Things to do in Charlevoix: hiking, whale watching, Route des Saveurs, Hautes-Gorges Park. Where to stay in a luxury chalet in La Malbaie.
Charlevoix brings together some of Quebec's finest experiences. Grand landscapes where river meets mountains, locally-sourced gastronomy renowned across the province, outdoor activities for every skill level — this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve offers the very best of what Quebec has to offer in one compact region. Whether you're an avid hiker, a food enthusiast, or simply seeking peace and quiet, here are the must-do activities and highlights for your Charlevoix stay. For winter-specific activities, see our winter in Charlevoix guide.
Hiking and nature
Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Riviere-Malbaie National Park is without question Charlevoix's natural crown jewel. This spectacular park is home to some of the tallest rock faces east of the Canadian Rockies, with deep, enclosed glacial valleys that create a striking landscape. The Acropole des Draveurs trail is widely considered one of Quebec's finest hikes: after a sustained climb of 800 metres of elevation gain, the summit rewards you with 360-degree views over the gorges, the Malbaie River, and the surrounding mountains. For less experienced hikers, the Pionniers trail follows the valley floor along the river, offering a gentler but equally beautiful walk. The park also operates a river shuttle that travels upstream into the heart of the gorges — an accessible contemplative experience for everyone.
Closer to our chalets, the Terrasses trails at Cap-a-l'Aigle offer easy to moderate hiking just minutes away by car. The trails wind through mixed forest with viewpoints over the river and mountains. It's the perfect outing for a morning or late afternoon, accessible to families with children. The St. Lawrence shore walk in La Malbaie runs along the river for several kilometres and offers changing perspectives depending on the tides — at low tide, the mudflats are exposed, revealing a fascinating ecosystem.
Whale watching
Whale watching is one of Charlevoix's most unforgettable experiences. From July to October, the waters of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park host a remarkable concentration of marine mammals. From Tadoussac to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, whale-watching cruises (Croisieres AML, among others) let you observe up to thirteen cetacean species: the majestic fin whale, the humpback whale with its spectacular breaches, the minke whale, and the beluga — a year-round St. Lawrence resident recognizable by its white colour.
Allow about 1 h 30 of driving from La Malbaie to reach the cruise departure points. Zodiac excursions offer an immersive experience right at water level, while larger cruise boats are better suited for families with young children. For shore-based observation, the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre in Tadoussac and the Pointe-Noire lookout in Baie-Sainte-Catherine are excellent free options.
Route des Saveurs
The Charlevoix Route des Saveurs (Flavour Trail) is much more than a tourist circuit — it's the gastronomic soul of the region. Quebec's first certified gourmet trail, it connects some thirty producers, artisans, and restaurateurs who work with Charlevoix's terroir products. Fine cheeses (including the renowned 1608 from Laiterie Charlevoix), craft ciders, salt-meadow lamb, free-range duck, sourdough breads, and single-origin chocolates — every stop is a flavour discovery.
The region is also a top dining destination — discover our best restaurants in La Malbaie. Among the must-visit stops on the trail: Laiterie Charlevoix in Baie-Saint-Paul for award-winning cheeses, Ferme Basque de Charlevoix for duck terrines and foie gras, Pains d'Exclamation bakery for artisan breads and pastries, and Menaud distillery in Clermont for award-winning craft gins and whiskies. In summer, don't miss picking wild berries along Chemin Snigole in Clermont — strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries in abundance. Download the Route des Saveurs magazine from the Tourisme Charlevoix website to plan your route.
Where to stay
Charlevoix Chalets offers two luxury chalets in La Malbaie (Cap-à-l'Aigle): Le Littoral (pool, sauna, spa), L'Embâcle (pool, spa). Book online or call 418 476-1442.