What to do in Cap-à-l'Aigle?

Between the sea and the mountains, Cap-à-l'Aigle is an often overlooked destination in Quebec. Yet located in the heart of Charlevoix, the village of Cap-à-l'Aigle offers many unusual activities that make it one of Charlevoix's most beautiful destinations!

Via Ferrata, memorable sunsets and local flavours: Cap-à-l'Aigle is a destination of choice for visitors from all horizons!

The 18 best activities in Cap-à-l'Aigle

Visiting the Cap-à-l'Aigle region means having unique and memorable experiences! Here's our list of must-do activities during your stay in Cap-à-l'Aigle! 👌

1. Road trip on the Route des Saveurs

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The Route des Saveurs is an agritourism circuit winding its way through the most beautiful areas of Charlevoix. Dozens of producers, restaurateurs and shopkeepers showcase the region's rich terroir through their art.

Microbreweries, unusual livestock farms, artisanal chocolate factories, cider makers: the menu is varied and the encounters rewarding!

A road trip along the Route des Saveurs is the best way to stroll through the Cap-à-l'Aigle region and make sure you don't miss out on any of its culture!

2. Mushroom farming in Charlevoix

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It's not every day you get to visit a mushroom farm! At Champignons Charlevoix, oyster mushrooms are serious business! Mushrooms are grown in vast 4,000 sq. ft. facilities using 100% natural fertilizers.

Not only are the mushrooms grown here, they're also transformed into delicious new products!

A few examples? Mushroom-based jams, tangy oyster pesto and mushroom pasta sauce!

Two tours a day give you the chance to learn more about mushroom cultivation and processing. The well-stocked boutique is also a great place to find that little gift that's sure to surprise!

3. Mountain hiking

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The Cap-à-l'Aigle region is first and foremost an unparalleled playground for outdoor enthusiasts! With hundreds of hiking trails for all levels, you'll have access to great views whether you're in marathon shape or not!

The Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie is a must for hikers of all levels. There's a vast network of trails of varying lengths. It's also home to the mythical Acropole-des-Draveurs trail.

The trails allow you to hike along rivers and reach summits in the absolute tranquility of nature. Other on-site activities include fat biking, canoeing and rock climbing.

4. Palisades and Via Ferrata

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Les  Palissades mountain adventure park offers a wide range of mountain activities. There are two Via Ferrata courses, a 200-meter-high aerial bridge (!), climbing walls and zip lines over a lake.

If you haven't already done so, this is THE best way to experience the thrills and excitement of the Cap-à-l'Aigle region! Sublime photos to add to your Instagram account!

5. Visit Les Jardins du Cap-à-l'Aigle

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Les Jardins de Quatre-Vents is an enchanting site, bordering on fantasy. With structures and layouts straight out of a Disney account, the site immerses us in a fascinating atmosphere throughout the visit.

More than 1,000 different plant species are on display, landscaped with unparalleled care and attention to detail. Need a moment of relaxation during your stay in Cap-à-l'Aigle? Les Jardins de Quatre-Vents is a true oasis of calm, greenery and enchantment!

6. Horseback riding in the countryside

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If you're looking to get back to basics and reconnect with nature during your Cap-à-l'Aigle getaway, horseback riding is a great option! The Centre du cheval enchanteur, located 20 minutes from Cap-à-l'Aigle, lets you explore the Charlevoix mountains on horseback.

There's no need to feel guilty about going there: the Centre du cheval enchanteur is a non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of horses. The animals are well treated, trained and cared for!

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, the site offers packages for all levels. Rides last from 2 to 3 hours and allow you to get to know your horse before riding him. They take place in the forest and visitors are accompanied by an experienced guide at all times.

7. Back to the days of Prohibition

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Between Cap-à-l'Aigle and Baie-Saint-Paul lies a unique spot in Quebec: a speakeasy used during the Prohibition era! You read that right: speakeasies and clandestine taverns weren't just a big-city affair - there was (at least) one in Charlevoix too!

Today, La Maison du Bootlegger is a steakhouse-style restaurant with a friendly atmosphere, frequently welcoming musicians. Although the owners no longer need to hide to sell alcohol, the 1920s hideaways are still there for you to visit!

False walls, secret passages, camouflaged bar, game rooms, labyrinth... The Bootlegger's House has no equal, and is the best way to learn more about this facet of the Cap-à-l'Aigle region's history!

8. Sunset on the Cap-à-l'Aigle dock

Known for its thick fog, high tides and occasional storms, the St. Lawrence River is not kind to sailors at Cap-à-l'Aigle! That's why you'll find the Port de Refuge de Cap-à-l'Aigle here.

