City Escape: Québec City to the Charlevoix Area

Panoramas, mountains, history, geography, and gastronomy are along this route. Venture on Avenue Royale (Route de la Nouvelle-France), one of the oldest roads in Canada. Take the side roads to quaint villages on the shores of the St. Lawrence and enjoy bakeries and local cheeses.

Length

Approximately 200 miles

Meet-up spot

Fontaine de Tourny, right in front of Assemblée Nationale (Parliament of Québec).

Lunch stop

Restaurant Allegro, 990 Rue Richelieu, La Malbaie, QC. Pasta and Pizza Grill, (418) 665-2595.

Scenery (4 out of 5)

Mountains, charming historic villages, farms, expansive views on the St. Lawrence River, and breathtaking fall colors.

Traffic (3 out of 5)

Next to nothing on weekdays once out of Québec City. Some congestion is possible in Baie-Saint-Paul during the arts festival season in the fall.

Difficulty (3 out of 5)

Many elevation changes and some very long steep slopes. Occasional bear or moose along the mountain roads.

Road conditions (3 out of 5)

Mostly well-paved roads, but can be rough in some places, especially during spring.

Points of Interest

Montmorency Falls
2490 Avenue Royale, Québec City, QC

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Shrine10 018 Avenue Royale, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, QC

Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area

Baie-Saint-Paul, Province of Québec

Saint-Irénée, Province of Québec