Depart Quebec City this morning on your tour of Charlevoix Region of Quebec. Our guide will stop by at all the interesting, picturesque points on this full day tour of Charlevoix.
Leaving Quebec City behind, drive Chemin des Caps, passing through several small towns and villages, including Saint-Joachim, and Saint-Tite-des-Caps. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop and explore these charming communities, each of which offers its own unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Omerto, The Tomatoe Wine Place - Omerto uses a traditional winemaking process to create their tomato wine, which involves fermenting the tomatoes in small batches and aging them in oak barrels. The result is a rich, full-bodied wine with a deep red color and complex flavors that are reminiscent of red wine.
Unlike most traditional wines, Omerto tomato wine is not sweet, but rather has a savory and slightly acidic taste. It is also gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making it a unique option for those with dietary restrictions.
In addition to their tomato wine, Omerto also produces a line of tomato-based condiments, including ketchup, salsa, and BBQ sauce, all of which are made with their signature tomato wine.
Your tour at Omerto will take anywhere from 60 to 120 minutes, introducing visitors to the complete tomato wine-making process that is unique worldwide. Among other topics, learn the secret of tomato conservation up until its transformation, a scientific process that enhances the flavours and aromas of this beloved fruit.
Baie Saint Paul - a charming and vibrant town on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River and is surrounded by rolling hills and forests. Besides the natural beauty that surrounds her, visitors to Baie Saint Paul can immerse themselves in her rich cultural heritage, and local arts scene. This charming town is known for its artistic community and features many art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. It is also home to the popular Le Massif de Charlevoix ski resort.
Take some time to stroll through the town's picturesque streets, browse local art galleries and boutiques, and sample some of the region's delicious cuisine.
Route du Fleuve - Leaving Bai Saint-Paul, you will drive up the Route du Fleuve. Buckle up for 78 beautiful kilometers along the St. Lawrence. From Baie-Saint-Paul to La Malbaie via Les Éboulements, Saint-Irénée and Isle -aux-Coudres. Get drunk on the scents of the ocean where skies filled with blue and light on the switchbacks of one of the most scenic drives in North America.
Besides its natural beauty, the Route du Fleuve is known for its gastronomy, featuring local products such as maple syrup, cheese, and cider. Visitors can sample these products at local markets, farms, and restaurants along the route.
You have the choice of having lunch at one of the many restaurants in Baie- Saint-Paul or hold off your hunger till you reach the island of l'Isle-aux-Coudres in the middle of the majestic St. Lawrence River ror an authentic Quebecois cuisine.
l'Isle-aux-Coudres - The island is known for its picturesque scenery, historic sites, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the island by bike or on foot, taking in views of the river, surrounding mountains, and quaint villages. There are also several museums and cultural attractions on the island, including the Maritime Museum, which tells the story of the island's maritime history, and the Papeterie Saint-Gilles, a historic paper mill that has been converted into an art gallery and workshop.
The island was named by Jacques Cartier during his second expedition in 1535 for the many nut-bearing trees on the island. "Coudriers" is the archaic French word for Hazel tree.
To get to l'Isle-aux-Coudres, you will drive along the highway hugging the St. Lawrence, to Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, where you will take a 20-minute ferry ride to the island in the middle of the St. Lawrence.
Just after you have left Bai Saint-Paul on your way up the winding mountain load, there is the viewing spot that you should pull up. You will get magnificent views of the St, Lawrence and the bay and is a great spot for some memorable picture. Remember to bring your selfie-stick along. You will need it.
Ls Moulins de l'Isle-aux-Coudres - was once a historic mill that has now been converted to a restaurant and serves up traditional Quebecois cuisine, including fresh bread baked on-site.
After lunch, drive around the island to take on its natural beauty before departing back for mainland.
On arrival at Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, we will drive to La Malbaie. Your journey will take us over winding road, his and valleys with the St. Lawrence river always on your right. You will pass through several quaint little towns and sleepy village including Les Éboulements-Est, Ruisseau-Jureux, Saint-Irénée, and more.
Pointe-au-Pic – is a small village known for its scenic beauty, historic sites, visitors can take in views of the river and surrounding mountains, stroll through the village's charming streets, and visit the many cultural attractions in the area.
La Malbai – this would be the final stop on your Route du Fleuve before turninga round and heading home. La Malbae is known for its natural beauty and rich history, and was one of the first resort areas in North America, with many wealthy families building summer homes here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of these historic homes have been preserved and can be visited today, such as the famous Manoir Richelieu hotel.
Your tour of La Malbaie will include a visit to Fairmont Manoir Richelieu Hotel & Casino: This iconic hotel is a landmark of the Charlevoix region and has been welcoming guests for over a century. You can take a tour of the hotel's grand public spaces and learn about its history.
Charlevoix Maritime Museum: This museum is located in Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive and showcases the region's maritime history and heritage.
Charlevoix Crater – A vist to Charlevoix Crater is a must. The Charlevoix Crater, a unique natural formation that was created by a meteorite impact over 350 million years ago. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the history of the crater and explore the surrounding area on foot.
Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie – you can visit this park if you still have time left on your tour and the light is still good. If this is the case, this should be the final stop of the day. Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie is a stunning national park that features towering cliffs, deep gorges, and crystal-clear waterways. You'll have the opportunity to hike through the park and take in the breathtaking scenery.
