3 days on the Mountain Road

Start your itinerary in Saint-Urbain with a stop at Viandes Bio de Charlevoix. You simply can’t pass up the chance to stock up on organic charcuterie and meats at the new La Grange store. On site, a self-guided tour lets you learn more about eco-friendly farming and processing methods.

Just a few minutes from the first stop, Charcuterie Charlevoisienne showcases techniques inspired by great European traditions and the flavors of the Charlevoix region. The shop offers a wide variety of charcuterie, hams, sausages, and other high-quality meats. It’s an ideal stop for barbecue lovers.

Located in the heart of the village of Saint-Urbain, the Centre de l'Émeu de Charlevoix offers visitors the chance to meet more than 400 emus of all ages and learn more about the history of this rare bird. In the gift shop, you’ll find a variety of emu oil-based skincare products, an educational museum, and a gourmet section, perfect for a quick bite to eat.

Just a few kilometers from the entrance to Grands-Jardins National Park, a stop at the charming Ferme Basque de Charlevoix is a must. Meet the ducks and other animals at the outdoor farm, enjoy the picnic area, and shop for exceptional products made in the Basque tradition.

At the end of the day, head to Grands-Jardins National Park. Its hiking trails, suitable for various skill levels, wind through mountainous landscapes and lead to magnificent viewpoints. Depending on the season, the park also offers fishing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and many other outdoor activities. To extend your experience, spend the night at one of the various lodging options available in the heart of the park, such as the campground, ready-to-camp sites, or EXP cabins.

To kick off the second day, stop by the ZEC des Martres, a vast area where you can enjoy nature and the scenery. Depending on how much time you have, stop for a short hike, a fishing trip, or a water activity. This area is also home to the La Traversée de Charlevoix trails, perfect for both short and long hikes. Check out the hiking trail guide to find the hike that suits you best.

Head back toward Saint-Urbain, and turn off toward Notre-Dame-des-Monts, enjoying the mountain views along the way. At the entrance to the village, many will recognize Rose-Anna’s ancestral farm, made famous by the popular TV series Le temps d’une paix. As you travel through the varied landscapes of the Route des Montagnes, you’ll find yourself inevitably reminiscing about this cult classic from the 1980s. Continue on to the Halte des Petits Lots to take a break and admire the panoramic view.

End your second day in Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs. In the summer, take a break at the Base de plein air du Lac Nairne to admire the lake and the scenery, or camp on site. In the winter, head to Lac Sainte-Marie to skate along a family-friendly loop of about three kilometers. During the summer season, round out this final stop at Café-crèmerie Chez Les Bergeron, where you can enjoy ice cream, a hot or cold drink, and homemade treats. To spend the night in the area, there are several lodging options nearby, including cozy bed-and-breakfasts.

The next morning, head to the impressive Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park to enjoy a variety of year-round activities. In the summer, explore the various hiking trails, go biking, or discover the valley and mountains aboard a riverboat. In winter, the Vallée des Glaces is a dazzling sight, whether you’re riding a fatbike on the various trails, snowshoeing, or ice skating on the Malbaie River.

To end this getaway on a relaxing note, treat yourself to a break at the Relais des Hautes-Gorges, located near the national park. What could be better than unwinding in the pool, the sauna, or one of the spas, surrounded by the mountains? You can also extend your stay by spending the night there.

This getaway ends here, but the Mountain Road still has plenty of landscapes and experiences waiting to be discovered.