Many travellers go straight from La Malbaie to Tadoussac, and miss a ton of must-see stops. Here’s an itinerary for discovering Charlevoix’s coastal treasures.
Here are a few suggestions for places to stay and eat when travelling from La Malbaie to Baie-Sainte-Catherine.
Note: The Charlevoix region is located near Quebec city.
From La Malbaie to Baie-Sainte-Catherine
Day 1
Musée de Charlevoix
Day 1
Musée de Charlevoix
A first cultural stop is the Musée de Charlevoix in La Malbaie. Several temporary exhibitions showcase art in various forms, and a permanent exhibition on the history of Charlevoix features the region’s defining moments.
Cap-à-l’Aigle, on the water and in the gardens
Cap-à-l’Aigle, on the water and in the gardens
A member of the Association des plus beaux villages du Québec (association of most beautiful villages in Quebec), Cap-à-l’Aigle is well worth a visit for its breathtaking scenery. The Port de refuge de Cap à l’Aigle is an ideal stopover for boaters, with all the facilities you’ll need to get ready to set sail again. At the Jardins du Cap-à-l’Aigle, you’ll be amazed by artist Roland Joncas’s arrangements of plants and fantastical creatures.
Parc marin du Saguenay-Saint-Laurent
Parc marin du Saguenay-Saint-Laurent
Plan a stop at the Parc Marin du Saguenay-Saint-Laurent to watch for whales and over 2,200 other marine species. It’s also an opportunity to discover and learn more about marine flora and fauna, thanks to the interpretation and observation centres and excursions on the fjord.
Fromagerie St-Fidèle
Fromagerie St-Fidèle
A small bag of fresh cheese for the road? The Fromagerie St-Fidèle offers fresh cheddars of the day, delicious Swiss-style cheeses and many local products for an excellent picnic brimming with local flavours. In summer, this place has one of the region’s best soft creams.
Day 2
Take it all in at Port-au-Persil
Day 2
Take it all in at Port-au-Persil
Leave Route 138 for a moment and take a detour to the bucolic village of Port-au-Persil. It’s a quiet, peaceful place where you can admire the vastness of the river and simply take the time to enjoy the nature surrounding you.
Cidrerie Port-au-Persil
Cidrerie Port-au-Persil
Between the river and the mountains lies a barn housing a small artisanal cidery. A nice glass of cider with a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River – it doesn’t get any better than that!
Poterie de Port-au-Persil
Poterie de Port-au-Persil
From the main road, you’re sure to notice this old yellow barn with unmistakable charm! The Poterie de Port-au-Persil workshop is open for visitors to create unique pieces they can take home. In the gallery, you can admire works by renowned ceramists and potters.
Saint-Siméon Beach
Saint-Siméon Beach
Just a few minutes from the ferry, you’ll find a sandy beach with crystal-clear waters. It’s a little-known area that will delight young and old alike.
Outdoor adventure in Saint-Siméon
Outdoor adventure in Saint-Siméon
The charming village of Saint-Siméon offers many activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Bosco Charlevoix offers dog sledding and sea kayaking. The Parc d’aventure en montagne Les Palissades offers rock climbing, a via ferrata climbing course, and excursions on the Rivière Noire. At ÖBois Charlevoix, backcountry skiing, fat biking and swimming are all on the menu. The Zec Buteux-Bas-Saguenay is the ideal place for trout fishing or hiking. Choose your unforgettable activity!
Centre d’exposition Inouï
Centre d’exposition Inouï
This Saint-Siméon exhibition centre is the perfect place to discover art and heritage through local works and artifacts. The various exhibitions aim to create a dialogue between communities in an inclusive approach.
Baie-des-Rochers, a well-kept secret
Baie-des-Rochers, a well-kept secret
This magnificent park is the perfect place for hiking trails in the forest, sandy and pebble beaches, breathtaking river views and marine wildlife observation. An enchanting place to end this second day of your travels.
Day 3
Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre
Day 3
Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre
Offering spectacular views of the Parc Marin du Saguenay-Saint-Laurent, this interpretation and observation centre is a great place to observe marine mammals and birds in the company of a naturalist. Keep your eyes wide open! You might see a beluga whale and other marine mammals.
Whale-watching cruise
Whale-watching cruise
For unforgettable family memories, end your trip with a whale-watching cruise at Baie-Sainte-Catherine. By boat or zodiac, there’s nothing better than observing majestic whales and other marine mammals in the company of a Croisières AML naturalist-guide who will share their impressive knowledge.