Any opportunity to explore the country roads and routes in and around Charlevoix is worth it, either for a short look-about, a getaway of a few days or a longer stay. The area is ideally located at the crossroads of a number of destinations, and its landscapes, where the beauty of the river converges with the splendour of the mountains, are unique in Québec.

In fact, the first piece of advice we love to give anyone exploring Québec is to be sure to go through Charlevoix! If you’ve never taken Route 381 linking Baie-Saint-Paul to Saguenay, or Route 170 connecting Saint-Siméon to Petit-Saguenay, you’ve got to add them to your list of roads to discover. Even just crossing the river will give you a sense of escape. You see? You haven’t even hit the road yet, but you’re already well on your way!

Coming from Québec City, as you climb the hill to Saint-Tite-des-Caps, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. A few kilometres further on, at Le Massif de Charlevoix, your adventure begins. Your mission? As often as possible, take the roads down to the coast, to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François for example, a pretty village that could be described as a gateway to the area. Be sure to drive slowly so you can take it all in. A little further along Route 138, the steep descent into Baie-Saint-Paul will amaze you.

From river to mountains, admire the splendour