Charming Charlevoix

With gorgeous landscapes that will take your breath away inspiring a thriving art scene—in fact, it was a significant spot for creativity for the Group of Seven—delicious, rich local fare with many traditional Alsatian dishes, and a bundle of active pursuits to get those endorphin levels up, Charlevoix makes for the perfect extended weekend getaway for reconnecting with ourselves, besties or significant others. —Karen Kwan

Stay: The modern, boxy complexes that compose Le Germain Charlevoix in Baie-Saint-Paul stand out against the rural backdrop of the hills, and the interiors are just as striking. The eclectic mix of rustic finishes with modern touches, like inviting freestanding bathtubs and canopied beds in the suites, make for a cosy spot to chill out for your getaway. Right behind the property, you’ll find farm animals such as cows and sheep. After saying hello to them, be sure to make the tranquil trek along the path to the Boisé du Quai and the Saint Lawrence River.

Sweat: Lace up your hiking shoes and drive about a half-hour from Baie Saint Paul to Parc National des Grands-Jardins. There are a number of trails to choose from but for a relatively easy hike that’ll take about three hours round trip, set off to walk along a dirt trail, rocky terrain and wooden pathways to reach the summit of Mont du Lac des Cygnes. For fitness buffs looking for a girlfriends getaway, Le Germain Charlevoix hold biannual weekend wellness retreats featuring not only hiking but also bootcamps, yoga, meditation and running. (N.B. be prepared for it to be 48+ hours of French immersion as the wellness retreats are lead en Francais.) 

Spa: Whether you’re unwinding from your fitness endeavours or simply needing a quiet moment to get away from your everyday, a visit to Spa Du Verger is a non-negotiable part of your itinerary when in this region. Soak in the outdoor thermotherapy circuit, which is set such that you can take in the pretty rural views of Baie-Saint-Paul (and if the cold plunge pool is too chilly for your liking, step inside to have fun cooling off using the spa’s snow fountain). And for water therapy of a different variety–the type that’ll feed your soul—take in the views of the impressive Montmorency Falls (named by Samuel de Champlain in honour of the  Duke of Montmorency,  Viceroy of New France and Brittany) if you’re making the drive from Quebec City to Charlevoix. (Tip: While you can take in the misty view of the waterfall for free, taking the gondola to the top of the falls is worth it for better photo opps during the ride up and to feel close to the rushing water.)

Savour: Pack your stretchy pants because there are too many decadent dishes you won’t want to miss out trying including Charlevoix breaded cheese fondue and foie gras with brioche at the cozy Le Diapason. This gastropub’s shredded pork burger is renowned, but we couldn’t resist ordering the sweetbreads and gnocchi to fill our belly’s on a rainy autumn night. And on night’s when leaving the hotel is too much for your post-spa, blissed-out body to take, the lively atmosphere and gourmet fare at Les Labours with its table d’hote menu makes the most out of delicious seasonal fare using meat from Ferme Basque and fresh from the garden sides.