Part Two: Baie Saint Paul to La Malbaie
You have 2 choices at this point, either the scenic water route along Route 362 or the less scenic across country route. The difference can be about 30 minutes between the two so it really is not about time. Some people go there on the 362 and come back across country. I would suggest that as you do have some opportunities to see some interesting farmland on the cross country route.
As you leave Baie Saint Paul on Route 362 you will be arriving in La Malbaie via the village Pointe au Pic. But take your time as the drive is simply stunning. As you climb the hill leaving the town of Baie Saint Paul you will see a lookout spot on the right where you can pull over and get a better sense of the placement of the village in the flats, the St. Lawrence and the lovely little island to the left, Isle Aux Coudres.
Ïle aux Coudres is a great day trip from Québec city or a stop-over on your way to La Malbaie. The drive down the steep road to the little village of St. Joseph de la Rive is quite steep but lovely and then you take a quick ferry over to the island. On the island you can rent bicycles if you like and tour the complete island which is only around 32 km. There is also a road crossing the island at one point which allows you to cut the tour down substantially.
Otherwise, you are on Route 362 and heading through Les Éboulements. Les Éboulements is a small village filled with artists and galleries. Its spectacular geography is in part due to a meteorite that hit the area 350 million years ago!
So slow down and take your time as this small village is also on the list of the Most Beautiful Villages of Québec.
The art galleries and shops of Québec city are home to paintings that
on a large part show scenes from this very point. Artists flock to this
village on an annual basis to capture the river, the hills and the
landscape on their canvas.
As you leave Les Éboulements you will soon find yourself heading down to the water's edge and into the lovely village of St. Irenée. This village is hot spot for musicians, beach lovers and hikers during the summer month. There is a great selection of B&B's and Inns for people wanting a real getaway. It is also on the list of the Most Beautiful Villages of Québec.
The drive up and out of the village is a cute windy road which lovely little homes dotting the side. You now begin the climb back up and on your way to Pointe au Pic. Pointe au Pic is now part of La Malbaie but is home to a favourite weekend destination for residents of Québec city, The Fairmont Manoir Richelieu.
A favourite hike for many is the climb up the Acropole des Draveurs where the views are stunning. This is part of a series of hiking trails that are available to you in this area and all stemming from the SEPAQ, Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie. SEPAQ is responsible for the parks, hiking trails, lodges, and various resorts in the province that cater to the outdoor lover. The system is quite impressive and some of the lodges feature haute-cuisine and amazing outdoor experiences. It comes highly recommended!
PART THREE- POINTE-AU-PIC/LA MAILBAIE to TADOUSSAC
You have 2 choices at this point, either the scenic water route along Route 362 or the less scenic across country route. The difference can be about 30 minutes between the two so it really is not about time. Some people go there on the 362 and come back across country. I would suggest that as you do have some opportunities to see some interesting farmland on the cross country route.
As you leave Baie Saint Paul on Route 362 you will be arriving in La Malbaie via the village Pointe au Pic. But take your time as the drive is simply stunning. As you climb the hill leaving the town of Baie Saint Paul you will see a lookout spot on the right where you can pull over and get a better sense of the placement of the village in the flats, the St. Lawrence and the lovely little island to the left, Isle Aux Coudres.
Ïle aux Coudres is a great day trip from Québec city or a stop-over on your way to La Malbaie. The drive down the steep road to the little village of St. Joseph de la Rive is quite steep but lovely and then you take a quick ferry over to the island. On the island you can rent bicycles if you like and tour the complete island which is only around 32 km. There is also a road crossing the island at one point which allows you to cut the tour down substantially.
Otherwise, you are on Route 362 and heading through Les Éboulements. Les Éboulements is a small village filled with artists and galleries. Its spectacular geography is in part due to a meteorite that hit the area 350 million years ago!
As you leave Les Éboulements you will soon find yourself heading down to the water's edge and into the lovely village of St. Irenée. This village is hot spot for musicians, beach lovers and hikers during the summer month. There is a great selection of B&B's and Inns for people wanting a real getaway. It is also on the list of the Most Beautiful Villages of Québec.
The drive up and out of the village is a cute windy road which lovely little homes dotting the side. You now begin the climb back up and on your way to Pointe au Pic. Pointe au Pic is now part of La Malbaie but is home to a favourite weekend destination for residents of Québec city, The Fairmont Manoir Richelieu.
 |
| The Fairmont Manoir Richelieu was built in the design of a french château. It also boasts an 18 hole golf course which is considered one of the best in North America. The views and rolling hills make it not only challenging but stunning as well. It also means that it is a hiker's paradise. |
A favourite hike for many is the climb up the Acropole des Draveurs where the views are stunning. This is part of a series of hiking trails that are available to you in this area and all stemming from the SEPAQ, Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie. SEPAQ is responsible for the parks, hiking trails, lodges, and various resorts in the province that cater to the outdoor lover. The system is quite impressive and some of the lodges feature haute-cuisine and amazing outdoor experiences. It comes highly recommended!
PART THREE- POINTE-AU-PIC/LA MAILBAIE to TADOUSSAC
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