Major city · Canada
La Malbaie
Stay 2 nights: one for the Manoir, casino and Pointe-au-Pic shore, one for Cap-à-l'Aigle and Mont Grand-Fonds. A car is close to essential.
La Malbaie is a small Charlevoix town on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, 141 km east of Québec City on Route 138. It has been a resort since the 1760s and hosted the 2018 G7 summit. Two nights covers the shore, the gardens and one mountain day; three if you add whale watching or the Charlevoix train. Without a car you are limited to the bus stops and the town centre.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Oct for gardens, whale watching and the train; Feb–Mar for skiing at Mont Grand-Fonds
- avoid Nov and early Dec (many attractions closed, no snow yet); late Oct for garden visits
- Airports
- YQB · YUL
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for La Malbaie911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about La Malbaie, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a small resort town; the real risks are winter driving on Route 138 and 362, moose on the road at dusk, and cold water along the shore.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYQB Québec City Jean Lesage (About 1 h 45 min by car on Route 138; the nearest airport with scheduled service.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: sights are spread over roughly 20 km (12 mi) of Route 138 and boulevard Malcolm-Fraser.A car is the practical choice: sights are spread over roughly 12 mi (20 km) of Route 138 and boulevard Malcolm-Fraser.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- Sit-down mealDinner main, mid-range restaurantC$25–45 (≈ US$19–35)
- Street or quick mealCasual lunch, soup or sandwichC$15–25 (≈ US$11–19)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at the depC$8–10 (≈ US$6–8)C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or garden entrycheckC$7–20 (≈ US$6–15)
- Budget bedHostel or shared bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, inn or motel, a night, per roomC$200 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedDouble room, inn or motel, a night, per roomC$380 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$110 (≈ US$80) · Mid C$180 (≈ US$140) · High C$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YQB Québec City Jean Lesage (About 1 h 45 min by car on Route 138; the nearest airport with scheduled service.) · YUL Montréal-Trudeau (About 4 h 30 min by car; Intercar buses run from Montréal.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Feb
Best
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Mar
Best
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Apr
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
May
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
Care*
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Dec
Avoid*
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Feb–Mar, Jun–Sep. Mixed: Oct. Avoid: Nov–Dec. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C) low), wettest Dec (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
La Malbaie: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
12 rd
Feb
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
10 rd
Mar
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
10 rd
Apr
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
11 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
12 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
12 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
12 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: sights are spread over roughly 20 km of Route 138 and boulevard Malcolm-Fraser. Intercar buses stop at four points in town but run about once a day. Taxi Dufour Elite (+1 418-665-6024) covers short hops; agree the fare first. The Train de Charlevoix links the town with Baie-Saint-Paul and Québec City in season.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Baie-Saint-Paul
goDoor to door: About 45 min by car
Route 362 west, or the Train de Charlevoix in season
Galleries and the Route des Saveurs food stops; pair with Les Éboulements on the way.
L'Isle-aux-Coudres
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Route 362 to Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, then the free ferry
Mills, a small museum and flat cycling; the ferry crossing is short.
Les Éboulements
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Route 362 west
Hilltop village inside the crater rim; steep roads, drive carefully.
Saint-Irénée
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Route 362 west
Beach and Domaine Forget concerts in summer.
Saint-Siméon
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Route 138 east
Ferry across to Tadoussac for whale watching; check the sailing times.
Saint-Hilarion
cautionDoor to door: About 35 min
Route 138 west, then inland
Small inland village; only worth it if you are already driving that way.
Saint-Urbain
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Route 138 west, then inland
Farm stops on the agro-artistic circuit; little else without a car.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Pointe-au-Pic
Manoir Richelieu, casino, Musée de Charlevoix and the shore path; walkable core, best for a first stay.
Downtown / boulevard de Comporté
Restaurants, shops and the tourist information office; the bus stops at Mikes and Familiprix.
Cap-à-l'Aigle
Quieter east-bank village, lilac gardens and the Port de Refuge; 10–15 min by car from the centre.
Saint-Fidèle
Further east on boulevard Malcolm-Fraser; cheaper rooms, more driving.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$110–170 (≈ US$80–130) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$170–280 (≈ US$130–250) excl. bed
- High
- C$280 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, inn or motel1 × 2 nights × C$200 | C$400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$180 | C$720 |
| Car rental, one day1 × C$70 · check | C$70 |
| Intercar Québec City → La Malbaie, one way2 × C$40 · check | C$80 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$132 |
| Trip total≈ C$363 per person per day, bed included | C$1,452≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax is added at checkout. Flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Casual lunch, soup or sandwich | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Dinner main, mid-range restaurant | C$25–45 (≈ US$19–35) |
| Beer, draught in a bar / can at the dep | C$8–10 (≈ US$6–8) / C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Museum or garden entrycheck | C$7–20 (≈ US$6–15) |
| Gasoline, per litrecheck | C$1.60–1.90 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances between sectors are long: without a car, plan around the four bus stops.
- Many gardens, the forge and the observatory close outside Jun–Oct: check dates before booking.
- The casino and Manoir Richelieu sit on a hill above the shore; the walk back up is steep.
- Cell coverage is patchy on Route 362 and around Mont Grand-Fonds.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
La MalbaieLa Malbaie
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies here; the US consulate general is in Québec City and embassies are in Ottawa. For a lost passport, contact your country's mission in Ottawa or Québec City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi in town: C$10–20 (≈ US$8–15); agree the fare before you get in (check)
- Intercar Québec City → La Malbaie: about C$40 (≈ US$30), roughly 2 h (check)
- Train de Charlevoix, La Malbaie → Baie-Saint-Paul: about C$60–80 (≈ US$45–60) one way, seasonal (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît — The bill, please (la-dee-SYON seel voo PLEH)
- Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (pweezh pay-YAY par KART)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (oo son lay twa-LET)
French is the everyday language; a short bonjour before a question goes a long way. Tipping 15–20% at restaurants is expected.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for La Malbaie. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Oct for gardens, whale watching and the train; Feb–Mar for skiing at Mont Grand-Fonds · avoid Nov and early Dec (many attractions closed, no snow yet); late Oct for garden visits · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YQB: last Intercar departure, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Pointe-au-Pic, downtown Comporté, Cap-à-l'Aigle, Saint-Fidèle.
- Place pages with verified season dates (Musée de Charlevoix, Forge Cauchon, lilac gardens, observatory) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter fixtures for Mont Grand-Fonds so ski days can go green.
Sources
- officialVille de La Malbaie
- officialTourisme Charlevoix
- officialIntercar
- officialTrain de Charlevoix
- officialParc régional du Mont Grand-Fonds
- officialMusée de Charlevoix
- officialObservatoire de l'Astroblème de Charlevoix
- secondaryWikivoyage: La Malbaie, revision 5249959 (CC BY-SA 4.0)