Writer: KATHARINE FLETCHER

Charlevoix is a spectacular region located immediately east of Québec City.

Bounded by the St. Lawrence River to the south and the Laurentian Mountains to the north, it is deservedly famous for its stunning scenery, rich cultural life and delectable artisanal foods.

Warm-weather Delights

Katabatik, an outfitter based in Baie-Saint-Paul, offers kayaking, parasailing, rock climbing and biking. On July 7 the company launches a brand new paddle route: the St. Lawrence Blue Route, along which kayakers can paddle from Baie-Saint-Paul to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, visiting 40 sites en route.

Birders flock to Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area overlooking the St. Lawrence. Join guided tours on boardwalks over marshlands, particularly during spring and fall when thousands of birds are found at this migratory resting spot.

Whale-watching is exceptional, too. At Malbaie, castle-like Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu offers whale-watching packages where guests set sail searching for minke, beluga and other species. What else is so very special at this resort, which also features golf, horseback riding, tennis and gastronomic chef’s tables? The astronomy programs at the summertime on-site observatory.

Charlevoix is home to stars of a different sort: festivals and concert halls draw international musicians and artists. Malbaie’s town square is the stage for Le Grand Marché de Charlevoix’s public farmers’ and artisans’ market. Come nighttime, families delight in free storytelling and songs during the Museum of Charlevoix’s Nights of the Full Moon.

A.Y. Jackson, Bruno Côté and others put Baie-Saint-Paul firmly on the world art map after visiting, painting and opening studios here. Nowadays, “the Baie” is chock-full of galleries. In summer, stroll the artists’ walking trail and discover statues of famous artists. Art festivals abound: from August 3 to September 2, there’s the International Symposium of Contemporary Art and, from September 27 to October 6, visit Rêves d’automne Festival of Painting.

Also, Hôtel La Ferme hosts musicians such as Damien Robitaille and Patrick Watson in its ongoing concert series. Indeed, this eco-conscious hotel is the latest development in Charlevoix’s Le Massif project. Its newly opened Spa du Vergerbeckons, with treatments to revive body and soul after a day of kayaking, hiking or exploration of Baie-Saint-Paul’s galleries.

No discussion of summer in Charlevoix is complete without mentioning acclaimed Le Domaine Forget’s prestigious International Music Festival of concerts, where Sunday Musical Brunches (June 9–September 1) are the No. 1 hit. Located in Saint-Irénée, the coastal village springs to life every summer, but the music lingers in the air long after.

All these and more summertime events—plus Charlevoix’s enchanting nature—await!

Travel Planner

For more information, visit:

Charlevoix Tourism: charlevoixtourism.com

Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area: captourmente.com

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu: fairmont.com

Hôtel La Ferme and Spa du Verger: lemassif.com

Katabatik: katabatik.ca

Le Domaine Forget: domaineforget.com

Le Symposium international d’art contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul: symposium-baiesaintpaul.com

Nights of the Full Moon: museedecharlevoix.qc.ca

Rêves d’automne: revesdautomne.com