La Malbaie ("Bad Bay") is so called because Samuel de Champlain ran aground here in 1608. The village and the surrounding region of the Charlevoix is steeped in early French colonial history which continues to influence life here today.
The town is situated at the confluence of the Malbaie and St. Lawrence rivers and it was the rivers that brought the steamers in the early years of the twentieth century. These in turn brought wealthy visitors from Toronto, New York and further afield, and promoted La Malbaie as an affluent recreational region early on.
Things to see and do
La Malbaie is ideally located for exploring the delightful surrounding countryside and the spectacular Saguenay Fjord. In addition, the Parc des Hautes Gorges de la Rivière Malbaie is a highlight of the area, as is whale watching at nearby Tadoussac.
If you are staying in La Malbaie, do visit the fascinating museum of Charlevoix then take a walk along the waterfront at Pointe au Pic to the Rue du Quai, an area of colorful renovated historic wooden houses. Then take the steep steps up to the grandiose Le Manoir Richelieu, a wonderful place for a drink on the terrace overlooking the ever-changing waters of the St Lawrence.
At nearby Sainte Irénée, the Domaine Forget is a not-for-profit music and dance establishment. Renowned for Sunday brunch concerts overlooking the St. Lawrence River, they also offer evening events throughout the year.
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Places near La Malbaie
- Charlevoix & Saguenay - Lac St. Jean 8 miles away
- Québec City 77 miles away
- Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve 159 miles away
- Eastern Townships 187 miles away
- New Brunswick 200 miles away
- Québec 206 miles away
- Montréal 221 miles away
- Saint Andrews by-the-Sea 233 miles away
- Laurentian Mountains 234 miles away
- Mont-Tremblant 234 miles away
- Caraquet 242 miles away
- Kouchibouguac National Park 252 miles away
- Saint John 256 miles away
- The Bay of Fundy 270 miles away
- The Gaspé Peninsula 274 miles away
- West Point 282 miles away
- Riverside-Albert 289 miles away
- Annapolis Royal 300 miles away
Photos of La Malbaie
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![La Malbaie, Charlevoix]()
La Malbaie, Charlevoix -
![Parc des Hautes Gorges de la Rivière Malbaie, La Malbaie]()
Parc des Hautes Gorges de la Rivière Malbaie, La Malbaie
Our expert guides to exploring La Malbaie
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting La Malbaie, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate La Malbaie at its best.
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Canada self-drive vacations: Ontario and Québec ![Algonquin Provincial Park]()
Canada self-drive vacations: Ontario and Québec
Canada self-drive vacations: Ontario and Québec
By self-driving in Canada’s Ontario and Québec provinces, you can explore peaceful parks filled with wildlife, secluded towns and villages, and multicultural cities at your own pace. Canada specialist Rebecca shares her ideas for self-drive routes that take in the best of each province.
Read this guide
