Québec City to Charlevoix Multi-Sport

Québec City

We will meet in the lobby of our hotel at 4 pm. Please come dressed to walk. Our trip begins with a guided walking tour through the enchanting heart of Old Québec. Bathed in the afternoon light, the city’s cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and European ambiance reveal why this UNESCO World Heritage site is considered one of North America’s most remarkable historic treasures. As the only fortified colonial city north of Mexico to have preserved its original walls, Old Québec offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich French heritage and military history.

Stroll past the city’s impressive fortified ramparts, historic citadel, and defensive works while taking in sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River. Explore the charming Lower Town, where quaint boutiques, inviting cafés, and beautifully preserved stone buildings create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from modern life.

We will return to the hotel by 6 pm where you’ll have time to check-in and then we’ll meet at 7 pm for a welcome reception and dinner at a favourite restaurant.

Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Reserve

Today, we journey north on a scenic 45-minute shuttle ride to Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, a remarkable protected reserve celebrated for its rich biodiversity and sweeping marshland landscapes. This coastal sanctuary is home to American bulrushes, migrating Greater Snow Geese, and countless other bird species.

Follow tranquil trails and elevated boardwalks through marshes and grasslands before continuing into the surrounding hills for breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River. Along the way, enjoy the peaceful rhythm of rural Quebec and conclude your inaugural hike with a generous picnic lunch surrounded by nature.

This afternoon, a one-hour shuttle brings us deeper into the heart of Charlevoix to Le Germain Hôtel & Spa, our elegant retreat for the next three nights. Inspired by the region’s pastoral landscapes, the hotel’s contemporary minimalist pavilions blend seamlessly into the countryside setting. The spirit of Charlevoix’s celebrated local food movement shines at the hotel’s restaurant, Les Labours, where many ingredients are sourced from nearby organic farms and regional producers. Tonight, savour the vibrant flavours of Québec’s renowned farm-to-table cuisine during a memorable welcome dinner.

Shuttle to Cap Tourmente: 45 min
Shuttle to Hotel: 1 hr
Hiking Distance: 5.6 km (3.5 mi); elevation gain: 60 m (200 ft) and 7.5 km (4.7 mi); elevation gain: 215 m (700 ft)

Isle-aux-Coudres

This morning we travel to the charming riverside village of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, a beautifully preserved hamlet nestled between the dramatic peaks of Charlevoix and the St. Lawrence River. From here, we board a ferry bound for the enchanting Isle-aux-Coudres, a peaceful island steeped in Québecois heritage and pastoral beauty.

Upon arrival, your Guide(s) will fit your bike and provide a brief orientation on riding before we set off on a scenic cycling journey around the island. Pedal along quiet country roads past centuries-old stone cottages, historic churches, rolling farmland, and sweeping river views. Along the way, you may wish to stop at a local farm stand to sample fresh-pressed apple cider, a regional specialty that perfectly captures the flavors of Charlevoix.

We will stop at an local bakery for delicious baked goods and stop along a beautiful beach for a picnic lunch.

Take time to visit Les Moulins de l’Isle-aux-Coudres, home to a restored 19th-century stone windmill and traditional watermill that continue to produce wheat and buckwheat flour using historic methods. As you continue your ride back toward the ferry landing, notice the many roadside crosses scattered throughout the countryside—quiet reminders of the island’s deep-rooted religious traditions and the generations of residents who once gathered there to worship far from the village church. Near St. Bernard-sur-Mer, we stop to taste at a local cidery that produces cider made from apples, plums and berries.

For those looking to extend the day’s adventure, there may be the opportunity to cycle onward to Baie-Saint-Paul for additional miles and rewarding hills. Alternatively, return to the hotel by shuttle and spend the afternoon exploring downtown Baie-Saint-Paul or unwinding at the spa (spa treatments are not included in the trip price and advance reservations are recommended).

This evening, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in town before returning to Le Germain Hôtel & Spa for another relaxing night in the heart of Charlevoix.

Shuttle & Ferry to Isle-aux-Coudres: 1 hr 30 min
Biking Distance: 42 km (26 mi); elevation gain: 280 m (840 ft)
Add-on Option: 43 km (27 mi); elevation gain: 600 m (1,800 ft)

Baie-Saint-Paul

Today offers a fresh perspective on Baie-Saint-Paul as we explore the region by kayak. Paddle along the scenic Gouffre River, where gentle currents provide just the right touch of adventure while revealing the river’s tranquil beauty and surprising closeness to town.

