Train de Charlevoix: scenic ride from Québec to La Malbaie
Descent of the Gouffre River in Baie-St-Paul
Duration: 2.5 hours
Is the Train de Charlevoix worth it?
Yes, if you love slow scenic travel. The train runs from Montmorency Falls (near Québec City) to La Malbaie in 4-5 hours, hugging the St. Lawrence shoreline with spectacular views. It operates mid-May to mid-October only. Tickets cost $130-180 CAD one way. Not a commuter train — a genuine tourist experience.
A train built for the scenery
The Train de Charlevoix opened in 2011 and occupies a unique position in Québec tourism: it’s not a commuter service, not a heritage steam railway, but a purpose-built modern tourist train designed around one of Québec’s most spectacular landscapes. The route follows the north shore of the St. Lawrence from the foot of Montmorency Falls through the rolling countryside of Charlevoix — a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve — to the resort town of La Malbaie.
It’s slow by design. You don’t take the Train de Charlevoix to get somewhere efficiently. You take it to watch the St. Lawrence widen as you move east, to see the misty bluffs of Baie-Saint-Paul emerge around a bend, and to eat a cheese plate made from milk that comes from a farm outside your window.
The route in detail
Departure: Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
The train doesn’t leave from Québec City’s main Via Rail station (Gare du Palais). It departs from a purpose-built station at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, approximately 10 km east of Old Québec on the north shore of the St. Lawrence. The view from the platform looks up at the 83-metre waterfall — a dramatic starting point.
Getting to the departure station: by car (15 minutes from Old Québec, paid parking available), by taxi ($25-30 CAD), or by bus. The RTC bus route 800 connects the Beauport district to the falls area. From the train station, you can also walk the suspension bridge above Montmorency Falls before boarding.
Intermediate stop: Baie-Saint-Paul (1h40 from Montmorency)
Baie-Saint-Paul is the creative heart of Charlevoix: galleries, artisan shops, the MICA arts centre, and excellent local restaurants. The stop is long enough (45-60 minutes, depending on the service) to explore the main streets and have a meal.
If you want to spend more time in Baie-Saint-Paul, this is the logical overnight stop. Hotels range from budget B&Bs to the design-forward Auberge La Muse.
Terminus: La Malbaie (4-5h from Montmorency)
La Malbaie is the elegant terminus — a resort town that has been attracting wealthy visitors since the 19th century. The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu dominates the cliffs above the river. Downtown La Malbaie has good restaurants, a casino (Casino de Charlevoix), and access to Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie for hiking.
The train has 1.5-2 hours at La Malbaie before beginning the return journey. Enough time for a walk and a meal; not enough to explore the national park.
Journey experience
The scenery
The first section from Montmorency to Baie-Saint-Paul hugs the cliff edge of the north shore with open views south across the St. Lawrence. On a clear day you can see the south shore 30+ km away. The light is best in the morning (eastbound) — try to sit on the river side (south/right side going east).
The section from Baie-Saint-Paul to La Malbaie is hillier and more wooded, with glimpses of the river between the Charlevoix hills. Autumn (late September to mid-October) is particularly stunning — the maple forests turn brilliant red and orange.
The on-board experience
Rolling stock: modern Budd-style coaches with large picture windows, designed for sightseeing. Air-conditioned in summer. Tables in some cars.
Food service: the dining car is the star. The menu changes seasonally but always features Charlevoix regional products — lamb from Île-aux-Coudres, cheeses from Laiterie Charlevoix, wild blueberries from the Hautes-Gorges. Expect a curated Québec meal rather than a generic train snack. The wine selection includes Québec natural wines. Reserve the dining car option when you book tickets — not all passengers have access, and it sells out.
Wifi: available on board.
Narration: the train has bilingual commentary (French and English) pointing out landmarks, telling regional history, and identifying the wildlife you’re likely to see — white-tailed deer, great blue herons, and occasionally beluga whales in the river.
Tickets and booking
Prices (2026 estimates)
| Fare type | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard (one way, Economy) | $130-150 CAD |
| Standard with dining | $170-190 CAD |
| Business / premium car | from $200 CAD |
Return tickets are available at a slight discount vs two one-way tickets.
How to book
Online at traindeCharlevoix.com (French/English). Book at minimum 2-3 weeks ahead for summer weekends. July and August are peak — book as early as possible. Shoulder season (May, June, September, October) has better availability.
