Baie-Saint-Paul – A Charming Town in the Heart of the Charlevoix Region
Located in the heart of the Charlevoix region of Quebec, not far from the water and the endless rolling hills and mountains for north of the St. Lawrence, sits the quaint town of Baie-Saint-Paul. A refuge for skiers and hikers, it is a lively community with nightlife and a worthwhile artistic scene.
Geography
Sitting a few hundred meters away from the coast, in a flat valley surrounded by hills, is the town itself. At its center you will see church steeples and cobbled around it is the old town core. Near the regional roadway you will find much of the towns fast food restaurants and rest stops. From the center of town the Gouffre river flows into the St. Lawrence.
What to do in Baie-Saint-Paul?
Although small this is a booming place in winter, summer and even fall, before it gets too cold. It is representative of a rural Quebec that is unknown to many of those who are not Quebeckers. Here are a few things to do in town.
Baie-Saint-Paul Museum of Contemporary Art
This contemporary art museum in an old (but not the nice kind of old) theater has a surprisingly large collection if that is your type of thing.
Petites Franciscaines de Marie Convent
Neighboring the Auberge des Balcons mentioned in the where to stay section, this old nunnery is home to the Mousse Café. Honestly, its just a nice building and one of the more recognizable structures in town. The inside of the complex now serves as a museum.
You can view the from the street in front of the building you will have good views of the Church of Baie-Saint-Paul
Church of Baie-Saint-Paul
This stone structure is among the most recognizable in the city.
Enjoy Authentic Quebec Food and Drinks
This region of Quebec has an excellent culinary scene and a wonderful craft beer selection. I recomend hitting St. Jean Street!
Rue St. Jean Baptist
The city’s central hub north-south with its core businesses being located between a bend in the river.
Not only does it features great restaurants, but is also a great example of the type of architecture you would find in a Quebec village.
Among the most beautiful structures are those in traditional quebec style with a tin farmhouse roof protecting a wood columned porch as a portico.
Go for a Quick Round of Gold
You can easily play a quick round at the Club de golf Le Loup de Baie St-Paul, right in town!
Spend a day at the Beach
Just a few hundred meters from the townsite you will find a beach on the St. Lawrence river.
Explore the Surrounding Nature and Countryside
The Charlevoix’s rolling hill, pristine farms and centuries old homes makes for a beautiful backdrop to a Sunday drive.
Catch a view of the bay
On the north side of the bay you you will a viewpoint overlooking the farm and marshland along the St. Lawrence.
Transportation
The town is serviced by the scenic Charlevoix train, a railway following the St. Lawrence River, and by car.
Where to Stay?
I recommend staying within walking distance of the main street so you can walk to the bars and restaurants. There are a lot of great inns (Auberge) nearby, including rooms above the main street restaurants. I for my part stayed Auberge des Balcons, since I was visiting on visiting on a budget. It is a place I would strongly recommend staying in.
This building is a hostel in an old monastery and old dormitories. The brick building is as authentic as these places come.
Day Trips
There is a wealth of things to do from Baie-Saint-Paul, much of it in the great outdoors.
Charlevoix
Charlevoix’s Summer capital, the small waterfront town occupies a scenic bend in the St. Lawrence shoreline. Here in the shade of the town’s famous hotel and casino, gather the province’s most talented artists, writers, painters and such, escaping the heat of the urban Quebec landscape. Supplementing them was a contingent of wealthy tourists from the south of the border, including a man who would rise to the title of President. For more information click here.
Les Éboulements
A small town not far from the St. Lawrence with an old Seignorial Mill and a quaint hike through farm fields. For more information click here.
Park des Grand Jardins
An underrated park with towering hikes overlooking deep valleys.
Skiing at Le Massif de Charlevoix or the Mont-Sainte-Anne
These ski hills are both worth your time, and offer great views of the St. Lawrence river, particularly Le Massif that is home to a triple black diamond.
Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
The best hiking area in Quebec, this park is located in a mountain gorge. Its pictures often appear in tourism guides for the Charlevoix. For more information click here.
Conclusion
Although small, Baie-Saint-Paul hold endless charm for those who spend their summer and / or winters here. Weather skiing, hiking or just enjoying the water, this town holds something for everyone.
