Unique and Magical Charlevoix

A hospitable region with magnificent scenery that captivates painters, poets, writers and visitors; Charlevoix combines in perfect harmony, the duality of nature and farming.

Covering a territory of 6,000 km² and located in the heart of the Canadian shield (the oldest soil on earth), Charlevoix has a population of 30,000 inhabitants. The region's economy is based mainly on forestry, farming and tourism. Most of the agricultural land of Charlevoix lies between BAIE SAINT-PAUL and LA MALBAIE, in the belt between highways 138 and 362. One must leave the highways and travel along the secondary roads of the towns and villages to grasp the way of life, that ensured the livelihood of local residents. These concession roads offer breathtaking scenery you can't resist.

These days, the milk industry dominates the region. There are also wild boar and turkey farms.

The romanticism of the region is present in the important hotels, such as the Manoir Richelieu built at the beginning of the 20^th century, as in the congenial, cordial smaller Inns.

History

Arts and Artists

Museums

SCENERY AND CHARACTERISTICS

bay side view of Baie-Saint-Paul

The principal elements that beautify Charlevoix are undeniably the majestic Laurentian Mountains and the St. Lawrence River. The wildlife and the exceptional richness of its flora has warranted its classification as a biosphere reserve.

The fall colors alone make the detour worthwhile; enchantment is assured.

Village of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François

Upon arrival in BAIE SAINT-PAUL from Quebec, the landscape that unfolds covers a vast territory.

Île-aux-Coudres viewed from Baie St-Paul

To the right, we see l'ÎLE-AUX-COUDRES. On the front, a chain of mountains watch over BAIE SAINT-PAUL, established at the bottom of the valley and which can be reached by descending a steady and impressive slope. To the left, the foothills of the Laurentians encircle the region.

View on the St-Lawrence River and the village of Baie St-Paul

"The flora of the hinterland is mostly dominated by Boreal forests. However, the varied relief and the rigorous weather associated with the natural history of the forest (forest fires, insect epidemics) lead to the establishment of particular plants and forest species (vegetation with arctic alpine aspects, tundra, elm and oak Laurentian maple groves). Furthermore, the ice age which affected the territory of Charlevoix molded the region, leaving an impressive rock front at the palissade, near SAINT-SIMÉON, or the morainic deposits of Nairn Lake , near SAINT-AIMÉ-DES-LACS."

Source: Literacy extract: Charlevoix, Guide Touristique, p. 10.

View from B&B Aux Volets Verts

Of a Grandiose Nature

At the junction of the Saguenay and St-Lawrence Rivers, where salted and unsalted water mix, lives six (6) different species of migratory whales. Cruises offers the possibility of viewing those majestic mammals.

Charlevoix shelters several restaurants and parks, including the "Parc Marin du Saguenay-Saint-Laurent", with a surface of 1,138 km². You will discover the splendor of the Saguenay fjord, one of the most beautiful in the world. It's in the regional park of Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, that you will observe the highest rock faces in Eastern Canada. One of the central grounds of the Biosphère reserve of Charlevoix is the Parc Des Grands-Jardins, located at the entrance to Quebec's southern urban regions. There are also some controlled exploitation zones (ZEC) and some outfitters opened to the public at large.

These vast spaces invite lovers of nature to try one or more of these activities.

downhill skiing

cross-country skiing

fishing

hunting

mountain biking sea kayaking

rafting

snowmobiling

canoeing

horseback-riding

flying ornithology

golfing

dogsledding

camping

cruises

Some of these activities are seasonal and require reservations.

It is preferable to check in advance.

Other Activities

For those looking for thrills, the Casino is a must !

Attention! Faites vos mises, rien ne va plus...

Or they can relax in a thalassotherapy center (SPA Health Center).

Access to the Region

From the Québec region to the north of the St. Lawrence River, we can reach Charlevoix by taking highway 138.

Several ferry boats also offer access to the region.

SAINT-JOSEPH-DE-LA-RIVE --> ÎLE-AUX-COUDRES --> Duration 15 minutes (Free)

SAINT-SIMÉON --> RIVIÈRE-DU-LOUP (Lower St. Lawrence region) --> Duration 75 minutes

TADOUSSAC --> BAIE-SAINTE-CATHERINE ( Saguenay/Lac Saint-Jean region) --> Duration 8 minutes