La Malbaie: Landscapes, Culture and Discoveries

La Malbaie combines impressive mountain views with culture, local discoveries and activities for a variety of holiday itineraries. At Mont Grand-Fonds, hiking trails lead to a summit at an elevation of 735 metres; elsewhere, you can explore an exhibition about the history of Charlevoix or meet local producers. What you would like to experience can therefore be a good starting point when choosing your holiday rental in La Malbaie.

Mountain Trails, Lilacs and the Route du Fleuve

The hiking trails at Mont Grand-Fonds have an elevation gain of 335 metres and offer spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and the mountains. If you want to make nature and activity the focus of your trip, you will find a specific hiking option here with a significant elevation gain. Views of the river and mountains are part of what makes these trails so appealing.

The Jardins de Cap-à-l’Aigle offer a different view of the landscape. Visitors can see part of the lilac collection of the Cap-à-l’Aigle Village des Lilas organization and make use of the rest areas. With more than 800 lilac plants and just as many lilac varieties, the collection offers remarkable diversity. This makes it possible to combine a stay featuring hiking trails and views with a visit to a garden, without suggesting that the two experiences offer the same kind of outing.

For a drive through Charlevoix, the 58-kilometre Route du Fleuve follows the St. Lawrence River from Baie-Saint-Paul through Les Éboulements and Saint-Irénée to La Malbaie. As a scenic route, it offers another way to discover the region by car. You can include the route as a separate part of your trip when planning your holiday; no specific driving time is implied.

Art, History and Craftsmanship

The Musée de Charlevoix presents the permanent exhibition “Charlevoix raconté” about the greater Charlevoix region, its history and its art. Families can explore the exhibition with a scavenger hunt; there is also an exhibition quiz in the outdoor Jardin de Germaine. The museum therefore offers not only an introduction to regional history and art, but also two specific ways to make the visit interactive.

The local heritage also includes four stops on the religious tour: Chapelle de Grand-Fonds, Église de Pointe-au-Pic, Église de Sainte-Agnès and Église Saint-Étienne de La Malbaie. They are considered landmarks of local heritage and are open to visitors. At La Forge-Menuiserie Cauchon, an exhibition, guided tours and a blacksmithing demonstration add to the cultural discoveries. The Atelier Laurent Lafleur displays fantastic paintings featuring subjects ranging from elves and fairies to knights, castles and pyramids; visits are by appointment only. Art lovers will also find a special destination at Galerie d’Art Au P’tit Bonheur.

Discover, Taste and Stay Active

Those interested in natural sciences can find astronomy and geology activities at the Observatoire Astronomique de Charlevoix, the Observatoire de l’Astroblème and along the Parcours géologique. These include solar observation, discovering the planets, learning about Charlevoix’s meteoritic origins and guided geological discoveries. The “Balade à la vitesse de la lumière” follows hiking trails alongside a scale model of the solar system, which is considered unique in Canada.

There are also specific places to enjoy culinary discoveries: La Malbaie’s public market offers direct contact with more than 20 local producers, processors and craftspeople from the region. At Fromagerie Saint-Fidèle, you can watch cheese being made through a viewing window; soft-serve ice cream is also available there. Champignons Charlevoix grows oyster mushrooms and operates a boutique.

For more active days, Club de Golf Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu offers a 27-hole golf course, a practice range, a boutique and dining options. Centre Équestre Nature / Cheval Enchanteur organizes horseback riding activities, day camps, riding lessons and mountain rides. At Centre de plein-air Les Sources Joyeuses, activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking trails, an ice rink and sledding. When choosing your holiday rental, you can consider which of these interests you want to shape your stay: mountain trails and horseback riding, culture and craftsmanship, or discoveries centred on local products.

For travel to and from La Malbaie on the Train de Charlevoix, there is a boarding and disembarking point at 110 chemin du Havre. Port de Refuge de Cap-à-l’Aigle is a marina with approximately 60 berths and a comprehensive range of services. More places to discover: Baie-Sainte-Catherine, Saint-Siméon, Saint-Irénée, Les Éboulements.

For the broader trip overview: Charlevoix-Est.