La Malbaie
Ferme Jean-Robert Audet — La crème des veaux
In La Malbaie, the Ferme Jean-Robert Audet is essential for anyone who loves quality meat. Jean-Robert Audet is the founding president of the « Veau de Charlevoix ». After his business closed in 2014, he started again in 2019 as an artisan producer under the name « Ferme Jean-Robert Audet – la crème des veaux », with a completely rethought approach built on flavour, tenderness and a direct relationship with the customer. His on-farm butcher shop offers unusual cuts (spider steak, flank, jowl) and a varied range of charcuterie, tourtières, smoked meats and ready-to-eat dishes. An authentic experience, where the artisan is present at every stage — from the field to the plate.
Guided tour of the Maison du Bootlegger
In La Malbaie, the Maison du Bootlegger is a one-of-a-kind place. It's an authentic speakeasy from the days of prohibition, with a history going back to 1860. The building was taken apart and then rebuilt in the backcountry in 1933 to house illegal activities: the region's first casino and a clandestine bar frequented by the rich and famous! The guided tour of about 25 minutes takes you through a genuine secret labyrinth of concealed corridors, hidden staircases and tucked-away rooms, while you learn the fascinating history of this mysterious place. It's an experience you can extend in the evening with the famous supper-tour-show formula hosted by the Bootlegger House Band. A truly unforgettable moment!
Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs
Black bear watching at the Domaine Le Pic-Bois
In Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, on an exclusive 10 km² outfitting territory, the Domaine Le Pic-Bois offers one of the most spectacular activities in Charlevoix: watching black bears in their natural habitat! The excursion lasts about 3 hours and begins with an hour-long presentation under a tent, led by a passionate bilingual guide. Then comes a short walk through the forest leading to a safe observation tower perched several metres up, where you can watch and photograph these impressive mammals from less than 20 metres away. Sometimes you'll see up to ten different bears in a single session — from cubs to big males of more than 200 kg! The success rate has been above 95 % for more than 5 years. A unique and safe ecotourism experience, one that changes the way you see the black bear forever.
Sentier des Morios
In the backcountry of Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, the sentier des Morios is a fine challenge for experienced hikers. Near the chemin Pied-des-Monts, this trail leads to the summits of Morios Sud and Nord, with breathtaking views over the wild landscapes of Charlevoix. The start of the route follows a section of La Traversée de Charlevoix, before branching off toward the climb. The recommendation is the expert section for the ascent and a return by the easier section via Morios Nord. Along the way you even pass the « Tet de l'hélico » and a rustic tepee — two landmarks that add spice to the adventure. A shelter and a cabin can be booked through La Traversée de Charlevoix. An annual card at $5 is required, available at the dépanneur du Lac Brûlé (202, rue Principale). For those who love real nature, the kind you have to earn!
Clermont
Montagne de la Croix heritage site — Clermont
In Clermont, the Montagne de la Croix is an exceptional lookout site that offers a 360-degree panoramic view! From its viewpoints perched more than 200 metres up, you take in the town of Clermont, the valley of the Malbaie River, the mountains of Charlevoix and, on a clear day, the majestic St. Lawrence River. The great 15-metre steel cross, erected in 1949, watches over the landscape and is lit at night. Interpretive panels at the summit introduce you to the history of the « Pays de Menaud » (Félix-Antoine Savard), to forestry in Charlevoix and to the astrobleme. Since 2013, the site has been officially listed in Quebec's Registre du patrimoine culturel. A new 1.5 km walking trail (3 km round trip) and rebuilt lookouts are being developed to improve the experience. A must, free and reachable by car in summer!
Safran Nordique — Économusée des safraniers
In Clermont, Safran Nordique is probably the most surprising stop on the Route des Saveurs de Charlevoix! Since 2016, Geneviève Tremblay and Rénald Lepage have been growing what is called « red gold » — saffron, the oldest and most expensive spice in the world. Their land benefits from category A1 soil, a quality found in Quebec only in the MRC of Charlevoix-Est! From 2,000 bulbs at the start, they have grown to more than 30,000 Crocus sativus bulbs today. The Économusée des safraniers offers guided tours of about an hour, during which you learn how the saffron crocus can grow in a northern climate, how the pistils are harvested by hand and why this spice is the most expensive in the world. The shop is full of saffron products: syrups, jellies, salts, spreads and more. Recently honoured with the « Fier porteur de la marque » award from the Économusée network, the Safranière is also about to open a brand-new welcome building. A real gem of the region!
Saint-Hilarion
The Ferme Ambrosia shop
In Saint-Hilarion, the Ferme Ambrosia is a small artisanal farm specializing in raising and processing pasture-raised Muscovy duck, without force-feeding. Established in 2021, this family farm run by Alexis and Aleck has a double mission: to welcome visitors in an agritourism inn and to produce flavourful food with respect for the environment and animal welfare. The shop displays their delicious products (duck breasts, confits, rillettes, dry sausages), processed 100 % with Charlevoix ingredients, along with a selection of products from other local artisans. A fine place to wander through the fields, picnic and enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the backcountry.
Brocante de Charlevoix
On Route 138 in Saint-Hilarion, the Brocante de Charlevoix (also called Antiquités Brocante de Charlevoix) is a genuine paradise for lovers of old objects, antiques and second-hand treasures. A well-kept place, with an impressive quantity of objects — antiques mixed in with contemporary pieces. You'll turn up old furniture, accessories worn by time, rare objects, a bit of everything! The welcome is warm and the staff gladly share the story behind certain pieces. A small warning from visitors: the prices are sometimes high, but the atmosphere alone is worth the visit. A must for bargain hunters and the curious!
Hémérocalles Charlevoix – Jardin Jean Tremblay
In Saint-Hilarion, this specialized garden is a real favourite for flower lovers. You'll find more than 800 daylily cultivars there, along with a superb collection of ornamental perennials: peonies, irises, lilies, roses, clematis, hostas… All of it in a restful garden laid out with sitting areas, themed water features and plenty of charm. Created by the passionate horticulturist Jean Tremblay, a renowned hybridizer, the site even lets you buy local creations directly, with poetic names like La divine de Charlevoix or Harmonie de Charlevoix. Self-guided and guided visits are available, in a peaceful setting that invites contemplation.
Boutique Le Véritable Agneau
In Saint-Hilarion, Le Véritable Agneau is the only and last processor and seller of PGI-certified Agneau de Charlevoix (Protected Geographical Indication) — a certification it has held since 2009. The shop specializes in selling by the cut, with more than 50 different cuts following the French method: whole, half or by the piece. Every piece is cut with the greatest care — all that's left is to cook it! On the menu: leg, rack, tenderloin, shoulder, chops, 100 % lamb sausages (including several original flavours such as black garlic–maple syrup or Dijon mustard–honey from the Charlevoix crater). The shop is open 7 days a week, including holidays. Careful: if the PGI label isn't there, it isn't an Agneau de Charlevoix!
