Major city · Canada
Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs
Base here 2 nights only if you want a lake chalet and Grands-Jardins or Hautes-Gorges trailheads; otherwise sleep in La Malbaie and drive through.
Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs is a small Charlevoix-Est municipality of about 1,070 people strung along Route 138 and the shores of lakes Nairne and Sainte-Marie, inside the Charlevoix crater rim. It has no real village centre, no station and almost no services: its value is chalets, campgrounds and quick access to the mountains north of Route 138. Travellers who want restaurants, a waterfront and a walkable core stay in La Malbaie, 20–25 minutes east.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for lakes and hiking; late Jan–Mar for snowmobile and ice fishing
- avoid Nov and April (mud season, closed trails, few services)
- 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 Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs911 ▾
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 Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, 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 low crime; the real risks are driving (moose at dusk, winter ice), cold water in the lakes and long response times if you get hurt on a trail.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Info-Santé / health advice (24 h)
- 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 35 min by car via Route 138 east; no direct bus to the village).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or pastry in La MalbaieC$4–8 (≈ US$3–6)
- Street or quick mealDépanneur sandwich or frozen mealC$8–15 (≈ US$6–11)
- Beer500 ml at a grocery storeC$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
- Budget bedCampground pitch (Base de Plein Air du Lac-Nairne), a night, per roomC$40 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedCampground pitch (Base de Plein Air du Lac-Nairne), a night, per roomC$55 (≈ US$40)
- High-end bedCampground pitch (Base de Plein Air du Lac-Nairne), a night, per roomC$75 (≈ US$55)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$170 (≈ US$130) · 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 35 min by car via Route 138 east; no direct bus to the village) · YUL Montréal-Trudeau (About 4 h 30 min by car; most overseas arrivals land here)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best*
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Feb
Best
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Mar
Best
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Apr
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
May
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°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
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Dec
not flagged
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep. Avoid: Apr, Nov. 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 (15 rain days), driest Feb (12). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs: 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)
14 rd
Feb
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
12 rd
Mar
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
12 rd
Apr
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
12 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
14 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
15 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
You need a car. Route 138 runs through the municipality but the village is set back from the St. Lawrence; the chemin du Pied-des-Monts climbs north toward the Grands-Jardins east entrance. Intercar coaches stop on Route 138 at the Saint-Agnès junction, not at the village, so a bus arrival means a taxi or a pre-arranged lift. Fuel, groceries and restaurants are in La Malbaie or Clermont.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Parc national des Grands-Jardins
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Car via chemin du Pied-des-Monts to the east entrance
Dogs are not allowed on the trails; check the SEPAQ site for the daily access quota.
Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-rivière-Malbaie
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Car via Route 138 and Clermont, then the access road
The Acropole-des-Draveurs trail climbs about 800 m; start early.
La Malbaie
goDoor to door: 20–25 min
Car east on Route 138
Restaurants, casino, Manoir Richelieu and the Charlevoix crater interpretation centre.
Baie-Saint-Paul
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Car west on Route 138
Best food and gallery stop in the region.
L'Isle-aux-Coudres
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Car to Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, then the free ferry
Ferry runs year-round; check the crossing times before you leave.
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.
Lac Nairne shore
Chalets, gîtes and the Base de Plein Air campground; the densest cluster of beds and the best lake access.
Rue Principale / Route 138 strip
Motel, gîtes, dépanneur and the racetrack; you need a car for everything.
Lac Sainte-Marie south side
Quieter chalets and gîtes; nearest food shop is a short drive.
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$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–240 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- C$260 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Gîte room with breakfast1 × 2 nights × C$150 | C$300 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$170 | C$680 |
| Compact car rental, one day1 × C$80 | C$80 |
| Fuel, about 150 km of local driving1 × C$20 | C$20 |
| Groceries for self-catering, per person per day4 × C$35 | C$140 |
| National park day entry, per person2 × C$9 | C$18 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$124 |
| Trip total≈ C$341 per person per day, bed included | C$1,362≈ US$1,000 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars, before sales tax; a car is assumed. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or pastry in La Malbaie | C$4–8 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Dépanneur sandwich or frozen meal | C$8–15 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Casual restaurant main in La Malbaie | C$20–35 (≈ US$15–30) |
| Beer, 500 ml at a grocery store | C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Fuel, 1 L | C$1.60–1.90 (≈ US$2) |
| Canoe or kayak rental, one hour | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No taxi rank, no rideshare coverage and patchy phone signal on the mountain roads: pre-book transfers.
- Moose and deer on Route 138 and the Pied-des-Monts road at dawn and dusk.
- Winter tires are mandatory in Québec from 1 December to 15 March; many chalet driveways are not ploughed.
- Most chalets and campgrounds take bookings only through their own sites, and many close from mid-October to mid-May.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Info-Santé / health advice (24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Saint-Aimé-des-LacsSaint-Aimé-des-Lacs
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Info-Santé (24 h)811
Embassy
No consulate here. US consulate general in Montréal or Québec City; most other countries: embassies in Ottawa, consulates in Montréal.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Québec City → Saint-Agnès junction, Intercar: about 1 h 35 min; check the current timetable and fare
- La Malbaie → Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, taxi: about C$35–50 (≈ US$30–40), 20–25 min
- Ferry Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive → L'Isle-aux-Coudres: free for passengers and cars, about 15 min
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- Parlez-vous anglais ? — Do you speak English? (par-lay VOO ahn-GLEH)
- J'ai une réservation — I have a reservation (zhay oon ray-zair-va-SYON)
- C'est combien ? — How much is it? (say kom-BYEN)
- Où est le départ du sentier ? — Where is the trailhead? (oo ay luh day-PAR doo sahn-TYAY)
Print this card before you drive north: signal is weak on the Pied-des-Monts road.
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 Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs. 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–Sep for lakes and hiking; late Jan–Mar for snowmobile and ice fishing · avoid Nov and April (mud season, closed trails, few services) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares