Lean into the beauty of it all at Charlevoix’s B&Bs

In the fall, Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park captivates with its towering landscapes and the intensity of its autumn colours. Le Riverain trail offers stunning viewpoints over the valley and the Cran des Érables, while biking or kayaking along the Malbaie River allows visitors to enjoy the scenery in a calmer, yet equally immersive, atmosphere. Meanwhile, Grands-Jardins National Park, with its bogs, taiga, and colourful forests, features trails like Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes and La Chouenne, which are perfect for admiring the region’s northern landscapes. After a day spent exploring the grandeur of nature, Charlevoix’s charming B&Bs provide a well-deserved break. Warm hospitality, cozy comfort, and personalized advice from hosts make these accommodations the perfect addition to a wonderful fall getaway.

Driving along Charlevoix’s scenic routes in the fall means diving into breathtaking landscapes, where picturesque villages, golden valleys, and sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding mountains steal the show. The St. Lawrence Route, ranked among the most beautiful scenic drives in North America, charms visitors with its artistic and cultural highlights, stunning coastal vistas, and gourmet stops along the way. The Mountain Road, wilder yet equally striking, winds through valleys, forests, and national parks, revealing the majestic terrain of Charlevoix’s backcountry. All along these scenic drives, cozy B&Bs offer warm, inviting havens, perfect for recharging after a day on the road.

Experiencing fall in Charlevoix also means setting off on a whale-watching cruise with Croisières AML, to meet the giants of the sea in their natural habitat. The adventure takes you through the heart of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, a protected marine area spanning 1,245 km², where belugas, minke whales and humpbacks roam in a stunning natural setting. Exploring the Saguenay Fjord, with its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking landscapes, adds a spectacular and immersive dimension to this one-of-a-kind experience. For those who prefer to stay on land, the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre in Baie-Sainte-Catherine offers a more contemplative experience, with passionate guides and panoramic lookouts ideal for spotting marine mammals. To round out the stay, a few charming B&Bs in Baie-Sainte-Catherine offer a peaceful retreat just steps from the St. Lawrence.

Fall means harvest season and time for apple picking! A getaway to Charlevoix during this time of year is an invitation to discover a generous land, where orchards, farms, and passionate producers welcome visitors with open arms. At Cidrerie et Vergers Pednault on Isle-aux-Coudres, you can pick apples, pears, and plums in a truly enchanting setting. At Les Jardins du Centre, it’s all about pumpkins, ripe for the picking and sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Fall is also the perfect season to stock up on local flavours. Cheese shops, artisanal bakeries, microbreweries and farmers’ markets overflow with regional delights: aged cheeses, seasonal vegetables, local meats, ciders, honey and homemade jams.