The view of the river and the Charlevoix mountains from the Port de Refuge is simply sublime! Chairs are set up on site, allowing you to stroll along while admiring the river. At sunset, a majestic display of color awaits us. You can also stroll along the quays and meet friendly sailors with fascinating stories to tell!

The Pointe-au-Pic quay, 9 minutes from Cap-à-l'Aigle, is another great place to get closer to the river! Take the small pedestrian bridge, walk to the tip of the pier and discover an exceptional 360-degree view!

A stay at Cap-à-l'Aigle is an opportunity to get closer to the river. Whatever the season, there's always a place in the area where you can stroll along the river and admire its splendor!

9. Au P'tit Bonheur art gallery

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As you know, art and culture are excellent ways to get to know a region. In the Cap-à-l'Aigle region, the galerie d’art Au P’tit Bonheur is the place to admire works by local artists. Canvases and sculptures offer a different perspective on this region, which is particularly inspiring for its artists.

In winter, the Desjardins Illuminated Village features an impressive array of Christmas lights (25,000 bulbs)! Here, your children can meet Santa Claus and his elves. And you can start your holiday shopping at the on-site Christmas market!

In March and April, visit the Sweet Village! The Village takes on a sugar shack atmosphere, offering all-you-can-eat traditional meals in addition to the usual tour!

10. Relaxing Escape at Cap-à-l'Aigle: Two Exceptional Spas

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At Cap-à-l'Aigle, relaxation takes on a whole new dimension thanks to two exceptional spas.

Moment Spa Le Manoir Richelieu, nestled in the heart of the Manoir Richelieu in the picturesque Charlevoix region, offers a refined experience of massage therapy, body and beauty treatments, with state-of-the-art equipment and a welcoming atmosphere.

You can unwind in a new multi-sensory relaxation area with fireplace and enjoy regional delicacies in the Bistro Gourmet corner.

Or opt for the Auberge & Spa des Falaises et pavillon, located on the Auberge des Falaises site, offering total privacy with three hot pools, a sauna, a cold pool, a panoramic heated pool, and massage therapy rooms, including the famous garden pavilion.

These two havens of peace are an invitation to relax, whether on the banks of the St. Lawrence River or in a soothing natural setting.

11. Port-au-Persil, Charlevoix's Hidden Charm

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Between La Malbaie and Saint-Siméon, on Route 138, lies the picturesque village of Port-au-Persil, a little-known Charlevoix gem.

Ranked among Quebec's most beautiful villages, Port-au-Persil reveals its treasures far beyond the main road. After Saint-Fidèle and Port-au-Saumon, turn right at the fork in the road and follow a winding path to this haven of peace.

Here, you'll discover rocks, a wharf, a cider mill and a river whose stones serve as a natural slide for adventurers. The peaceful atmosphere invites you to sit back, gaze at the St. Lawrence River and soak up the serenity of the surroundings.

Just a short drive from Cap-à-l'Aigle, this corner of paradise is also home to the Ferme de l'Âne du Saint-Laurent, a Quebec rarity.

You can visit the buildings, meet the donkeys, each with their own name, and indulge in their donkey milk soaps and cosmetics. Let yourself be seduced by the natural beauty and passion of this unique place.

12. Exquisite entertainment at the Casino de Charlevoix

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At the Casino de Charlevoix, entertainment is adorned with unparalleled elegance. Discover a world where your safety and that of your employees is paramount, while diving into a variety of exciting games and enjoying fine cuisine in their lively restaurants and bars.

However, the wonderment reaches its peak with the "ÉCLATS" show presented in this enchanting setting. Created by Les 7 doigts de la main, this dazzling circus transports spectators into a bewitching world inspired by funfairs and imbued with the authentic spirit of Charlevoix.

In a place where art and play blend harmoniously, each acrobatic feat, each moment of this enchanting show tells a story, capturing the very essence of this magical region of Quebec.

At the Casino de Charlevoix, wonder and pleasure are the watchwords of an unforgettable experience.

13. Cité Mémoire Charlevoix: History in Poetry and Images

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In the heart of Charlevoix, Cité Mémoire Charlevoix unveils itself as a poetic multimedia experience, revealing the region's precious heritage in a whole new way.

Simply download the Cité Mémoire app to embark on a sensory journey through 60 points of interest, 6 augmented realities, 4 striking projections, and a captivating sound stroll.

This project, orchestrated by Michel Lemieux and inspired by the evocative words of Michel Marc Bouchard, breathes new life into Charlevoix's history.

You'll be able to explore the region's past in a way that's both intimate and grandiose, where art blends with technology to create a hauntingly beautiful experience, entirely free of charge.

14. The Snowmobile Experience at Cap-à-l'Aigle

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In the heart of Cap-à-l'Aigle, snowmobiling adventure takes on an extraordinary dimension.

