Baie St-Paul (Winter)

On the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, the region of Charlevoix is formed by the majestic Laurentian mountain chain, with all its great potential for exciting winter activities. In picture-perfect Baie-St-Paul, where the Gouffre River flows into the St. Lawrence, silver-spired churches provide dramatic contrast to the steep red-roofed houses. The lovely old town — full of 200-year-old houses that reflect typical Québébecois architecture – has long been a focal point for countless painters, photographers and writers. More recently, it was where the now world-famous Cirque du Soleil came into being. Along Baie St-Paul’s narrow streets, ...

On the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, the region of Charlevoix is formed by the majestic Laurentian mountain chain, with all its great potential for exciting winter activities. In picture-perfect Baie-St-Paul, where the Gouffre River flows into the St. Lawrence, silver-spired churches provide dramatic contrast to the steep red-roofed houses. The lovely old town — full of 200-year-old houses that reflect typical Québébecois architecture – has long been a focal point for countless painters, photographers and writers. More recently, it was where the now world-famous Cirque du Soleil came into being. Along Baie St-Paul’s narrow streets, many old buildings have been converted into art galleries, stylish boutiques and charming cafés. With its fine selection of hostelries and restaurants, the town is a perfect base for a winter vacation. Options range from skiing and snowboarding at Le Massif to snow-mobiling, snow-shoeing, ice fishing, dog-sledding or caribou-spotting in the nearby wilderness.

About the Expert

Joanna Ebbutt is the author or editor of three Insight Guides to Toronto and Canada, and coauthor of Off the Beaten Track: Western Canada. She has been writing about travel for three decades, including chasing the aurora borealis in Northern Ontario.