Where to Stay in Charlevoix: Baie-Saint-Paul or La Malbaie
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In Charlevoix, choosing where to stay mostly comes down to one question: do you want to be right next to Le Massif, or would you rather enjoy the river, the great restaurants and the casino in La Malbaie? Here are the three main options.
a neighborhood guide
Baie-Saint-Paul: The Skiers' Base
About twenty minutes from Le Massif, Baie-Saint-Paul offers the best compromise: comfortable hotels on the edge of town, inns and B&Bs in the center, and four-season chalets on the outskirts. Fully equipped chalets for four to eight people, with a kitchen and wood stove, are very popular with families and groups of friends. In the evening, stroll Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste among the art galleries, bistros and microbrewery.
Petite-Rivière-Saint-François: At the Foot of the Mountain
Petite-Rivière-Saint-François is Le Massif's village. You'll find chalets and condos for rent, often with a view of the river, and at the top of the mountain, an all-inclusive Club Med-style complex. It's the closest option to the slopes, but also the quietest at night: plan to cook or to get back on the road for dinner.
La Malbaie: Resort Life, Fine Food and the Casino
La Malbaie, about an hour from Le Massif, is Charlevoix's historic resort town. The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, built in the late 19th century and rebuilt in 1929 after a fire, towers over the river at Pointe-au-Pic, with a spa, pools and a walkway leading to the Casino de Charlevoix. Nearby, charming inns in Pointe-au-Pic and Saint-Irénée have well-regarded dining rooms. It's the best choice for a trip where skiing shares the spotlight with dinner and the evening ahead. Mont Grand-Fonds, a small family ski hill, is about twenty minutes away.
| Base | Distance from Le Massif | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Petite-Rivière-Saint-François | on site | Chalets with a view, skiing from opening time |
| Baie-Saint-Paul | about 20 minutes | Choice of hotels, restaurants, galleries |
| La Malbaie | about 1 hour | Manoir Richelieu, fine food, casino |
Our Tips
- Mix your bases: two nights in Baie-Saint-Paul for skiing, one night in La Malbaie to finish in style.
- Keep Route 138 in mind: Charlevoix's hills are spectacular but demanding in snowy weather.
- Book your tables when you book your lodging, especially for Saturday.
We don't sell packages and aren't affiliated with any hotel. For an example of a complete trip, see our Charlevoix ski and casino weekend and our guide to Charlevoix food.
