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La Malbaie
La Malbaie is widely recognized as the birthplace of resort tourism in Canada. Wealthy Americans and Canadians began summering here in the 19th century. The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, a massive hotel built in 1899, dominates the local skyline alongside the Charlevoix Casino. The region's geography is unique, as it sits within a 350-million-year-old meteor crater that created steep hills and deep valleys. Outdoor activities are tied to the Saint Lawrence River. Whale watching tours depart regularly from the nearby marinas between June and October. The Route 138 coastal drive connects the town to Quebec City, taking about 90 minutes. Local restaurants heavily feature Charlevoix region cheeses and sustainably caught seafood from the river. The most popular visiting window spans the summer months, but winter draws a different crowd. Heavy seasonal snowfall supports extensive snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing networks. The Mont Grand-Fonds ski area is located just 15 kilometers away, offering alpine trails and backcountry glades.
- Location: Canada
- Nearby: Petite-Rivière-Saint-François (48 km)
- Population: ~8.959 (2018)
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1896
- Population of 8,200
- Located in Charlevoix
- On the St. Lawrence River
- Hosted 2018 G7 Summit
- Manoir Richelieu built in 1899
- Formerly called Murray Bay
- Asteroid crater region
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town La Malbaie (1)
Frequently asked questions
La Malbaie: where is it located?
La Malbaie: why is it worth visiting?
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