yet also feels like home.
With its breathtaking natural setting, superb national parks, numerous sightseeing activities, and legendary hospitality, Charlevoix promises to provide an authentic and enriching experience at any time of year.
Shining as a prime destination of choice for those who can’t get enough of sports and the great outdoors, high-octane activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and skiing will get the hearts of adventure seekers pumping.
Meanwhile, various nature-related pursuits, including whale-watching, provide an opportunity to fully enjoy the unique fauna and flora of Charlevoix.
The region is also a hotspot for culinary delights and a must-visit destination for foodies and fans of agritourism, where you can enjoy local ingredients masterfully turned into bold, authentic dishes and indulge in a variety of
high-quality cheeses, charcuterie meats, and a unique range of other local products made by passionate producers.
Simultaneously, art, culture, and heritage take centre stage in Charlevoix, as an array of workshops, galleries, boutiques, and museums offer different ways to explore this facet of the region.
Furthermore, Charlevoix’s luxuriating, tranquil nature makes it the perfect place for the ultimate relaxation between the river and mountains.
Filled with beauty and possibility, the region is often described as an escape for the soul and a haven for wellness. Sit back in a Nordic bath with a panoramic view, enjoy a well-deserved massage, or simply connect with the magnetic energy of the area.
Q&A WITH TOURISME CHARLEVOIX
Tourisme Charlevoix is the one-stop shop for the best travel information, local recommendations, and holiday planning for anyone heading to the region. We speak to General Director, Mitchell Dion, about promoting Charlevoix as an all-seasons destination and how tourism can develop into a more sustainable industry in the future.
Tourisme Charlevoix is committed to making Charlevoix an eco-responsible destination, acting as a driving force for this major collective shift, and prioritising sustainable development.
Additionally, the organisation ensures the implementation of promotional marketing and canvassing activities, such as various advertising campaigns and strategic alliances.
The association also works to manage a constantly evolving digital ecosystem and proactive press relations, whilst remaining attentive to the various beneficial opportunities for the region, targeting the corporate market.
To ensure the protection of its exceptional natural resources, Tourisme Charlevoix is committed to supporting the development of the destination in a way that respects the community and its sustainable transition, whilst placing visitors, citizens, and the environment at the centre of its initiatives. The organisation is also in the process of obtaining a Biosphere certification for the region.
Firstly, can you talk us through the origins of Tourisme Charlevoix and its initial vision?
Mitchell Dion, General Director (MD): Tourisme Charlevoix was founded in 1975, so we will celebrate 50 years of existence next year.
At first, we were an organisation that had two main priorities. Firstly, there was the promotion of the region, and the other goal was to welcome tourists to our information office.
We eventually became an official regional tourism association, existing as the only non-profit organisation recognised by the Quebec Ministry of Tourism to represent the region’s tourism stakeholders and its issues. Today, we remain a private entity, but we receive a lot of funding and mandates from the provincial and federal governor.
How has the organisation’s role evolved over time?
MD: Our role has changed a lot over the years, but we are still really active in terms of promotion and welcoming tourists to the region. We now have five information offices and are currently focusing our attention on sustainable development.
Additionally, we changed our overall mission in 2023 to showcase Charlevoix alongside influencing and supporting its ongoing development. We also know that we cannot develop our destination without local people and moving to a more sustainable form of tourism.
We now promote a vision of standing out as an inspiring all-seasons destination that is committed to a sustainable shift through the synergy of its driving force and innovative ways of doing things.
Every year, we receive more than a million tourists, but we only have a population of 30,000 people, so we have to make sure that our future development aligns with the protection of local social and environmental aspects.
What are Tourisme Charlevoix’s current goals?
MD: We’re now less concerned with increasing the number of tourists, but more focused on attracting higher quality tourism. Elsewhere, we also aim to increase the number of overnight stays across the region.
Another one of our main goals is to stretch the different seasons. For example, during the high season like July and August, we have an occupancy rate that is between 70 and 80 percent, but if you arrive in January or February, it can go down to between 25 and 30 percent.
We are currently placing slightly less focus on promoting summer and instead working on a more annual basis to also highlight our intermediate and winter seasons.
We also look to maintain a high level of quality in terms of providing an unforgettable tourist experience. We are a destination that has 200 years of tradition for welcoming visitors so sometimes it is necessary to reinvent ourselves and evolve.
How do you promote all-seasons travel, such as during the winter months?
MD: We really want to capitalise on our all-season marketing shift. For us, winter is a magnificent tourist season.
We encourage people to get active during the winter months and enjoy the range of sporting activities and natural tourist attractions that the regions offers.
Then, once spring arrives as a more transitionary time, we really see it as a period where you can just relax, recharge your batteries, and connect with nature. All of the seasons bring a variety of monumental advantages for us.
Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Charlevoix?
MD: Yes, I think that the tourism industry in Charlevoix has always been really important. We often say it provides close to 30 percent of the jobs that are available in the region.
With all our new actions regarding sustainable development, alongside the desire of visitors to be more responsible, every year we become more optimistic about the future.
OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS
EAT:
For a friendly bistro with an excellent choice of beers and succulent dishes… Bistro Local 245 is located at 245 boulevard de Comporté in La Malbaie, where you can’t miss the magnificent building that previously housed the Crêperie Le Passe-Temps. Now, it’s a friendly bistro with an excellent choice of beers and succulent dishes concocted by the chef for visitors to discover!
For the ideal place to savour local products cooked in fresh and comforting dishes… Le Bercail is open every day and offers fresh and comforting cuisine, highlighting the exquisite products of the Charlevoix region.
SLEEP:
For a rural setting with breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River… Auberge des 3 Canards
For a winter wonderland with splendid views… Club Med Quebec Charlevoix is the company’s first North American mountain resort, where sea and mountains meet, offering a thrilling experience that will impress even the most experienced skiers. Architecturally designed with a contemporary yet traditional Canadian style, the resort is perched in the heart of the region, immersed in the unspoiled natural landscape with amazing views of the nearby river. A wide array of activities is offered year-round to experience the region’s ever-changing landscape, with each season presenting trails for skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer.
HIKING TRAILS IN FOCUS
Whether conquering new peaks, scaling the vast and mighty mountainside, or basking in total tranquillity, Charlevoix has become the region of choice for hikers from all walks of life.
Boasting more than 600 kilometres (km) of varying hiking trails criss-crossing through stunning scenery, Charlevoix is now a prime destination for adventurers seeking inspiration around every corner.
Avid hikers now journey from near and far to explore this different world, sculpted by the impact of an ancient meteorite.
With its high mountaintops, mysterious tundra, steep cliffs, and mountainous backcountry, Charlevoix includes trails for every type of adventurer – including easy walks that invite both young and old to be at one with nature, as well as heart-pumping ascents for seasoned hikers looking to challenge themselves to reach viewpoints that will truly take their breath away.
The growing popularity of Charlevoix’s hiking trails is a testament to the area’s natural beauty. However, more visitors can mean more issues, such as faster trail degradation, bigger environmental impacts, and more rescue operations.
Therefore, enjoying these highly coveted natural spaces comes with a duty to be respectful of the surroundings as well as the individuals who look after the trails, fellow hikers, and nearby communities.
Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix, Traversée de Charlevoix, Grands-Jardins National Park, and Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park represent some of the region’s most treasured and popular trails.
The ‘five summits challenge’ also attracts its fair share of hiking aficionados, as the region is teeming with hidden gems waiting to be explored.
LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS
St. Lawrence River
Bordered by spectacular landscapes and caressed by the saltwater breeze, the St. Lawrence River is a multifaceted, natural jewel.
There’s so much to be amazed by, with the sheer number of superb vantage points that stretch from Petite-Rivière-Saint-François to Baie-Sainte-Catherine. These spots are perfect for observing the abundant flora and fauna whilst respecting the vast ecosystems and wetlands.
Grands-Jardins National Park
This incredible site boasts a unique and fascinating ecosystem. Often referred to as the “Islet of Quebec’s Far North”, the park is home to vegetation that isn’t found anywhere else in the south of the province.
This breathtaking sanctuary, marked by numerous mountaintops and granite domes, features no fewer than 120 bodies of water and three types of forest, whilst its diverse flora sustains a wide range of wildlife.
Musée maritime de Charlevoix
Step into the past at this incredible museum, which offers a look back at the history of wooden schooners and coastal trade along the St. Lawrence River. In addition to its five exhibitions, four ships, and ancient sawmill, the site now features an aerial obstacle course, hiking trail, and an ocean of activities to immerse visitors in the region’s maritime heritage.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
Whilst the first settlers in the region arrived by boat, nowadays, there are a number of ways to get to Charlevoix.
Located 93km from Québec City and 387km from Montréal, Charlevoix is a picturesque gem nestled between the river and the mountains. Visitors can fly, sail, or drive to the area with Route 138 presenting an opportunity to see breathtaking panoramas and exquisite vistas.
Charlevoix is approximately a 90-minute drive from Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport. Vehicles can be rented on site, and there’s a shuttle to downtown Québec City, where there are trains and buses that travel to and from Charlevoix.
Alternatively, the unique, touristic Train de Charlevoix, connecting Québec City to La Malbaie, offers passengers a jaw-dropping visual spectacle featuring steep cliffs and the shores of the St. Lawrence River. This attractive option also allows visitors to take in the exquisite natural setting as they approach their final destination.
In winter, more adventurous travellers can even make their way around via snowmobile.
Elsewhere, a ferry service makes daily trips between Rivière-du-Loup and Saint-Siméon, with the ride lasting an hour and a half, whilst Tadoussac–Baie-Saint-Catherine ferry also connects the region to Côte-Nord in just 10 minutes.
Finally, an array of buses makes regular trips between the Gare du Palais station in Québec City and Charlevoix. Intercar buses also connect a number of cities in the province to Charlevoix on weekdays.
