A fisher at heart or just curious? Whatever your skill set, all you need to do is time the tides right to witness the mass arrival of capelin on the beach in Saint-Irénée. The same spectacle takes place on Isle-aux-Coudres and at Anse-au-Sac.

To get a taste of these little fish, you absolutely must visit the Pêcheries Charlevoix shop. Incidentally, you’ll also find other local products fit for a veritable seafood feast. In addition to fresh capelin, you’ll fall in love with seasonal delights like smoked sturgeon rillettes, UMAM sauce and seafood from the Lower North Shore.

In Charlevoix, people love authentic flavours as much as they love cooking them. Traditionally, capelin are coated in flour before being pan-fried until crisp. Local chefs, like those at Faux Bergers, enjoy putting this little marine jewel on their menus and turning it into a gourmet dish. It just goes to show, when capelin grace your plate, they bring out the gourmet soul of Charlevoix.

Capelin Fishing: A Charlevoix Tradition