Via ferrata at Les Palissades, zipline at Manoir Richelieu, canyoning at Le Massif: guide to vertical activities in Charlevoix from La Malbaie.
Charlevoix has a geological advantage that most tourist regions in Quebec do not: a 56-kilometre-wide meteorite crater that created, 400 million years ago, granite walls, deep gorges and cliffs plunging into the St. Lawrence River. This terrain is not just spectacular to look at — it can be climbed, rappelled down and crossed on steel cables. Between the Palissades near Saint-Siméon, the cliffs of the Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie and the canyons of Le Massif, Charlevoix offers a concentration of vertical activities rarely found outside the Alps or the Dolomites. And everything is within an hour's drive of the chalet.
Les Palissades: a world-class mountain adventure park
Ten kilometres from the village of Saint-Siméon, along Route 170, a granite wall four kilometres wide and 400 metres high rises above the boreal forest. This is the playground of Les Palissades de Charlevoix, operated by Aventurex — a mountain adventure park whose scale is unmatched in eastern Canada.
Three via ferrata routes allow you to climb this equipped cliff face using rungs, cables and bridges, with no prior climbing experience required. The Via du Lynx, lasting approximately two hours, is designed for families and beginners: the metal rungs are closely spaced, the progression is intuitive, and the panorama over the valley unfolds gradually. The Via du Faucon, more athletic, reduces the number of rungs and comes closer to actual rock climbing — it suits those who want to feel the granite beneath their fingers.
The highlight is the aerial bridge suspended 200 metres above the valley floor. The crossing, on a cable-and-plank walkway, takes only a few minutes but leaves a lasting impression. Then comes a 70-metre rappel down the rock face, followed by the 250-metre double zipline across Lac à Jean. The full experience — via ferrata, bridge, rappel, zipline — takes three to five hours depending on the route chosen.
Les Palissades are approximately 45 minutes from the chalet, heading toward Saint-Siméon. The site operates year-round, but the summer season (June to October) offers the best conditions.
Via Ferrata La Charlevoix: climbing the Manoir Richelieu cliff
For those who prefer to stay in La Malbaie, Projet Vertical has set up a via ferrata course directly on the cliff overlooking Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. Via Ferrata La Charlevoix offers over 500 metres of route on the rock face, with unobstructed views of the St. Lawrence River throughout the climb.
The course takes approximately three hours (including gear-up and briefing) and is rated intermediate. You climb the rock face, cross vertiginous wooden traverses, a monkey bridge and a zipline — all facing the river, with the north-shore mountains as a backdrop. The Manoir Richelieu Grand Zipline, 400 metres of cable that carries you back to the starting point above the canopy, concludes the experience.
The activity is open to children from age seven in summer, making it an appealing family option. Equipment (helmet, harness) is provided and a certified guide is included. Projet Vertical runs departures throughout the season, including winter for those willing to try via ferrata on ice.
This is the closest vertical activity to Chalet Le Littoral — barely fifteen minutes by car. After the effort, the villa's terrace overlooking the river takes on an entirely different feel when you have just climbed the cliff you normally admire from below.
Canyoning at Le Massif: descending into the crater
Canyoning may be the most spectacular and least known activity in Charlevoix. Katabatik, based in Baie-Saint-Paul, runs canyoning excursions through the gorges carved by the meteorite impact that shaped the region's distinctive geology.
The flagship route takes place in the canyon at Le Massif de Charlevoix. A shuttle drops you at the starting point for an approximately three-hour excursion in a water environment. You rappel down five to seven waterfalls, swim through natural rock pools, and slide down stone chutes polished by millennia of erosion. The setting is striking: ribbons of white water plunging into a rocky base carpeted in green moss.
No rappelling experience is required — Katabatik's guides supervise every descent — but you need to feel comfortable in the water. Full equipment is provided: neoprene wetsuit, harness, helmet and jacket. The activity is open to adults and children from age ten.
Katabatik also offers excursions on the du Moulin River in Baie-Saint-Paul and at Chutes à Cimon in Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, for those who want to try different runs. Baie-Saint-Paul is approximately 45 minutes from your base in Cap-à-l'Aigle.
Rock climbing at Hautes-Gorges: for experienced climbers
The Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie is home to some of the tallest climbing walls east of the Canadian Rockies. Here, you leave the realm of initiation and enter serious rock climbing in a natural setting, reserved for experienced and self-sufficient climbers.
Access to the cliff faces within the park is strictly regulated by SÉPAQ. Registration is mandatory and done through a form available on the park's website. There is no guide service on site — climbers must be autonomous, properly equipped and aware of weather conditions that can change rapidly in the gorges.
For non-climbers, the park also offers the Acropole-des-Draveurs trail, a strenuous hike with 800 metres of elevation gain that leads to the top of the gorges. It is not technical climbing, but the ascent is intense enough to satisfy anyone drawn to verticality. The view from the summit — the Malbaie River gorges seen from above, with the boreal forest stretching to the horizon — is one of the most photographed in Quebec.
The park is approximately 40 minutes from the chalet, heading toward Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs.
Beginner rock climbing in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
For those who want a gentle introduction to outdoor rock climbing, Coop L'Affluent in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François offers initiation sessions on small natural rock faces. The activity is designed for complete beginners and takes place in a supervised setting with all equipment provided. It is a good stepping stone before tackling the Palissades or the walls of Hautes-Gorges.
Planning your vertical day
Whichever activity you choose, a few practical tips apply across the board. For via ferrata and canyoning, technical equipment is provided by operators — just wear comfortable sportswear and closed-toe shoes with rigid soles. Jewellery is prohibited and long hair must be tied back. Bring one to two litres of water per person, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (July–August), particularly for Les Palissades and Katabatik. Projet Vertical, located right in La Malbaie, generally has more availability on weekdays.
For families, the Via du Lynx at Les Palissades (all ages) and the Manoir Richelieu via ferrata (from age seven) are the best options. Canyoning is suitable for children from age ten. Rock climbing at Hautes-Gorges is reserved for experienced adults.
To complete your adventure getaway, browse our guide on things to do in Charlevoix or explore the region's outdoor activities.
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.