Surrounded by lush landscapes and peaceful waters, this unique outing highlights another side of Charlevoix’s extraordinary natural setting. Guests who prefer a slower pace may choose to skip the kayaking excursion and instead enjoy a leisurely morning strolling through Baie-Saint-Paul’s charming streets or relaxing at the hotel and spa.

After lunch, we take a short shuttle south of Baie-Saint-Paul into the heart of the spectacular Charlevoix region, a UNESCO-recognized landscape shaped millions of years ago by a massive meteorite impact. The 34-mile-wide crater dramatically transformed part of the Laurentian Mountains, creating the rolling pastoral scenery and dramatic river vistas that define the region today. This remarkable terrain has inspired artists, writers, and travellers for generations.

Our afternoon hike winds through native grasslands, quiet farmland, and gentle hills overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Along the way, sweeping views and pastoral landscapes showcase the timeless beauty of rural Québec before the walk stops at a heritage farmhouse from 1884 and fragrant lavender farm. Continue walking right back to Baie-St-Paul.

This evening, gather for another memorable farm-to-table dinner featuring the fresh flavours and regional ingredients that make Charlevoix a celebrated culinary destination.

Kayaking Time: 2 hrs
Shuttle to Trailhead: 5 min
Hiking Distance: 8 km (5 mi); elevation gain: 60 m (180 ft)

Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré

After breakfast, we shuttle back toward Québec City and begin a memorable ride along some of historic Avenue Royale, one of the province’s oldest and most scenic cycling routes. Winding through the heart of the original villages of New France, this picturesque road offers a glimpse into Québec’s rich colonial heritage, with centuries-old homes, church steeples, and sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River accompanying us along the way.

As we pedal eastward, we pass the magnificent Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, an important pilgrimage site that welcomes nearly a million visitors each year. Midday, we pause for a leisurely picnic lunch at a local winery, savouring regional flavours amid the peaceful countryside.

Continuing toward the city, the route transitions onto a dedicated bike path leading us to the spectacular Montmorency Falls, whose dramatic 270-foot cascade towers even higher than Niagara Falls. From here, ride alongside local commuters through Québec City’s extensive cycling network as we make our way into the heart of town.

For those seeking an extra challenge, the afternoon offers the opportunity to continue by bike up to the historic Plains of Abraham, site of the pivotal 1759 Battle of Québec. Guests wishing for more time to explore the city at their own pace may instead choose to shuttle into town after lunch.

In the enchanting riverside capital of Québec—a UNESCO World Heritage treasure renowned for its cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and European ambiance—we settle into the elegant Auberge St. Antoine, our home for the next two nights. This evening, enjoy time at leisure to wander through Old Québec’s atmospheric streets and discover one of its many inviting restaurants for dinner on your own.

Shuttle to Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré: 1 hr
Biking Distance: 41 km (25 mi); elevation gain: 260 m (780 ft)

Lévis

After breakfast, we stroll to the waterfront and board a short ferry across the St. Lawrence River to Lévis, Québec City’s charming sister city. Upon arrival, we set out to discover the quieter, lesser-known landscapes of Québec’s south shore, where peaceful countryside dedicated bike paths reveal a more rural and authentic side of the province.

Today’s ride follows portions of a converted railway trail lined with open farmland, rolling fields, and scenic river vistas. Along the way, we visit Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, home to the impressive Chaudière Falls. For the best perspective of the segmented cascades, take a walk across the park’s dramatic suspended footbridge, where panoramic views showcase the power and beauty of the rushing water below.

Those eager for another outdoor adventure will enjoy the Sentier des Grèves, a scenic trail tracing the shoreline beaches of the St. Lawrence River. This peaceful walking path highlights the fascinating tidal forces that have shaped the surrounding landscape over centuries. Along this walk, we will enjoy lunch at a fantastic oceanside bistro. Back in Québec City, enjoy more of the city’s historic streets, boutiques, and cafés or simply relax and enjoy the amenities of the hotel.

This evening, we gather one final time for a celebratory farewell dinner, raising a glass to an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and culinary delights of Québec. We have a final night celebration in store that should be a fitting finale to your week!

Ferry to Levis: 15 min
Biking Distance: 36 km (22 mi); elevation gain: 320 m (960 ft)
Hiking Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi); elevation gain: 100 m (330 ft)

Depart

After breakfast, depart at your leisure.