The magic of Charlevoix began more than 400 million years ago, when a meteorite struck the earth and shaped one of Québec’s most beautiful landscapes.
Today, you can still feel that unique energy — an invitation to pause, breathe, move, and awaken your senses.
Here are a few culinary and outdoor activities to make your next cottage stay in Charlevoix truly unforgettable! 🌿✨
Moose Watching from the Sky
🫎 Moose Watching from the Sky – A Unique Adventure in Charlevoix
Soaring gently along the coast near Saint-Siméon, nestled between the St. Lawrence River and the mountains, you’ll find one of Quebec’s most breathtaking experiences — a flight with Héli Charlevoix in Baie-Saint-Paul.
During winter, the adventure reaches new heights — quite literally. From above, you can spot majestic moose roaming the snowy boreal forest, gathered peacefully in their natural winter habitat. Every flight is conducted with respect for the animals, ensuring a quiet, non-intrusive observation that lets you witness nature in its purest form.
For a truly memorable day, consider the Helicopter & Dogsled Combo Package, a thrilling mix of aerial views and ground-level adventure that captures the spirit of Quebec’s wild winter landscapes.
When summer arrives, the magic continues with aerial excursions to the Cap de la Tête au Chien Lighthouse, where you can land and enjoy a guided visit with the lighthouse’s charming owners — born storytellers with tales of wind, sea, and time. From this perch above the St. Lawrence, you might even spot whales gliding just below the cliffs.
Other Héli Charlevoix experiences include Beach Relaxation, Flavours in Flight, Summit Hikes, and Taste Above All — each offering a new way to experience the beauty and diversity of the Charlevoix region from an unforgettable perspective.
🎨 Art Galleries to Visit in Baie-Saint-Paul
Thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty, Baie-Saint-Paul has long been a source of inspiration for artists — and it continues to be today. This picturesque town has become a true artistic sanctuary, where collectors and art lovers alike come to explore and acquire original works.
Visitors can stroll through renowned galleries such as Galerie Beauchamp and Galerie Inis, as well as boutiques and artists’ studios scattered throughout the charming streets of the old town.
Over the years, the presence of celebrated artists has helped shape not only the creative spirit of Baie-Saint-Paul, but also the entire cultural landscape of the Charlevoix region. Here, every brushstroke, sculpture, and canvas seems to capture the region’s soul — the mountains, the river, and the ever-changing northern light.
🍴 A Gourmet Getaway in Baie-Saint-Paul
Since 2002, Johane and Serge, founders of Le Fumoir St-Antoine in Baie-Saint-Paul, have been sharing their passion for the art of traditional fish smoking. Drawing on years of expertise, they’ve perfected the craft of producing smoked salmon with a truly distinctive flavour — rich, delicate, and unmistakably local.
Their story began with a simple idea: to serve their homemade smoked salmon at breakfast in their cozy bed and breakfast. The idea caught on quickly, and today Le Fumoir St-Antoine welcomes visitors for tasting plates of house-smoked seafood, available to enjoy on site at their charming bistro table or to take home for a true taste of Charlevoix.
Whether you’re a food lover, a weekend traveller, or simply curious to discover Quebec’s regional flavours, this stop is a must on any gourmet escape through Baie-Saint-Paul.
🚆 Journey Aboard the Charlevoix Train
Once a simple railway shuttle linking Québec City to La Malbaie, the Charlevoix Train has transformed into a unique resort-style travel experience. The route winds gracefully between the mighty St. Lawrence River — which takes on the vastness of the sea here — and the majestic mountains of Charlevoix.
Now operated by Réseau Charlevoix, this scenic train has become an essential experience for anyone visiting the region. It offers a remarkably original way to discover Charlevoix, unveiling spectacular landscapes that would otherwise remain inaccessible.
In recent years, departures begin near Montmorency Falls, just outside Québec City. What was once a luxury voyage has evolved into a more modest, yet equally breathtaking journey through the heart of Quebec’s most poetic scenery. Passengers can order light snacks and regional beverages, featuring local Charlevoix products that highlight the area’s artisanal spirit.
