Summer is the perfect time to embark on a road trip and discover the incredible flavours around Canada. Located just east of Quebec City, the region of Charlevoix offers a wealth of cultural and culinary experiences for visitors. And what better way to explore those flavours than through the famed Charlevoix Flavour Trail.
Charlevoix is known for its amazing local produce, and the region’s commitment to local and sustainable agriculture can be felt during any culinary experience there. You can taste cheeses, wild mushrooms, wines, spirits and fresh fruits (particularly black currants and apples). With its proximity to the St. Lawrence, Charlevoix also offers an abundance of quality seafood.
Three must-visit spots on the Charlevoix Flavour Trail
1. Hydromel Charlevoix
Honey and mead were at the top of our list of flavours to explore along the Charlevoix Flavour Trail. Beekeepers in the area take advantage of its diverse flora– things like the region’s wildflowers and blossoming fruit trees contribute to the unique flavours of the honey.
The taste varies greatly depending on the time of year and the types of flowers the bees have foraged from. Wildflower, clover and raspberry blossom are only a few of the rich flavours you can find in Charlevoix’s liquid gold.
At Hydromel Charlevoix, beehives are located in various sub-terroirs, which produces unique flavours depending on their location. We stopped at the hives in La Malbaie to experience the process firsthand.
I have to confess, I’ve always been a little nervous around bees. Fortunately, Alexandre Cote– one of the owners and “beemasters” at Hydromel– put me completely at ease. His evident knowledge and care for the bees was on full display, and it gave us a new respect for how hardworking the insects truly are.
Once we finished at the beehives, we hopped back in the car and travelled to the Hydromel Charlevoix Distillery in Baie-Saint-Paul. It’s a cute store and the perfect place to experience some fine snacks and shopping after a sunny morning of beekeeping.
Hydromel Charlevoix
Baie-Saint-Paul, QC
49 Rue St Jean Baptiste
hydromelcharlevoix.com/en
2. Le Migneron de Charlevoix
As we made our way through the Charlevoix Flavour Trail, we discovered many artisan cheeses. My personal favourite? Le Migneron de Charlevoix. This semi-soft cheese has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavour, with just the right amount of salt.
It comes from a unique fromagerie, called La Famille Migneron de Charlevoix. It was started by Maurice Dufour and Francine Bouchard in 1994 and now run by their son and daughter. The second generation has expanded the dairy to include a unique winery, and they also recover and distill the whey from their cheese to create quality spirits.
La Famille Migneron de Charlevoix
Baie-Saint-Paul, QC
1339 Boulevard Mgr de Laval
famillemigneron.com
3. Repère Boréal
Our stay at the Repère Boréal was a truly unique stop along the Charlevoix Flavour Trail. This nature-surrounded retreat provides an incredible balance between outdoor adventure and luxury accommodation.
The retreat was designed by the Galarneau brothers, who were driven by their respect of the environment have a keen eye for details. Each unit is designed to blend seamlessly into the forest, providing a true wilderness experience.
You have a few options for accommodations, but the incredible Uhu units are easily the most luxe. They sit at 10 meters above the tree canopy overlooking the St. Lawrence. There are also container units and cozy cabins (all with expansive windows) nestled in the forest.
The Nordic spa tucked in the woods– with a spacious outdoor hot tub, cold plunge and sauna– is one of the most serene places you can find in Charlevoix. Relaxing in the wilderness, with spa music quietly playing and a massage waiting indoors, is the best way to complete a day of culinary travel.
Repère Boréal
Les Éboulements, QC
3141 Rte. du Fleuve
repereboreal.com
