There is a way to take in the beautiful scenery of northeast Canada that allows you to relax. The Train of Le Massif de Charlevoix provides luxurious comfort and breathtaking views for a memorable day trip.
The Train of Le Massif's route takes you along 140km of mountains and seashores in Quebec's Charlevoix region. You can enjoy pristine views of the forests, rivers and mountains that have made Charlevoix legendary. Along the way, enjoy a traditional Charlevoix gourmet breakfast. Every table comes equipped with an iPad programmed to describe the scenery and its historical and gastronimcal importance.
The train itself is beautifully designed and decorated, and provided a smooth ride. The service aboard the train was also excellent and the staff were extremely helpful in making sure we were comfortable.
The tour stopped in Baie-Saint-Paul along the St. Lawrence River. Baie-Saint-Paul is a picturesque town that features fine dining, a farmer's market during the summer, and several cultural events and attractions. There's a two-and-a-half-hour stop in the village, affording you plenty of time to enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch, a savory cup of coffee, or to do some sightseeing.
After Baie-Saint-Paul, we boarded the Train of Le Massif to continue to La Malbaie. This scenic village is also located on the St Lawrence River. Samuel de Champlain first visited it in 1608 and determined it a poor place to anchor his ship - hence the archaic French name for "bad bay". The site may not have been adequate for Champlain's use, but there's no denying the immense beauty of the surrounding area. It's a picturesque town known for its stunning riverside views and folk art.
A few hours after exploring La Malbaie we got back on the train for the return trip to Quebec City. It was a four-hour return trip but a brief stop in Baie-Saint-Paul and the Train of Le Massif's comfortable ride made it seem a lot less.