On the Flavour Trail and the St. Lawrence Route
by The Storytellers MTL
If you love local gastronomy and spectacular landscapes, the Flavour Trail and the St. Lawrence Route are a must for your summer vacation with your family or your lover. From Quebec City to L'Isle-aux-Coudres and the North Shore, the hoteliers of the Ôrigine network invite you to enjoy a wide variety of adventures to suit all tastes!
Let's get started
Before taking the St. Lawrence Route, start your journey in charming Quebec City. For a historic getaway, opt for Hôtel Château Bellevue in the heart of Old Quebec. If you prefer urban living in a modern setting, book a room at Hôtel Sépia. And for a front-row seat to the city's hustle and bustle, the Hôtel Château Laurier Québec is the place to be! A little further on, in Lac-Beauport, elegance and well-being await you at the chic Entourage sur-le-lac Resort, ideal for a romantic getaway!
Then take scenic route 362 to Baie-Saint-Paul. Along the way, you'll come across one of Quebec's most beautiful villages, Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, where there are plenty of foodie stops in store.
The delights of L'Isle-aux-Coudres
Continue your gourmet journey at Hôtel Cap-aux-Pierres after a free ferry ride to Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive. A member of the Flavour Trail, the restaurant La Marée Haute offers exquisite Charlevoix terroir cuisine served in front of an exceptional view of the St. Lawrence River. Open from May to October, their idyllic setting also includes two swimming pools and a vast garden for your moments of relaxation.
By staying directly on L'Isle-aux-Coudres, you'll be close to a wide range of family activities that allow you to discover the fascinating history of the islanders. Take a guided tour around the island and don't forget to visit the Moulins de L'Isle-aux-Coudres.
Sports enthusiasts will also be spoilt for choice with a 23-kilometre bike ride around the Isle, with equipment rental offered by Vélo Coudres. For water sports enthusiasts, there's kitesurfing, paddleboarding and even yoga with Suroît Aventures.
Relaxation in Charlevoix at La Malbaie
A magical town on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, La Malbaie is considered the cradle of Charlevoix vacationing, and indeed of Canada. With its breathtaking water views and pretty Pointe-au-Pic quay, it's the perfect place to get some fresh air.
Make a stopover in La Malbaie at one of the two hotels in the Ôrigine network: Auberge des Falaises or Le Petit Manoir du Casino Hôtel-Spa-Pavillon. At the Auberge des Falaises, relax between sea and mountains, then take advantage of their panoramic pool before a fine dinner at le Perché Gourmand restaurant. Otherwise, opt for a relaxing vacation at Le Petit Manoir du Casino with its Spa O'Quartz. This unique relaxation center is the first indoor spa to be built into Pointe-au-Pic's natural cliff face. And if you're feeling lucky, why not visit the Casino de Charlevoix?
Exploring the Flavour Trail through La Malbaie will also take you to some of the best cheese dairies, gourmet farms and artisanal sweet shops for a snack along the way. A perfect energy boost before diving into the region's aquatic activities! If you're feeling adventurous, we suggest you try a kayak excursion on the river with Katabatik, a great opportunity to observe turtles and beluga whales. And don't miss AML's whale-watching cruises by boat or zodiac to the world's best whale-watching site.
The gastronomy of the Saguenay
Enjoy a unique gourmet experience at Hôtel Chicoutimi. When it comes to fine dining, there's plenty to choose from! For a trendy experience, choose L'Inter restaurant, offering fresh pastas, fine cured meats and delicious tartars. Looking for a more casual atmosphere? Head to the Rouge Burger Bar, a favorite spot for sports fans and party-goers, where you can enjoy a tasty burger with your choice of toppings! End the evening with a delicious gelato at Fabbrica!
En route to the land's end
If you have time, continue on your way to the Côte-Nord and stop off at Château Arnaud. Located on the shores of the Sept-Îles Bay, this warm, intimate hotel will appeal to sea lovers with its superb view of the marina. Don't leave without tasting local seafood and shellfish from the local restaurants. The elegant decor, reminiscent of a modernized ancestral manor house, and the friendly staff will make you feel at home!
Take advantage of your visit to the Côte-Nord to visit the Sept-Îles archipelago by boat and observe the whales, sea wolves and birds that live in the area. And if you want to round off your stay in style, try your hand at surfing or fatbike riding on the 50th parallel in this incredible setting!
Still have a few days to spare? Hop on the Godbout-Matane ferry to explore the other side of the river! Then, continue your journey to Rivière-du-Loup at Hôtel Levesque, where you can try the best of Bas-Saint-Laurent flavours at La Griffe restaurant.
This summer, the Flavour Trail and the St. Lawrence Route are waiting for you. All the hoteliers of the Ôrigine network will ensure you have a restful break along the way!
Have a nice trip!
