La Malbaie: a peaceful gourmet and cultural stopover in the heart of Charlevoix

Restaurants that celebrate local products

La Malbaie is a must-visit foodie destination, where restaurants showcase locally sourced ingredients and unique local flavours. The restaurants at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, Auberge des 3 Canards and Auberge des Falaises offer refined cuisine with breathtaking views of the river, while the L’Orchidée restaurant is famous for its juicy prime rib, a signature dish that will please the finest palate. Lovers of bistronomic cuisine will be won over by the restaurants at the inns Auberge La Marmite and Chez Truchon, which are both reinventing French bistro cuisine. 

These exceptional restaurants (and many more!) are featured in the Charlevoix Flavour Trail, a gourmet route that lets you meet local producers and discover mouthwatering products.

The ideal place to relax and explore the river

La Malbaie is a haven of peace for anyone who wants to slow down and smell the flowers. With its charming inns, comfortable hotels and cottages in nature, the many different accommodations invite you to fully unwind. 

If you would love to see whales, it’s only an hour’s drive to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, the departure point for marine mammal watching excursions on the St. Lawrence River. In addition to majestic whales and other marine giants, you can see seals and seabirds in their natural habitat, as well as belugas from the shore. 

Before embarking on the boat, stop at the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park interpretation centre, in the village of Saint-Fidèle, for a fascinating introduction to the world of marine mammals that frequent the estuary.

A festive and cultural summer season

In summer, La Malbaie has over 150 activities and events to choose from. Le Havre Park specifically turns into the epicentre of musical and festive evenings by the water. 

Beyond the park, La Malbaie abounds with fun attractions, such as Cité Mémoire Charlevoix, which tells the region’s history through images projected onto the Pointe-au-Pic cliffs and certain historic buildings. The Casino de Charlevoix offers a variety of games of skill and chance and live shows for an entertaining evening in a most elegant setting. Finally, Espace Jules Verne, tucked away in the L’Île Mystérieuse restaurant and lounge, pays tribute to the famous author and is well worth the visit. While you are there, why not have an original aperitif in a cozy setting inspired by Verne’s fantastical universe?

With so many places to visit, summer promises to be filled with wonderful discoveries in La Malbaie!