Côte-de-Beaupré

Running through Côte-de-Beaupré's picturesque countryside is one of North America's oldest roads. Follow Route de la Nouvelle-France (Avenue Royale) back through four centuries of history and discover magnificent homes from the 18th and 19th centuries; the Aux Trois Couvents, rich in history and artifacts representing the area’s territory; churches from over two hundred years ago and historic family farms.

Often referred to as Québec's breadbasket, Côte-de-Beaupré has deep agricultural roots running back to the First Nations and New France's earliest settlers. Today you can sample farm-fresh produce throughout the region, and also discover other local delicacies.

While you're at it, why not visit some of the various art and cultural creators of the Circuit des créateurs de la Côte-de-Beaupré. In addition, discover where local artisans showcase their skills—like at Atelier Paré, renowned for its wood sculptures. If you're on the hunt for works by local artists, be sure to check out the numerous local art galleries and boutiques, such as Albert Gilles Copper Art, creators of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica's copper main doors.

Cycling enthusiasts can also travel Route de la Nouvelle-France at their own pace on the Marie-Hélène-Prémont bike trail.

The first pilgrimage site in North America, the Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine welcomes almost a million visitors each year. A place for prayer, the Shrine is also home to many sacred works.

Côte-de-Beaupré is known for its numerous waterfalls and gorges—and the stunning views they provide. Peaceful havens for nature lovers and exhilarating challenges for adrenalin junkies—the choice is yours!

Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is the gateway to the region. Its gondola and walking trails provide breathtaking views of the 83-meter-high falls, the St. Lawrence River, and Île d'Orléans. In the winter, you can even go ice climbing—thrills and chills guaranteed!

Canyon Sainte-Anne, carved out of a 900-million-year-old rock formation, features trails with suspension bridges, giant potholes, and a dizzyingly high waterfall. There's also an aerial adventure course with an extra-long zip line. 

At Sentier des Caps trail in Charlevoix, dozens of kilometres of hiking and cross-country skiing trails await.

Following the river to Saint-Joachim, you'll come to the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, one of Canada's best-known bird-watching sites, with over 180 species. It's also home to hiking trails, interpretive activities, and thousands of greater snow geese that gather there in the fall and spring.

Last but not least, Mont-Sainte-Anne beckons visitors with a host of activities against a breathtaking backdrop, including mountain biking on trails for all levels, hiking, paragliding and, golfing at the foot of the mountain! Visitors looking for a more relaxing experience can take in the views from a gondola en route to the top of Mont-Saint-Anne. Fall is a particularly beautiful time to visit, as the area is ablaze with colour.

Here, the annual snowfall isn't a myth or urban legend—it's the real deal! Ski and snowboard enthusiasts can carve and ride to their hearts' content at Mont-Sainte-Anne ski resort. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts will enjoy the stunning wooded trails at the Mont-Sainte-Anne Cross-Country Ski Center, which is ranked among the best in Canada.

In the Côte-de-Beaupré region, you can also explore sparkling snow-covered landscapes on dogsled trails or marked snowmobile trails overlooking the river, or go snowshoeing.

For more information, visit the Tourisme Côte-de-Beaupré website.