Experiencing an array of cultures, tastes and activities in one area fits our multitasking lives. In the Charlevoix region of Quebec, visitors can get a sense of Europe (French is the primary language), New England and the rural Midwest while basking in the hospitality associated with Canadians.
Not bad, eh?
Inspiration in Charlevoix abounds, whether in the varied landscape, four-season recreational activities, St. Lawrence River, quaint villages or when partaking in the culinary delights that can be sampled at tables of the producers.
“Visitors, when they come here, often talk about the ambience – it’s so relaxing,” said Felicia Corbeil, a marketing project manager with Charlevoix Tourism. “That’s why they love it. It’s such a beautiful place, and the people are so welcoming.”
Often, for U.S. tourists, the visit starts or ends in Quebec City, a fascinating place that dates to the 1600s and is an architectural buff’s delight. Nowhere is that more evident than in Old Town, where religious and military structures provide the historic backdrop to a charming stroll by shops, museums and restaurants lining cobblestone streets.
About a two-hour drive east of the province’s capital is Charlevoix, a regional county municipality in Quebec that’s home to 13 towns and about 30,000 full-time residents. That means room to roam and not much gridlock, and with about 1,000 rooms available for guests – whether in a hotel, inn, boarding room, bed and breakfast or tourist home – there are ample places to rest for the night.
The largest of the hotels is the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, a 405-room, castle-like work of art on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Originally opened in 1899, the resort was rebuilt in 1929 after a fire, and recent renovation work added modern touches while preserving the charms and historic appearance of the hotel, which sits on 210 acres of land that includes 27 holes of golf.
The first sight golfers see after ascending the trail to Club de Golf Manoir Richelieu is a stunning view of several holes from the Saint-Laurent layout’s first tee, positioned high above the snaking and bunker-lined fairway that ends at a green at the edge of a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The hole – and tee shot – keeps the Saint-Laurent layout in play as the front or back nine to rounds all season, said director of golf Jean-Philippe Moffet.
“That, according to nearly every player, is our signature hole, and who can argue with that?” Moffet said about the Saint-Laurent’s opening 482-yard par-5. “But we like to say that we have 27 signature holes.”
The other nine-hole layouts – Richelieu and Tadoussac – are, indeed, infused with gorgeous scenery and terrain that includes plenty of hills, twists and turns. They’re also a bit less target-oriented, which allows players the freedom to swing away without too many mental restrictions.
As is the case with the Charlevoix region, the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is a year-round recreationalist’s delight, with its proximity to ski hills, hiking and biking trails, snowmobile routes and all types of water activities another bonus. Combine that with accessibility to three national parks, artistic endeavors, culinary experiences and the simple pleasures of the Great Outdoors and you have a trip that can be as awe-inspiring as you’d like. (Or is ahh-inspring a better phrase?)
“Here, it’s not just the beauty of the nature; it’s how people are with you, how everybody is so relaxed,” Corbeil said. “Everybody comes here for vacation, so everybody is happy. It’s so picturesque, calm and diverse. It’s a classic for a visit.”
ALSO IN PLAY
Known for its hospitality and landscape that is both serene and rugged, the Charlevoix region of Quebec is a pleasing combination of nature and culture. Here are a few options:
Flavor Trail: The 89-mile route is an alliance between farm producers and restaurant chefs to feature products served locally, including a stop at Omerto, producers of the world’s first tomato wine.
Skiing: For Alpine enthusiasts, the highest peaks in North America east of the Canadian Rockies are in Charlevoix, with two stations offering options for all.
Snowmobiling: One-day treks or long-distance expeditions are available through Isle-aux-Coudres and Charlevoix’s backcountry.
Art: One of the highest concentrations of art galleries in Canada can be found on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Street in Baie-Saint-Paul.
Whale watching: Charlevoix’s extreme east area – Baie-Saint-Catherine – is a haven for this activity, with several types of boats offering excursions to see whales and other marine mammals.
Heli-Charlevoix: Need a bird’s-eye view of the region? Flying over Isle-aux-Coudres and the Charlevoix crater are two of the sites to be seen on a tour that varies in length from 10 to 180 miles.
Train de Charlevoix: The railway journey along the St. Lawrence River shuttles riders between the coastal villages of Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie.
Casino de Charlevoix: Just a few feet from the main entrance to the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is this smallish spot for visitors to try their luck, enjoy a cocktail or see local entertainment.
