Nature’s canvas
Six thousand square kilometres of mountain majesty, crisscrossed by rivers and bordered by the mighty St. Lawrence: an invitation to jump right in and explore. The Charlevoix hinterland is the ancient Canadian shield, and is virtually uninhabited territory. This varied topography is home to particular types of flora, such as taïga and tundra (unusual at this latitude), boreal forests and maple groves. For hikers and nature lovers, the Parc des Grands-Jardins and Parc des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-rivière-Malbaie offer spectacular vistas. Along the St. Lawrence, nestled in coves and valleys, charming little villages like Saint-Irénée await. At the mouth of the Saguenay, the confluence of fresh and salt water attracts six species of migratory whale, which can be observed from late May to late October.

Art is second nature
Charlevoix is an art lover’s dream. Over the years, such celebrated painters as Marc-Aurèle Fortin, Clarence Gagnon, the Group of Seven, Jean-Paul Lemieux and René Richard have nourished the area’s effervescent art scene. The town of Baie-Saint-Paul is an important gathering place for Canadian creators, with its galleries, art and exhibition centres, and the annual Symposium of Young Canadian Painters. Music and dance are also important parts of the cultural landscape, thanks in large part to the activities offered at the Domaine Forget in Saint-Irénée.

Generous in nature
Charlevoix offers so much in the way of recreational and tourist activities that everybody will find something to suit them. Golfers can choose from three spectacular courses on which to perfect their swings. The island of Île aux Coudres offers cyclists a perfect day trip, around a picturesque coastline dotted with historic sites of interest. Downhill skiers will find challenging slopes at Le Massif and in the Parc régional du Mont Grand-Fonds. Those seeking thrills of another kind can try their luck on the slots and tables at the La Malbaie Casino. For more information, visit the Charlevoix Tourist Association website: http://www.tourisme-charlevoix.com.

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