Top Location Charlevoix offers you the chance to explore the region's trails aboard the latest Ski-Doo snowmobiles, ready to brave the most frigid temperatures. Their rental options, ranging from 2 to 8 hours, even include raids with luxury accommodation, accompanied by passionate guides.

On the other side of the border, Nord Expé, located just 30 minutes from Quebec City, invites you to experience unforgettable moments amid wild, mountainous landscapes. Their snowmobile excursions cover the authentic Charlevoix region, between the St. Lawrence River and the mountains.

15. Celestial and Geological Discoveries in Charlevoix

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Charlevoix, a land of discoveries, opens the doors to two unique exploration centers.

At the Observatoire de l'Astroblème de Charlevoix, immerse yourself in the meteorite impact that shaped this region through an interactive tour, featuring samples of Charlevoix impactites and even meteorites you can touch.

A must-see experience to understand the birth of Charlevoix. At the same time, explore the region's geology on a hike along the majestic St. Lawrence River.

Astronomy enthusiasts will be delighted by the Observatoire astronomique de Charlevoix, open every summer evening. Discover the mysteries of the universe during an indoor activity, followed by observations of the starry sky through a telescope, whatever the weather.

16. Religious Exploration at Cap-à-l'Aigle

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In addition to its natural beauty, Cap-à-l'Aigle boasts a rich religious heritage.

The Murray Bay Protestant Church, dating from 1867, enchants with its stained glass windows and summer serenity.

Le Monastère de la Croix Glorieuse, founded in 1991, is home to the Little Brothers of the Cross, a contemplative community. Their doors are open to visitors for adoration and morning mass.

St-Peter-on-the-Rock, witness to 150 years of faith, has hosted Protestant services since 1872. It recently celebrated its centenary, symbolizing Cap-à-l'Aigle's religious roots.

These buildings, a blend of history and spirituality, are an invitation to a gentle cultural discovery in the heart of this charming region.

17. The Natural Beauty of Cap-à-l'Aigle

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Cap-à-l'Aigle, a natural gem, offers an unforgettable outdoor experience. Mont Grand-Fonds, a winter sports paradise, offers downhill, off-piste and cross-country skiing on 140 km of trails, snowshoeing and more.

At the Centre de Plein Air Les Sources Joyeuses, nature lovers explore cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking trails.

The Mirador reveals the grandeur of the Charlevoix crater.

Tubing slides offer fun for the whole family.

The Saguenay-Saint-Lawrence Marine Park, ideal for whale watching, is home to over 2,200 species.

It offers unique experiences, from wildlife observation to excursions on the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence River. Protected by Canada and Quebec, it's a natural treasure trove inhabited by diverse marine creatures, from micro-algae to majestic blue whales.

A place where the sea reveals its opulence, captivating visitors with its richness and mystery.

18. Between grass and sky: Golfing at Cap-à-l'Aigle

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For golf enthusiasts, Cap-à-l'Aigle offers two magnificent courses.

At the Murray Bay Golf Club, history mingles with the beauty of the Charlevoix landscape. The 18-hole main course offers an exhilarating challenge.

For beginners, the 9-hole Peter Ryan course is ideal. Everyone can indulge their passion in a picturesque setting.

At the Club de Golf Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, the experience begins with a panoramic ride in an electric cart. The course offers panoramas worthy of the most beautiful postcards.

Choose between 9, 18 or 27 holes, promising a memorable day in the heart of Charlevoix's nature.

Charlevoix's two golf clubs await visitors for an unforgettable round of golf.

A Four Seasons Treasure

🌤️ In summer, we go there to enjoy the river. We also take advantage of the Route des Saveurs to meet local breeders and producers.

🍂 In autumn, Cap-à-l'Aigle is bursting with color! An excursion to the mountains or a road trip in the hinterland is a must to admire the show up close!

❄️ Winter is ski season! The region receives staggering amounts of snow: it's a skier's paradise! The Baie-Saint-Paul Christmas market is another excellent reason to visit the region!

🌼 Spring is a bit of everything! The ski season stretches into April, and outdoor activities can be enjoyed well into the season! Then summer activities start up again. An endless wheel of activities awaits you in the Cap-à-l'Aigle region!

Cap-à-l'Aigle, the ideal Charlevoix base

No matter what draws you to Charlevoix, Cap-à-l'Aigle is the ideal base for visiting the region!

Whether you're looking to store in Baie-Saint-Paul, hike in the backcountry or take a whale-watching tour on the river, Cap-à-l'Aigle is the ideal place to stay with family, friends or couples.

Cap-à-l'Aigle is located in the heart of Charlevoix, just..:

-40 minutes from Baie-Saint-Paul

-4 minutes from La Malbaie

-1h15 from Tadoussac