Manoir Richelieu since 1925, Murray Bay semi-private, Le Loup in Baie-Saint-Paul: complete guide to golf courses in Charlevoix from La Malbaie.
There are places in the world where golf is a sport and others where it becomes contemplation. Charlevoix belongs to the second category. The region's distinctive geography — a meteorite crater that carved deep valleys between the river and the mountains — gives its golf courses a setting that no architect could invent. Three clubs share this exceptional terrain, each with a distinct character: the Manoir Richelieu and its century of history, Murray Bay and its understated private-club feel, and the Golf de Baie-Saint-Paul with its mountain course. All are within 45 minutes of Chalet Le Littoral in Cap-à-l'Aigle, La Malbaie.
Manoir Richelieu: a century of golf above the river
The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu golf club has welcomed players since 1925. It is the oldest course in Charlevoix and, for many, the most spectacular. The experience begins before the first swing: an electric cart ride along a panoramic trail leads to the clubhouse, where the views belong on a postcard — the St. Lawrence River below, the north-shore mountains behind, and rolling terrain dotted with birch and spruce.
The club offers 27 holes, allowing you to play 9, 18 or 27 depending on the time available and the appetite of the day. The course is maintained to the standard you would expect from a Fairmont — fast greens, immaculate fairways, and clubhouse service that matches the setting. The elevated position on the cliff above the river means wind is a constant factor — regulars know this and choose their clubs accordingly.
The Manoir Richelieu is ten minutes from La Malbaie — the closest course to the villa. After the last hole, the clubhouse terrace offers a drink with a view that extends the experience.
Club de golf Murray Bay: quiet elegance
The Club de golf Murray Bay has a different story. Originally a fully private club, it has opened its doors to visitors in recent years, making it accessible while retaining the atmosphere of a members' club — careful maintenance, unhurried pace of play, absence of crowds.
The course sits in the hills of La Malbaie, with mountain views framing each hole. The rolling terrain forces strategic choices: elevation changes alter real distances, and reading the greens requires particular attention. It is a course that rewards precision over power, which makes it interesting for technical golfers.
Murray Bay's atmosphere appeals to those who seek golf as a moment of calm and focus rather than a social event. The club is in La Malbaie itself, barely ten minutes from the chalet — you can play nine holes in the late afternoon and be back in time for dinner.
Golf de Baie-Saint-Paul: 18 holes in the mountains
The Club de golf de Baie-Saint-Paul, also known as the Le Loup course, offers 18 holes at par 72 in a mountain setting with exceptional views over the Gouffre valley and the surrounding peaks. It is the farthest course from the chalet — approximately 45 minutes toward Baie-Saint-Paul — but the drive is justified for golfers who want variety.
The terrain is more rugged than the Manoir Richelieu, with pronounced elevation changes that add a physical dimension to the game. Fairways wind between the mountains, and several holes offer plunging views over the valley. The course is less well known than the Manoir's, which means tee times are often easier to secure, particularly on weekdays.
Baie-Saint-Paul also offers the advantage of combining golf with a visit to the town — art galleries, artisan shops and restaurants line the main street. It is a good reason to turn a round of golf into a full day out.
Manoir Richelieu mini-golf: for non-golfers and families
For those travelling with family or who prefer golf in a relaxed format, the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu has a mini-golf course that tips its hat to its prestigious older sibling. The course is open to hotel guests, residents and all visitors, making it an accessible end-of-day activity when children want to play without the formality of a full course.
It is a light option that benefits from the same setting — the river views are there, the sea air too. Teenagers who balk at an 18-hole round generally accept mini-golf without resistance.
Planning your golf season in Charlevoix
The golf season in Charlevoix typically runs from mid-May to mid-October, with the best conditions from June to September. Weekday mornings offer the most available tee times and the most pleasant pace of play. In peak season (July–August), booking ahead is recommended for the Manoir Richelieu, which draws an international clientele thanks to the Fairmont brand.
For golfers who want to play multiple courses during their stay, the proximity of all three clubs is a rare advantage: you can play the Manoir Richelieu one morning, Murray Bay the next day, and the Baie-Saint-Paul course on the third, without ever driving more than 45 minutes. The variety of terrain — riverfront, hillside, mountain — ensures that each round is a different experience.
For other sporting activities in the region, see our guide to hiking in Charlevoix or discover the vertical activities for those who prefer altitude without a cart. And for a full overview, our guide to things to do in Charlevoix covers all activity categories.
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.