10 activities to do in the Charlevoix Region

Charlevoix - charm me!

Did you know that it is in the magnificent Charlevoix region that MonsieurChalets was born? Well, yes! In fact, our website gives you access to more than fifty cottages in this area.

If you have never been to Charlevoix, let yourself be tempted by its breathtaking landscapes and its wide variety of activities that will satisfy all tastes. And if you've already been there, there's nothing to stop you from going back, since Charlevoix deserves to be seen more than once.

Here is a selection of 10 activities that should convince you:

1. Le Massif de Charlevoix

When one thinks of Charlevoix, for many, the first thing that comes to mind is the Massif de Charlevoix located in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François. With good reason, the incredible proximity of the mountain to the St. Lawrence River makes Le Massif a unique attraction. In winter, the mountain gives you access to more than 50 trails that will appeal to all levels of skiers. And did you know that at Le Massif, parking is at the top of the mountain, not at the bottom? During the other seasons, Le Massif de Charlevoix is all about panoramic views. In fact, on October 5-6-12-13 and 14, the "Massif en couleurs" event will be held, during which the gondolas will be in service to allow you to admire the river and the region's landscape.

2. The Charlevoix Casino

Why not take advantage of your stay to experience the Charlevoix Casino? On the menu: Black Jack, Poker, Baccarat, Roulette, slot machines and much more. Don't play? No problem, the Casino de Charlevoix offers much more than just a wide variety of games. You will also find shows, restaurants and not one, but two bars with completely different atmospheres. The unique atmosphere at the Casino de Charlevoix will charm all members of your group.

3. The "Route des Saveurs"

During your visit, come and satisfy your epicurean side thanks to the Route des Saveurs. On the menu for your taste buds: ciders, artisanal beers, fine cheeses and chocolates, organic meats, well-bred ducks and market garden products. The Charlevoix agro-tourism circuit promises to satisfy the most discerning palates. After all, everyone loves to eat, so what are you waiting for?

One Region - Two National Parks

It's not everywhere that you can find two equally stunning national parks so close together. These two parks offer a multitude of activities that will appeal to your entire group. Here are a few of them: canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing, paddleboarding, rabaska, etc. These parks even offer winter activities: fatbike, ice shuttle, snowshoeing, skating, ice climbing, Hok Skiing, etc. All this, not to mention the unforgettable views that these different activities will allow you to see.

4. Hautes Gorges de la Rivière de la Malbaie National Park

The Hautes Gorges de la Rivière de la Malbaie National Park is known to many for the famous Acropole des Draveurs hike. This trail, classified as difficult, is 11.2 km long (round trip) with an 800 m difference in altitude. Don't be discouraged by the rapid and steep ascent of the first few kilometres of the trail, as the view of the rocky capes and the Malbaie River are well worth the effort.

5. Grands-Jardins National Park

Grands-Jardins National Park located in the greater Charlevoix region is mainly known for its Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes trail. You have certainly already seen beautiful pictures taken at the top of this mountain which offers one of the most impressive views of all Charlevoix. The trail is 8.6 km long (round trip) with a difference in altitude of 480 m to reach 980 m. Your efforts will be fully rewarded by the incredible panorama you will have at the top.

Have you experienced via ferrata?

What is a via ferrata? It is a combination of hiking and climbing. It is a combination of hiking and rock climbing, so you can talk about hiking on a rock face. Thanks to the presence of metal holds and steel cables, you can progress to places that would normally be unreachable. This new activity that has recently arrived in Quebec allows you to enjoy magnificent views that you would never have thought possible. Rest assured, this activity is very safe and accessible. Here are two places where you can practice it in the Charlevoix region:

6. Palissades de Charlevoix – AventureX

The Palisades de Charlevoix offers you a unique experience in North America. Two courses are offered, an easy one and a more difficult one. Both options also offer you the crossing of a suspension bridge, abseiling and access to two zip lines of over 200 m. Thrills and fun are guaranteed!

7. Via Ferrata at Grands-Jardins National Park

We are still talking about the Grands-Jardins National Park, because in addition to its regular activities, the national park has two via ferrata courses. In fact, the Montée course is located at the end of the Traversée course. During your journey, you will cross a Nepalese bridge and enjoy a view of the mountains, the valley of the gros bras and the St. Lawrence River. If you decide to continue to the top thanks to the Montée route, you will have a splendid view of the Charlevoix Astroblème, if you don't know what it is, it is the remains of an ancient meteorite impact crater. With a diameter of 54 km, it is currently the eleventh-largest crater identified on Earth.

8. Sled Dogs - The Queen and the Millionaire

Here is an activity that will certainly please everyone! An outing with sled dogs in the magnificent trails of the Charlevoix region. The outdoors, beautiful dogs and magnificent landscapes, what more could you ask for? The Queen and the Millionaire company offers you the chance to ride dogsleds in the beautiful Charlevoix region, all year long! "All year long? Yes, since this summer, the company offers a new summer activity: the cani-scooter. So if you don't like the winter cold, but have always dreamed of going for a dog sled ride, this is the perfect activity for you.

9. Cruise on the Malbaie River

This is another activity that will allow you to live a unique experience in the Charlevoix region. Climb aboard the Menaud riverboat to navigate the waters of the Malbaie River and feel very small in front of the grandeur of the Hautes-Gorges territory. This activity will amaze both adults and children, who have free access. The cruise aboard the boat Menaud guarantees a breathtaking experience and unforgettable memories.

10. A historical tour in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François

If you wish to diversify your activities during your stay in Charlevoix, take a few moments to discover the magnificent village of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François. This village was the first place of settlement in the Charlevoix region in 1675. At the end of a panoramic descent during which you will have a breathtaking view of the river, you will finally arrive in the village and will be able, thanks to a unique panorama, to observe the proximity between the grandeur of the Massif de Charlevoix and the St. Lawrence River. Did you know that for the past few years, the village of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François has hosted the HKQC Provincial Dekhockey Championship? The tournament takes place in September over three consecutive weekends, with more than 300 teams competing for a share of the $30,000 purse. The tournament is hosted by Emmanuel Auger and some games are even broadcast on RDS! We are pleased to host many of the participating teams and wish them the best of luck.

So now, don't look for where to spend your next vacation: let yourself be charmed by the Charlevoix region!