On a hillside surrounded by mountains, right in Clermont, saffron thrives in Charlevoix’s microclimate. At Safran Nordique, the owners show travellers the work of growing this rare, delicate spice. Taste saffron-infused creations, get suggestions for pairing them with other regional foods and see what goes into cultivating those precious threads known as “red gold.”

Across the Rivière-Malbaie, Les Belles récoltes de Charlevoix sits amid organic oat fields. Stéphane and Brigitte welcome you into their farm shop to sample an assortment of grain-based foods, with tons to take home for breakfast or the road. Choose from sea buckthorn, maple and berry granolas, as well as grain blends, muesli, flaxseed and wholesome snacks. The Lavoie-Dufour family has also created walking trails and picnic areas with sweeping views of the Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie.

On the way to Grand-Fonds, at the edge of a lush forest, you’ll come across Quebec’s longest-established oyster mushroom farm. Champignons Charlevoix offers free tours of its facilities and tastings of the delicacies that have earned it a following. Its signature oyster mushroom pesto shares shelf space with pickled chanterelles, chaga and berry jam, and morels prepared with Menaud vodka. Tours run on a limited schedule and must be arranged by phone, so call ahead.

8 food stops for fall flavours in Charlevoix