There are no walk-up tickets on busy dates. The train has limited capacity and sells out.
Cancellation
Policies vary by fare class. Standard fares typically allow modification up to 48 hours ahead; non-refundable for cancellations closer than 48 hours. Check the current policy on booking.
Planning a full Charlevoix trip around the train
Option 1: Day trip (very full day)
- Depart Montmorency Falls 08h30
- Arrive Baie-Saint-Paul ~10h10 (45 min stop)
- Arrive La Malbaie ~13h30 (1h45 stop for lunch)
- Depart La Malbaie ~15h30
- Return Montmorency Falls ~19h00
Total day: 10+ hours. Exhausting but doable for one full day.
Option 2: One-night stay (recommended)
- Train out on day 1 (any morning service)
- Overnight in Baie-Saint-Paul or La Malbaie
- Explore Charlevoix on day 2 (Hautes-Gorges, Cap-aux-Oies, local restaurants)
- Return by train day 2 afternoon, or by Intercar bus ($30 CAD) if more flexible
Option 3: Combine with car travel
Drive out on the Route 138, use the train for the scenic experience in one direction, and return by car. This gives you full flexibility with luggage and stops.
Activities in Charlevoix to book alongside
Once in Baie-Saint-Paul, the Gouffre River offers a memorable introduction to the landscape:
Descent of the Gouffre River in Baie-St-PaulFor the most atmospheric activity in Charlevoix, a sunset horseback ride through the hills:
Romantic Horseback Riding at SunsetFor hikers and via ferrata enthusiasts, Grands-Jardins National Park:
Grands-Jardins NP Via Ferrata HikePractical notes
- Children under 5 travel free; ages 5-12 receive reduced fares. Good family option in summer.
- Luggage: bring a day bag, not a large suitcase, if you’re not staying overnight. Storage space is limited.
- Photography: the large windows are clean and designed for photography. Bring a telephoto lens for wildlife and river shots.
- Accessibility: the train has accessible coaches and priority boarding. Contact traindeCharlevoix.com for specific needs.
- What to wear: layers — the St. Lawrence can be cool even in July, and the open observation areas between coaches catch the wind.
Related guides
The train fits into a broader Québec City to Charlevoix day trip or a longer Charlevoix overnight. For a practical guide to getting around without a car, see our Montréal to Québec City travel guide and the Via Rail overview. The Charlevoix destination guide covers where to stay and what else to see in the region.
Frequently asked questions about Train de Charlevoix: scenic ride from Québec to La Malbaie
When does the Train de Charlevoix run?
The Train de Charlevoix operates seasonally from approximately mid-May to mid-October. It does not run in winter. Check traindeCharlevoix.com for the exact dates each year — they typically announce the season in February or March.How long is the Train de Charlevoix journey?
The full journey from Montmorency Falls (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency station) to La Malbaie takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on the service. Stops include Baie-Saint-Paul. The return trip can be made on the same day (tight) or the following day if staying overnight in Charlevoix.Where does the Train de Charlevoix depart from?
The departure point is Parc de la Chute-Montmorency (Montmorency Falls), approximately 10 km east of Old Québec. It is NOT at Gare du Palais (the Via Rail station). You need to get yourself to Montmorency Falls first — by car, taxi, bus, or the shuttle from Québec City.Is it possible to do the Train de Charlevoix as a day trip?
Technically yes, but it's a very long day. The return service from La Malbaie arrives back at Montmorency Falls in the early evening. You'll have 2-3 hours in La Malbaie or Baie-Saint-Paul. For a more relaxed experience, stay one night in Charlevoix and return the following day by bus or car.Can I combine the Train de Charlevoix with Le Massif ski resort?
Yes. Le Massif de Charlevoix, one of Québec's best ski resorts, is directly accessible from the Baie-Saint-Paul train stop during the ski season (December–April). However, the Train de Charlevoix only operates May–October, so the winter ski season and the train season don't overlap. In summer, the Massif gondola and summer activities operate alongside the train service.Is there food on the Train de Charlevoix?
Yes. The Train de Charlevoix has an on-board food service with Charlevoix regional products — cheeses, charcuteries, local beers and wines. It's part of the experience. The full dining car experience requires reserving a dining seat in advance; there is also a snack bar service for regular seats.
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