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Photo credit: Robert Chiasson
The Charlevoix region is full of things to do in the winter.
To fully enjoy the postcard-like sceneries and the breath of fresh air that this corner of the country offers, we absolutely can’t leave out the outdoor activities from our list of the best things to do in the winter in Charlevoix.
Ski resorts are a must-have on our list, but we have also taken care to include several other activities that are available across various areas of the region.
Before we say more, here’s our list of the 11 best things to do during the winter in Charlevoix.
Book a cottage for rent in Charlevoix now to enjoy these activities!
Photo credit: Elevate
The Flavour Trail is a tourist circuit that allows you to discover the best of Charlevoix cuisine.
A land of excellence, the Flavour Trail brings together several different producers and restaurateurs from the Charlevoix region around a single concept: to promote the local products of the region.
From Baie-Saint-Paul to La Malbaie, in both the summer and winter, you can discover the Flavour Trail by crisscrossing the road that borders these two cities.
You will discover products unique in the world, such as Pedneault Orchard ice cider, which, like ice wines, is made with apples that have experienced frost.
You can also allow yourself to be seduced by one of the region’s delicious cheeses, including the Fleurmier, a soft cheese with a flowery rind from the Laiterie Charlevoix dairy, or the Migneron, a firm cheese from the Maurice Dufour refining house.
The Flavour Trail values as much the small local producer whose intention is to offer a product born of artisanal knowledge while being environmentally conscious as it does the starred restaurant whose menus offer a deluge of sensations to epicureans visiting their establishments.
Photo credit: Steve Deschênes
In the wintertime, trail walkers and nature hikers in Charlevoix have the option of selecting a trail based on the equipment they have (whether it be for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or walking), the length of the trip desired (spanning from a few kilometres to more than 150 kilometres), and the difficulty level preferred.
You may plan your hiking trip based on your goal for the day, whether it be discovering nature, observing wildlife, going on a sports outing, or perhaps even a combination of all three.
Regardless of what your goal may be, the hiking trails of Charlevoix are marked and equipped with your comfort and safety in mind.
Almost all the trails in Charlevoix trails are marked and equipped to ensure optimum comfort and safety.
To learn all about the trails in Charlevoix, visit the Tourisme Charlevoix website or don’t hesitate to visit them at one of their seven service points.
Photo credit: Patrice St-Gelais
The Route des Montagnes (“the mountain route”) is a tourist circuit that highlights the diverse landscape of the Laurentian mountain range.
This 121-kilometre route connects the Grands Jardins National Park to the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park via routes 381 and 138.
As you drive in your automobile towards your destination, let yourself be carried away by the purr of the engine while you travel in the comforting atmosphere of your vehicle as you admire the wild landscape of immaculate whiteness.
When you reach Mont du Lac des Cygnes, take the Route des Montagnes road in the Grands Jardins National Park and discover a unique view of the Charlevoix Astrobleme, left by the impact of a meteorite.
If your destination is instead at the eastern extremity of the road, allow yourself to be marvelled by the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park’s grandeur.
Photo credit: Groupe Le Massif
The Massif de Charlevoix is a ski resort located in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François and whose skiable side faces the St. Lawrence River.
Boasting a steep drop of 770 meters (2,526 feet) and a peak height of more than 800 metres (2,625 feet), the Massif’s slopes have the particularity of giving skiers the sensation of rushing straight towards the sea.
With a ski area of 53 trails or pistes, Le Massif has managed to attract a clientele of Quebecers extremely eager for large quantities of white snow.
But that’s not all.
Thanks to a large natural snowfall, the development of a four-season resort and its location near Quebec City, Le Massif has established itself as one of the best ski resorts in Quebec.
Photo credit: Francis Gagnon
Mont Grand-Fonds is a family-friendly ski resort located near La Malbaie that offers numerous activities that revolve around winter sports.
The ski area consists of 21 ski trails or pistes ranging from the school run to the extreme level and a lift system that has a capacity of 4200 people per hour.
Also equipped with cross-country ski slopes, it is a resort where you can pleasantly discover Charlevoix during the wintertime in quietness with family or friends.
Winter sports enthusiasts will also enjoy a network of snowshoe trails equipped with heated huts, a snowmobile relay and a ski school to learn skiing or snowboarding for beginners.
Photo credit: Casino de Charlevoix
The only casino in the Quebec City area, the Casino de Charlevoix offers its visitors slot machine games and numerous table games, including several poker variants. You can try the famous Texas Hold’em variant card game of poker or play your favourite casino table game.
Part of the upscale resort of the Manoir Richelieu, the Casino de Charlevoix takes advantage of this favourable environment to offer a unique experience: starred restaurants, a luxury hotel, a convention centre and numerous bars are gathered in one place overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
The night view of the St. Lawrence River from the terrace of the Manoir Richelieu restaurant is breathtaking.
Photo credit: Canopé Média
Snowmobiling is a highly developed activity in Charlevoix.
The region offers more than 550 km of snowmobile trails and marked trails exclusively for snowmobiling. In short, you have an abundance of choices as to where you can leave snowmobile tracks in the snow.
Practising snowmobiling in Charlevoix is easy!
Simply rent a snowmobile for a few hours without a guide.
You can adventure the trails for a half-day getaway or opt for a multi-day off-trail expedition with shelter accommodation included for an even more complete experience.
Between these two entirely different options, all variations are possible.
The main locations for snowmobile rentals in Charlevoix are located in La Malbaie or Baie-Saint-Paul. To do so, check out the different options with Tourisme Charlevoix.
Photo credit: Katabatik
Discovering sea kayaking in Charlevoix during the wintertime is an activity suitable for athletes since the activity requires training, endurance and effort, all of which are needed when facing the winter elements.
It’s still an extraordinary adventure, and going on a winter sea kayaking trip is something quite uncommon.
You will experience the immense privilege of paddling in the middle of the winter ice from the St. Lawrence River and observe the landscape of the partially frozen coast covered with ice and snow.
Katabatik brings its expertise to this unique experience to make your kayaking excursion a successful and unforgettable one.
To take part in the activity, join Katabatik at the Port de Refuge Marine in La Malbaie.
Photo credit: Québec Le Mag
The train de Charlevoix is a tourist train that links La Malbaie to Quebec City.
Having taken over the Tortillard du Saint-Laurent, a train service whose operations stopped in 1996, the service is now provided by two former DB-Baureihe 628.1 railcars of the Deutsche Bahn that have been fully restored to be able to welcome you in the greatest comfort.
During the journey, travellers are kept between sea and mountain as the railway line follows the St. Lawrence along the mountainside - making it an unforgettable trip.
Providing you organize your schedule well, you can live the ultimate experience and watch a sunset over the St. Lawrence River, making the moment even more memorable.
Check out our other articles on the best things to do in the Charlevoix region!