Overview
La Malbaie is the jewel of Charlevoix, a small riverside city straddling the Malbaie River along Route 138 on Quebec's north shore. The city is renowned for its two historic sectors, Pointe-au-Pic and Cap-a-l'Aigle, both designated among Quebec's Most Beautiful Villages.
Architecture · Day Trips · Festivals · History · Nature
Before you go
Accommodation
Options range from luxury (Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu) to budget motels and campgrounds. High-season rooms at mid-range inns like Chez Truchon run $135-170.
Connectivity
Post-2018 G7 Summit, cellular and WiFi coverage improved. Tourist office is at 495 boulevard de Comporte, open daily 09:00-16:00.
Food
Dining ranges from waterfront snack bars ($10-15) to steakhouses ($30-50). The region features local ciders, craft beers, and artisan cheeses on the Route des Saveurs.
Transport
Route 138 runs along the St. Lawrence through La Malbaie. Intercar buses serve regional routes. Train de Charlevoix runs seasonal service to Quebec City and Baie-Saint-Paul.
Weather
Best garden-visiting season is late May to October. Forge-menuiserie Cauchon open June-October. Winter offers snowmobiling and skiing at Mont Grand-Fonds.