Charlevoix is the source of some of the finest ingredients produced

Charlevoix is the source of some of the finest ingredients produced in Canada. There is also plenty to see and do
along the Flavour Trail and beyond, especially when traveling by car, so allow several days to enjoy the sights
and scenery and take in the flavors of this spectacular region. We’re going to take you on a journey through
Charlevoix and showcase some of the artisans, things to do, and places to eat and stay along the way. This is the
first article in a three-part series of travel through the Charlevoix region of Québec.
Bird watching along the St. Lawrence River
Charlevoix offers a range of activities that will invite you to return during all four seasons and depending on the
season, the highlights of your visit will be different. The Flavor Trail showcases the best of the culinary
experience of the region where you can sample the fruits, produce, meats, pâtés, cheeses, wine, jams, jellies,
baked goods, ciders, artisan beers, wines, smoked and cured fish, and chocolates, all provided by over forty
artisans along the trail. This is an exceptional agritourism experience that is best experienced from April
through October.
* Map of Charlevoix
In the winter months, the mountainous region is transformed into a winter wonderland with opportunities to ski
at Le Massif de Charlevoix, go snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding down a 4.6 mile
(7.5 km) sled run that winds down Mont Liguori with spectacular scenery at every turn. From Late November
to early December, the charming town of Baie-Saint-Paul is host to its annual European-style Christmas Market
where you can find regional artisan specialties.
Storing wood for the winter season when outdoor sports and skiing are very popular in the region
When departing from Québec City, travel north along the St. Lawrence River to Petite-Rivière Saint-François
where the trail begins and it ends at La Malbaie. To learn more about the artisans of the Flavour Trail, click here
http://www.tourisme-charlevoix.com/en/circuits/flavour-trail/
How to Get There
By rail
The rail line along the coast of the St. Lawrence River in Charlevoix
For a relaxed view of some of the beautiful scenery, the Train de le Massif de Charlevoix (with a seasonal
schedule) leaves Québec City in the morning, with stops along the way, and returns to the city every evening.
However, plan to spend a few nights in one of the beautiful hotels on the rail line, such as the Fairmont Le
Manoir Richlieu or Le Germain Hotel Charlevoix (formerly Le Ferme) and immerse yourself in the amenities
and activities that each of these properties and small towns have to offer.
The impressive Fairmont Le Le Manoir Richlieu overlooking the St. Lawrence River
By car and what to see along the way
For a more active and in-depth experience, rent a car and travel the scenic by-way. You can visit many of the
towns, food artisans, and cultural centers throughout Charlevoix and pause along the way to take in the
breathtaking views.
We rented a car so we had more flexibility in our schedule and could visit the local producers, arrange to see the
highlights, and of course, take advantage of the photo opportunities while traveling north on Highway 138. Just
outside Québec City we stopped to enjoy the view of Montmorency Falls. A short drive from the city, Parc de la
Chute-Montmorency (Montmorency Falls Park), boasts the largest waterfall in the province of Québec and at 84
meters (275 feet) high and 46 meters (150 feet) wide, these falls are 30 meters (99 feet higher) than Niagara
Falls. A spectacular scene viewed from a distance, you can spend ½ day or more hiking up the falls or take the
cable car to the top and walk the suspension bridge across the falls to enjoy a picnic lunch and the view from
above.
Montmorency Falls
The cable car is one option to reach the top of the falls
Twenty minutes outside Québec City, you have the opportunity to visit The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
where many healing miracles have been credited to Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus. Almost one million
visitors per year enter through the doors to seek healing and pray for those in need. The Basilica is 350 years old
and people from around the world come to visit this important religious shrine.
The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Crutches and walkers have been left as a testament to the healing powers of the Basilica
Also nearby is Canyon Sainte-Anne. The Saint-Anne Falls carved this dramatic canyon through the rocks. You
can cross the walk bridges to “feel” the power of the river and the views. For the more adventurous, try the zip
lines. Not so adventurous? There are beautiful pathways around the canyon that are easy to navigate.
** Canyon Sainte-Anne
Here is Part 2 of the series – Charlevoix – The Flavour Trail and Le Domaine Forget.
* Map of Charlevoix is courtesy of Charlevoix Tourism
** This photo is courtesy of Canyon Sainte-Anne
Disclosure – We want to thank Tourisme Québec, Charlevoix Tourism, and Le Germain Hotel Charlevoix for
their assistance during our trip to Charlevoix. We have not been compensated for this article and the opinions
expressed regarding our experience are our own.