What to do when it rains in the Crater and Tides Sector

Begin in Saint-Irénée at Chez Léon et Lily La Biscuiterie Artisanale de Charlevoix, where Brittany-inspired cookies are baked on-site. Pick up a few, along with everything else for a good breakfast: cheese, baked goods, jams, honey and other regional specialties.

On Rang Terrebonne, still in Saint-Irénée, Les Ateliers Charlevoix brings together three artists who work and exhibit their pieces here. If you love pottery, paintings or handmade jewellery, it’s a chance to watch the creative process and support the artists by taking home something they’ve made. Then, head back towards the beach to L’Antiquaire de Saint-Irénée. Furniture, lamps, dishes, ornaments, chests and maritime objects fill the shop, with plenty to rummage through while the rain falls outside. The antique shop opens daily from late June to early September.

Follow the St. Lawrence Route towards Les Éboulements for a family visit to Alpagas Charlevoix. Get to know these animals native to the Andes and learn how their fibre is used. The boutique carries handmade scarves, toques, socks and more. There’s even a pizza counter in the new building if anyone’s getting hungry.

For a comforting lunch, settle in at Café Sol - Coop de solidarité. This friendly gathering place in the heart of Les Éboulements serves hot and cold drinks, along with a small menu of sandwiches and paninis. Eat indoors out of the rain, or order something to go. For dessert, La Chocolaterie du Village offers a wide selection of chocolates and ice cream. Gabile Restaurant, in Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, is another option for your midday meal.

Further along the road, visit the gallery devoted to the internationally renowned painter Kapelier, whose art continues to reach audiences worldwide. With more than 4,000 paintings created over a 43-year career, there’s a substantial body of work to get acquainted with. Contact the gallery ahead of time to book your visit. You can also browse Ô Vitrô et Cie, the shop and studio of glass artist Jean-Pierre Léger, and La Cabane d’Oiseaux, the gallery-boutique of sculptors Jean-Michel Simard and Normand Simard. Together, they offer a sense of the range of art being made in Les Éboulements.

Spend the afternoon in Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive at the Musée maritime de Charlevoix. Its exhibition Naufrages recounts shipwrecks that left their mark on Charlevoix’s history and collective imagination. On the historic grounds of a shipyard dating to 1946, the museum also tells the story of wooden schooners and the region’s seafaring families through exhibitions, hands-on activities and immersive experiences. It generally opens from May to October; check the schedule before visiting.

Back in Saint-Irénée, sit down to dinner at Sainti. Recommended by the MICHELIN Guide, the restaurant pairs fresh ingredients and cooking rooted in Charlevoix with privately imported wines. The bright dining room overlooks the river, giving you time to watch the water over a leisurely meal.

Finish the day at Domaine Forget de Charlevoix in Saint-Irénée. If there’s a performance on the calendar, take the opportunity to experience this celebrated venue for music, dance and the performing arts. Otherwise, a break in the rain may leave time for a free stroll through the Jardin harmonique de Sculptures, where more than 20 monumental works stand amid the grounds.