Train de Charlevoix offers passengers 78 miles of scenery on this former Canadian National line along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and passing through two tunnels in the Charlevoix and Capitale-Nationale regions of Québec.
Choices
Trains to and from Montmorency Falls, about 10 miles east of Québec City, and La Malbaie meet near the line’s midpoint (and headquarters) at Baie-St.-Paul, with both trains also making stops at two intermediate locations. It is possible to make a round trip over the entire line in just one day, but most passengers opt for shorter rides, or spending a night at one or more at one of the stops. Train seating is assigned; seats on the “river side” cost slightly more than being on the “mountain side.” Be sure to make your choice known when you purchase your tickets. Bicycles may be brought on board for a fee.
When to go
Fall foliage season is the most popular time of year, but the scenery is beautiful through the June to October operating season. Space on the two-car German-built trains sells out quickly, so make your reservations early.
Good to know
Train de Charlevoix and VIA Rail Canada have partnered to allow visitors to ride VIA to Québec City’s magnificent Palace Station and be transferred by shuttle bus to Charlevoix’s station at Montmorency Falls. Watch for seals and beluga whales in the river.
Worth doing
The train’s Québec City-area station is adjacent to 272-foot-high Montmorency Falls. Take the cable car to the top. A suspension footbridge lets you walk over the top of the falls, and then walk down a long set of stairs to the base.
Don’t miss
Visitors should spend at least a day and night in Québec City, a year-round tourist destination.
Getting there
The southern terminal is in the outskirts of Québec City on the St. Lawrence River. Québec City is about 150 miles northeast of Montreal.
Location: (Québec City area) 5300 Blvd. Sainte-Anne, Beauport. Other main stations are at Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie.
Phone: 418-240-4124 or 844-737-3282
Website: traindecharlevoix.com
E-mail: info@reseaucharlevoix.com
