Major city · Canada
Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
Stay 1–2 nights if you ski Le Massif or hike the Caps trail; otherwise pass through in 2–3 hours on Route 138 between Québec City and Baie-Saint-Paul.
Petite-Rivière-Saint-François is a village of about 744 people on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, at the western gate of Charlevoix. Rue Principale drops 438 m from Route 138 to the river, and the mountain slope above it holds Le Massif de Charlevoix, the biggest vertical drop east of the Rockies. It is a base for skiing, hiking and river views, not a sightseeing town: two hours covers the village, and the reason to sleep here is the mountain.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for hiking and river; Jan–Mar for skiing
- avoid Nov (between seasons, lifts and trails often closed), late Mar–Apr (thaw)
- Airport
- YQB
- Nights
- 1–2
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 Petite-Rivière-Saint-François911 ▾
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 Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, 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 winter driving on the steep descent, ice and fast tides at the wharf, and backcountry weather on the Caps 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 10 min by car via Route 138; no direct bus to the village, so a car or a transfer is needed.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: the village sits at the bottom of a 438 m drop and the ski area is a separate road.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or a pastry in the villageC$3–7 (≈ US$3–6)
- Sit-down mealDinner main in a village innC$25–45 (≈ US$19–35)
- Street or quick mealCasual lunch (soup, sandwich, poutine)C$15–28 (≈ US$11–25)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at the groceryC$8–12 (≈ US$6–9)C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Budget bedHostel or campsite bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedInn or gîte double room, a night, per roomC$210 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedInn or gîte double room, a night, per roomC$380 (≈ US$300)
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 10 min by car via Route 138; no direct bus to the village, so a car or a transfer is needed.)
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
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Mar
Care*
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Apr
Avoid
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
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–Feb, Jun–Sep. Mixed: Mar. 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
Petite-Rivière-Saint-François: 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
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
12 rd
Mar
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
12 rd
Apr
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
12 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
13 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
13 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 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)
13 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°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
A car is the practical choice: the village sits at the bottom of a 438 m drop and the ski area is a separate road. Route 138 runs along the ridge; rue Principale is the only way down to the river. Intercar buses on the Québec City–Tadoussac route stop along Route 138, not at the wharf, so plan a taxi or a lift from your host. Charging stations exist in the area but are sparse: check before relying on an EV in winter.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Baie-Saint-Paul
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Route 138 east, about 25 min by car
Galleries, food and services; the practical town for a rainy day.
Les Éboulements
goDoor to door: About 50 min
Route 362 east from Baie-Saint-Paul, about 40 min by car
Village on the crater's raised centre, with river views from the ridge.
L'Isle-aux-Coudres
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive to Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, then the ferry
Ferry crossing, then bikes or a car loop; a half day at least.
La Malbaie
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Route 362 east, about 1 h by car
Casino, restaurants and the Cap-à-l'Aigle end of the crater.
Saint-Urbain
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
Route 138 west, then inland, about 35 min by car
Gateway to Grands-Jardins; mostly a summer and autumn trip.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Route 138 west, about 1 h 10 min by car
Doable as a day trip, but better as the start or end of the loop.
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.
Village and rue Principale
Inns, gîtes and the wharf at river level; walkable, but the climb back up the hill is steep.
Mountain slope near Le Massif
Club Med, domes and ready-to-camp; ski-in feel, but you need a car for the village.
Route 138 ridge
Cheapest beds and campsites; quiet, and every trip down to the river is a 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$90–150 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–260 (≈ US$110–190) excl. bed
- High
- C$260 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Inn or gîte double room1 × 2 nights × C$210 | C$420 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$170 | C$680 |
| Le Massif day lift ticket2 × C$110 · check | C$220 |
| Sentier des caps day access2 × C$15 · check | C$30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$140 |
| Trip total≈ C$385 per person per day, bed included | C$1,540≈ US$1,200 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; taxes extra, flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or a pastry in the village | C$3–7 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Casual lunch (soup, sandwich, poutine) | C$15–28 (≈ US$11–25) |
| Dinner main in a village inn | C$25–45 (≈ US$19–35) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at the grocery | C$8–12 (≈ US$6–9) / C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Grocery run for two, one day | C$40–70 (≈ US$30–55) |
| Gasoline, per litre | C$1.60–1.90 (≈ US$2) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Steep, sometimes icy descent on rue Principale in winter: snow tires and low gear.
- Tides at the wharf and Parc des Riverains change fast; swimming and smelt fishing follow the tide schedule.
- Le Massif and the Caps trail run on their own seasons and hours: check before booking a bed.
- Cell coverage is patchy on the mountain slope and in the backcountry.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
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Petite-Rivière-Saint-FrançoisPetite-Rivière-Saint-François
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Info-Santé (24 h health advice)811
Embassy
No embassies here; the US consulate general is in Québec City and most other countries keep embassies in Ottawa (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Intercar Québec City → Route 138 stop near the village: about C$25–35 (≈ US$19–30), about 1 h 20 min (check)
- Taxi from the Route 138 stop down to the wharf: C$20–35 (≈ US$15–30) (check)
- Le Massif day lift ticket: about C$90–130 (≈ US$70–95) in high season (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (pweezh pay-YAY par KART)
- Où est le départ du sentier ? — Where is the trailhead? (oo ay luh day-PAR doo sahn-TYAY)
- J'ai besoin d'aide — I need help (zhay buh-ZWAN ded)
Tipping is expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
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 Petite-Rivière-Saint-François. 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 hiking and river; Jan–Mar for skiing · avoid Nov (between seasons, lifts and trails often closed), late Mar–Apr (thaw) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 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 along Route 138, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: the wharf and Parc des Riverains, rue Principale village core, the Le Massif base.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Le Massif, Sentier des caps, Mont à Liguori trail, municipal wharf) and eat pages with last orders.
- Tide and winter-storm fixtures so gates A–D can go green.