From the comfort of your seat, watch as villages, cliffs, and river panoramas unfold — a reminder that sometimes, the journey itself is the destination.
🪶 Visit the Charlevoix Emu Centre
Located in Saint-Urbain, the Charlevoix Emu Centre is a truly unique agrotourism destination dedicated to showcasing the remarkable world of the emu — a fascinating bird originally from Australia, now thriving in the heart of Charlevoix.
Visitors can tour the emu farm, learn about every stage of the process — from breeding and product transformationto culinary creations and natural cosmetics — and discover how local expertise turns this gentle giant into a symbol of innovation and sustainability.
All of the Centre’s products reflect the exceptional quality of the raw materials, from the richness of the emu oil to the tenderness of the meat. Known for their nourishing and soothing properties, these products promote well-being and vitality at every age.
A stop at the Charlevoix Emu Centre is a chance to experience local craftsmanship, agrotourism, and wellness — all in one inspiring visit.
🎿 Hiking, Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing in Charlevoix
With more than 100 kilometres of trails, the Sentier des Caps in Saint-Tite-des-Caps is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts looking to reconnect with nature — whether for a day hike or an overnight adventure in one of the cozy on-site shelters.
In winter, not all walking trails are groomed, but that only adds to the charm. After a few days without fresh snow, the paths open up beautifully, offering the chance to get closer to the St. Lawrence River and take in its ever-changing winter landscape.
Snowshoers can enjoy day hikes ranging from 4 to 15 kilometres, many featuring breathtaking viewpointsoverlooking both the river and the surrounding mountains. For cross-country skiers, well-maintained trails start right from the Massif sector’s welcome centre, providing a perfect blend of challenge and scenery.
Whether on foot, on skis, or in snowshoes, every step at Sentier des Caps reveals a new perspective on Charlevoix’s wild beauty — where adventure and serenity meet.
🧗♀️ Experience the Via Ferrata Adventure in Charlevoix
A thrilling fusion of hiking and rock or ice climbing, the Via Ferrata at Les Palissades de Charlevoix in Saint-Siméon offers an unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature. Secured by steel cables anchored into the rock face, you’ll make your way along the cliffs — from balcony to terrace — surrounded by the stunning wilderness of Charlevoix.
The adventure finishes with a 30-metre rappel and an exhilarating double zipline that carries you high above Lac à Jean, offering breathtaking views of the towering Palissades rock walls.
No climbing skills are required — just a sense of adventure! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, this safe and accessible experience is one of Charlevoix’s most unforgettable ways to get your adrenaline flowing.
🚣 Sea Kayaking at Baie-des-Rochers Municipal Park
A hidden gem along the Charlevoix coast, the Baie-des-Rochers Municipal Park in Saint-Siméon is the perfect spot to dip your paddle and explore the beauty of the St. Lawrence by sea kayak — just be mindful of the tides!
Nestled between towering rock cliffs and forested foothills, this small yet stunning park also features a network of scenic hiking trails, ideal for stretching your legs before or after your paddle.
For those looking to enhance the experience, Katabatik Adventure offers guided excursions both on land and on water, providing visitors with safe, enriching ways to discover the unique coastal landscapes and marine life of Charlevoix.
Whether you’re gliding across calm waters or hiking through lush forest, Baie-des-Rochers remains one of Charlevoix’s best-kept secrets — a peaceful haven where land and sea meet.
🥃 Tasting at the Menaud Distillery & Microbrewery
As Charlevoix’s very first distillery and microbrewery, Menaud stands as a bold symbol of craftsmanship and creativity. Driven by passion, the founders and artisans behind Menaud seek to share their love for the land — and for the art of creating exceptional spirits and beers.
Here, meticulous know-how meets raw authenticity. Every step of the process reflects deep respect for the product and a constant desire to innovate. The result? Distinctive small-batch creations that capture both the character of the region and the soul of those who craft them.
