Planning a trip with your canine companion is definitely not easy. You have to be aware of the restrictions, find activities and know where to eat and sleep. The good news is that Charlevoix is a huge open-plan playground. With the many spaces to run, plus the fresh and stimulating smells of nature and the famous mud at low tide, you and your dog will feel right at home. The following article presents a condensed guide to help you plan a trip with your dog in the area. It focuses on a few suggestions per village, including places to sleep and eat, plus some ideas about what to do, but the possibilities are not limited to what is presented here.
Access to all trails, accommodations or attractions mentioned is only permitted if your dog is on a leash. The rules are the same everywhere.
Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
Considered the gateway to Charlevoix, the quiet village of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François is an impressive geographic location. Following along the river and at the foot of the imposing Massif de Charlevoix the panoramas are absolutely breathtaking.
Where to sleep
Camping du Domaine à Liguori is located at the start of many hiking trails. It’s a perfect place for gatherings and exchanges at the public market on Wednesdays, the café-shop, evenings around the fire and the wonderful cultural life. Dogs on leash are welcome in the camping section for vans and tents.
Where to eat
At the quay, there is a snack bar with good food and a magnificent view on the beach. There’s also a small grocery store in the village, which is located about one kilometer from the campsite.
What to do
The Massif de Charlevoix accepts dogs on all hiking trails. You can even take the gondolas at no extra cost for your pet. All trails are free, you only pay for access to the gondolas.
Good to know: there’s a place to wash your pet at the top of the mountain, behind the main chalet, near the bike rental.
The Domaine à Liguori allows access to all hiking trails for a suggested voluntary contribution of $8. Mont à Liguori is part of the Défi des 5 sommets (5 Summits Challenge) this year. At the beginning of the climb from the Ancestrale trail, take a small detour and find yourself at the foot of a magnificent refreshing waterfall.
Forêt Gourmande offers tours in the forest accompanied by a guide who will show you how to identify wild and edible plants, pick them responsibly, prepare them and enjoy their taste. Your dog is welcome, especially for the long formula, provided he or she doesn’t disturb the group.
The Petite-Rivière-Saint-François beach is a great place for a long walk or a brave swim.
Baie-Saint-Paul
A timeless must-see during any visit to the region, Baie-Saint-Paul has a special energy fueled by the number of local or visiting artists who get truly inspired by this magical place.
Where to sleep
Maison Otis, a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of the shopping street, welcomes dogs for $25 per stay.
The magnificent Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix located on the edge of a large field welcomes dogs for $30 per stay.
Camping le Genévrier welcomes dogs on the entire site at no additional cost, with the exception of the cabins. Spots for tents and vans are provided and a multitude of activities are offered on-site during summers and winters.
Camping du Gouffre allows access to dogs at a cost of $3 with your personal camping equipment. They are not accepted in the cabins or ready-to-camp tents.
Hébergement Charlevoix accommodations allow dogs in some chalets. Pet fees vary from one property to another, ranging from $50 to $100.
Hôtel Baie-Saint-Paul allows pet access to certain rooms at $20 per day.
Where to eat
Tony & Charlo is the place to eat. Their summer menu is truly delicious and as comforting as it is sophisticated. The terrace is entirely dog-friendly. In addition, they return all their cans to the SPCA Charlevoix, an organization whose mission is dear to them.
Dogs are also allowed in some areas of the following establishments: the Orange Bistro (adjacent section at street level), Mouton Noir (section near the petanque court, not available on rainy days), Le Bercail (behind the fence on the terrace). Otherwise, for a picnic outside, you can pick up a delicious take-out lunch at Mousse Café or Les Bonyeuses.
What to do
Ciné dans l’Pré is an open-air cinema with food and a bar onsite where you can meet great people.
Baie-Saint-Paul beach and parc Boisé du Quai are a safe bet for other canine encounters and a fun walk.
The parc du Gouffre offers special access to the river bearing the same name so you can combine a walk with a refreshing swim.
You can visit the beautiful Azulée lavender field on a self-guided tour with your dog. There are great products to buy at the store there.
The parc national des Grands-Jardins, whose entrance is located about 30 kilometers from Baie-Saint-Paul, allows access to these two trails: Gros Pin and Chouenne.
The mont du Dôme, located in the Zec des Martres provides spectacular views of the valley as well as access to the lake at the top. You are asked for a voluntary $5 contribution at the entrance.
Isle-aux-Coudres
Time stops when you arrive on this island. The wind is cooler, the viewpoints are clear, the traffic is slow… it’s one of the best places in the region to see beautiful sunsets.
The ferry is free and accepts dogs on a leash. Here’s the schedule.
Where to sleep
The owners of Hôtel du Capitaine have their own dog onsite and will welcome yours to their pretty motel section as well as on the terrace of their restaurant. A stone’s throw from the river, dogs can go and cool off if needed. During low season (spring/autumn), they also offer stays that include dressage activities. The events are announced about a month in advance on their Instagram page. Fees of $25 per day / per dog apply.
Hôtel Cap-aux-Pierres allows small dogs (15 pounds max) in some motel units on the garden side for only $25 per night.
