Whether cruising the roads on your way to a whale-watching cruise, or taking a spontaneous trip looking for last-minute adventures, here are some of the memorable miles and smiles that stretch from La Malbaie to Baie-Sainte-Catherine.
La Malbaie (center) – La Malbaie (Cap-à-l’Aigle)
As soon as you cross the bridge over the Malbaie River, soak up the entrance to Cap-à-Aigle – a sector of La Malbaie which is part of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec. Before turning off towards the marina, stop at the Jardins du Cap-à-l’Aigle for a pleasant stroll.
La Malbaie (Cap-à-l’Aigle) – La Malbaie (Saint-Fidèle)
Hitting the road again in the direction of the Saint-Fidèle sector, make a gourmet stop at the Fromagerie St-Fidèle. Cheese enthusiasts can leave with a bag of the day’s freshest curds while those with a sweeter tooth can enjoy one of the best soft ice-creams in the region. Let your taste-buds lead you to all these delights and more just across the street, at the entrance to the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.
Photo : Tourisme Charlevoix, André-Olivier Lyra, Saint-Fidèle
La Malbaie (Saint-Fidèle) – Saint-Siméon (Port-au-Persil)
With a satisfied stomach, head for Saint-Siméon. Following the beautiful coastline that surrounds Saint-Fidele, feast your eyes on a magnificent bay and two very small islands. Follow the path that leads to the Port-au-Saumon Ecological Center and take the interpretation trails to explore the forest and marine ecosystems. With your sense of curiosity fully charged, abandon the 138 road in favor of a detour to the bucolic Port-au-Persil.
Photo : Tourisme Charlevoix, Raphaël Bilodeau, Centre écologique de Port-au-Saumon
Saint-Siméon (Port-au-Persil) – Saint-Siméon
As soon as you leave Port-au-Persil, you arrive in the heart of Saint-Siméon. Take the opportunity to stop and browse in a few shops, such as the Boutiques du Ph’Art. Those with more time can catch the ferry that connects with Rivière-du-Loup, otherwise, stay and explore the shore that arrives at the Halte de la Rivière-Noire before rejoining the road again.
Photo : Tourisme Charlevoix, André-Olivier Lyra, Port-au-Persil
Saint-Siméon – Saint-Siméon (Baie-des-Rochers)
This is an essential last stop before reaching your final destination. The Baie-des-Rochers sector of Saint-Siméon is quite simply a picture postcard of Canadian beauty. When you take Rue de La Chapelle, you may question whether you’re going the right way, but fear not – this narrow road is more easily navigated than it looks and the little bumpy adventure makes the beautiful view waiting for you at the end even more of a delight. If you can pull yourself away from the view, enjoy a picnic or a magical hike to Anse-de-Sable.
Saint-Siméon (Baie-des-Rochers) – Baie-Sainte-Catherine
Finally, venture towards your last stop at the far eastern end of the region and experience a warm welcome at the village of Baie-Sainte-Catherine. It’s here you’ll have the best chance of spotting the area’s biggest welcoming party: Our famous whales – in their natural habitat. Whether you visit the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Center or climb onboard a speedy zodiac with Croisières AML, you are likely to have a breathtaking adventure and feel as charmed by these magnificent mammals as by stunning coastal views of the Saguenay River.
Photo : Tourisme Charlevoix, Julie Savard, Baie-Sainte-Catherine
Hungry for more road tripping adventures?
For other equally exciting and stimulating experiences, we suggest the St. Lawrence Route or the Mountain Road.