The brand name Menaud pays tribute to Félix-Antoine Savard, the founding priest of Clermont in 1935, whose famous character Menaud, maître-draveur embodied the spirit of the Quebec craftsman — a maker, a dreamer, and a guardian of his land. Inspired by this legacy, today’s artisans at Menaud continue to honour the beauty of Charlevoix and the importance of preserving its natural heritage for generations to come.
🥾 Trek Across Mont des Morios and the ZEC des Martres
Embarking on a hike along the ridges of Mont des Morios, from summit to summit — with or without a detour through the ZEC des Martres — is one of the most unique outdoor adventures in Notre-Dame-des-Monts.
The 24.3 km loop trail (about 8 hours) is best explored between May and October, when the scenery is at its most spectacular — and the trails are at their busiest. You can also choose to climb just one of the summits for a shorter but equally rewarding day hike.
Families and beginner hikers will enjoy the two easier routes within the ZEC des Martres — Mont de l’Alouette and Sentier de la Croix — both offering peaceful forest paths and scenic viewpoints. For more seasoned trekkers, other routes feature elevations ranging from 119 to 2,870 metres, including the breathtaking Mont du Dôme, where panoramic views of the Charlevoix mountains make every step worthwhile.
🏞️ Follow the Route des Montagnes
For a true immersion in Quebec’s mountain majesty, explore the Route des Montagnes — a journey through the Laurentian foothills and two of the province’s most spectacular national parks: Grands-Jardins and Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie.
Usually travelled by car or motorcycle, this scenic route rewards those who take their time — ideally 7 to 10 days — to fully experience its 18 key attractions, from hiking and fishing to paddling and local agrotourism.
Ambitious cyclists can tackle the route as well, though its steep climbs make it a true challenge. No matter how you travel, the Route des Montagnes offers one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Charlevoix’s rugged beauty and outdoor spirit.
🏺 Discovering the Port-au-Persil Pottery
Housed in a beautifully restored old barn, the Port-au-Persil Pottery has been a hub of artistic creation and craftsmanship for over 50 years. The space includes not only a working studio and boutique, but also a welcoming café — the perfect stop for lovers of handmade art and local culture.
The famous Charlevoix glazes made the founder, Pierre Legault (1933–1983), a pioneer in Quebec ceramics. He also founded SIAL, the province’s first clay and pottery equipment company. His iconic Legault foot-powered wheel, distributed in schools across Quebec, is still in use today at the pottery, where his family proudly continues his legacy.
A visit here is more than an encounter with clay — it’s a journey through Charlevoix’s creative soul.
🫧 A Stop at the Saint-Laurent Donkey Farm
At the Ferme de l’âne du Saint-Laurent, visitors can learn everything about the fascinating world of donkeys — and discover luxurious soaps made with fresh donkey milk.
Nathalie and Serge, pioneers in North America since 2004, discovered Port-au-Persil during a trip to Quebec and fell in love with its peaceful setting. They purchased a century-old farmhouse in this quiet Charlevoix hamlet and turned it into a unique blend of farm, workshop, and boutique.
Inspired by the popularity of donkey milk cosmetics in France, they founded Shamâne in 2007 — a high-end natural skincare line combining tradition, sustainability, and the purest local ingredients.
🏡 Stay in a Cozy Cottage and Enjoy All That Charlevoix Has to Offer
Whether you’re admiring the landscapes of La Malbaie, exploring by ATV, hitting the slopes at Le Massif de Charlevoix, or simply unwinding by the fire, this region will capture your heart.
Make your getaway truly memorable by renting a chalet in Charlevoix and experiencing the best of its nature, flavours, and culture. With a wide selection of cottages available, you’re sure to find your perfect home away from home.
💡 Tip: Become a Cottage Discount member to enjoy exclusive savings, including last-minute chalet deals and discounts on local attractions across Quebec!