Several campsites on the island also accept dogs.
Where to eat
The Fabrique de l’Isle is a great café-boutique with a cozy island feeling you can enjoy for a relaxing moment. Dogs under their masters’ supervision are welcome in the beautiful large yard. There’s a water station outside that provides them with a cool drink, nice shady areas under the apple trees, and a cookie jar that regular canine visitors know well. Every Sunday during summer, they host a colorful and diverse public market.
What to do
A three-kilometer walk along the Route du Verger, at the Cidrerie and Vergers Pedneault in the heart of the island is accessible from spring right up to the first snowfall. You can also access this trail with your dog during the pick-your-own period in the fall. Perfect for adorable pics!
Tour the island and enjoy walks along the river.
Les Éboulements & Saint-Irénée
These two neighbouring villages offer unique views of the river that will remain memorable. Located on the Route du Fleuve between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie, they fit easily into your itinerary even if you are pressed for time.
Where to sleep
Repère Boréal is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the calm of nature staying in their wooden houses that feature large windows for fabulous vistas. You can bring your dog for $25 per stay and a maximum of two dogs per dwelling.
Where to eat
Stock up on local supplies before stopping to enjoy the viewpoints from these rest areas.
What to do
The Louis-Charles-Audet and Le Paysan trails cross the fields and offer views of the river and the mountains in the hinterland. The parking lot and the start of the trails are accessible from the Ferme Éboulmontaise where you can stock up on ready-to-go meals, delicious lamb skewers and more!
Take a musical walk in the Harmonic Sculpture Garden at Domaine Forget de Charlevoix along paths laden with works of art.
Enjoy a gentle break at the Saint-Irénée beach.
La Malbaie
Considered the cradle of vacationing in Canada, a visit here is always pleasant for enjoying the beach, the summer program or stocking up on supplies before heading to the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière National Park.
Where to sleep
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu welcomes dogs for $50 per night. They even offer a dogsitting service with trusted people, which you can arrange with the concierge.
The Auberge de jeunesse de La Malbaie is delighted to welcome dogs in private rooms for just an additional $20 per night. They have their own mascot, a husky named Nora.
Les Pinsons des Rives welcomes dogs (50 lbs max) for $15 per stay. They are allowed in the rooms and on the terrace.
Camping Chutes Fraser, for $3 per night, welcomes you and your doggie to all campsites as well as on the trails and at the magnificent waterfalls.
Where to eat
Chez Chantal is a delicious option for a decadent poutine, a lobster roll or a lovely soft ice cream to accompany your view of the river.
The bistro at Auberge La Marmite allows dogs on its outdoor uncovered terrace, which is only available during good weather in the summer. Their menu and selection of delicious wines is really worth discovering.
The Pains d’Exclamation bakery is a great option for take-out brunches or sandwiches. There’s a very small terrace at the front with tables where you can sit with your dog. However, he or she must be well trained so as not to harm others. Otherwise, there are tables on the quay facing the nearby beach.
What to do
Take a magnificent hike on the authorized trails in the parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie. You will find spectacular viewpoints while walking along Le Riverain in particular.
Le Draveur visitor centre offers watercraft rentals (canoes, kayaks or paddle boards). Dogs are allowed on the Malbaie River with rented or personal boats. You should have already experienced a nautical activity of this kind with your dog to avoid unpleasant surprises or discomfort for either of you.
There are several outdoor shows at parc du Havre during summer that you can attend with your dog.
Dogs are welcome everywhere in Mont Grand-Fonds. Equipment rental is available on-site during summer and winter. You’re going to love snowshoeing on snowy trails accompanied by your dog – a truly magical experience.
Saint-Siméon & Baie-Sainte-Catherine
This is whale country, where encounters are very frequent. The river is wide, imposing and the heart of it all.
Where to sleep
Camping du Fjord in Baie-Sainte-Catherine accepts dogs at the campsite and on the hiking trails for the modest sum of $2.50 per night. It’s a beautiful location directly on the river with a ranch to view beautiful horses as you soak up the freedom.
Perched in the heights, facing the big blue, Camping Falaise-sur-Mer in Saint-Siméon also allows dogs for $2.50.
Other campsites also welcome dogs in this area.
What to do
A hike in the Baie-des-Rochers municipal park will give you a spectacular view of the turquoise waters and a bay that changes completely with the rhythm of the tides. Access to the trails is free. It’s a hike that you will always remember for its incredible beauty.
The Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre is located at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence River. It offers an exceptional panorama that includes sightings of many mammals and sea birds from the shore. Dogs on a leash are welcome. The site is accessible every day from 10 am to 5 pm until October 10.
Please note:
At the time of booking your accommodation, be sure to always notify the establishment that you will be bringing your dog. Most must assign specific rooms for this purpose and you will need to confirm availability for your dates. Here is the complete list of accommodations that accept animals.
For access to Sépaq trails, regulations relating to pets, and important information click here.
Rates mentioned may change. Ask the accommodation providers.
Access to all trails, accommodations or attractions mentioned is only permitted if your dog is on a leash. The rules are the same everywhere.
