Quebec's mountain of Le Massif in Charlevoix has long been a sought-after destination for skiers and snowboarders. Now, thanks to Daniel Gauthier, the founder of Cirque du Soleil, this region is set to become a year-round attraction. Gauthier's innovative vision, supported by a $300 million investment, includes a new train connecting Quebec to the slopes and the construction of the charming La Ferme hotel in Baie-Saint-Paul.
As the gateway to the Charlevoix region, Baie-Saint-Paul offers more than just access to the mountain. This area is known for its vibrant arts scene, with a rich history of attracting creative individuals such as the renowned Canadian Group of Seven painters. Additionally, the region boasts an abundance of artisan food producers, making it a haven for culinary enthusiasts.
If you're planning a trip to explore the picturesque landscapes and cultural offerings of Charlevoix, consider looking into hotel deals in Montreal on www.quebechotels.info. With a range of accommodations to choose from, you can find the perfect stay to complement your visit to this enchanting part of Canada. Although Montreal is a few hours' drive from Charlevoix, it’s an excellent starting point for those looking to experience the urban side of Quebec before heading to the tranquility of the mountains.
Experience the most sustainable and immersive journey to Quebec, Canada's captivating home region with the innovative train created by Gauthier, the founder of Cirque du Soleil. Going beyond just transportation, Gauthier has purchased the magnificent track for the train, allowing him to meticulously manage the timetable.
This extraordinary train, operating throughout the year, connects Quebec City and La Ferme, continuing on to La Malbaie. For winter sports enthusiasts, there is a convenient stop along the way at Le Massif, granting direct access to the slopes. The bi-level commuter cars have been ingeniously transformed, with their upper galleries removed to create a spacious interior featuring enlarged windows, a state-of-the-art Bose sound system, and an iPad at every two or four-seat table. Equipped with GPS technology, each iPad displays a captivating short film or a collection of still images showcasing the passing scenery, accompanied by immersive sound through the speakers. The visual brilliance of the contemporary and archive images is a delight, and should you desire further information or wish to revisit a specific moment, it can all be summoned effortlessly on the touch screen.
Embark on this remarkable train journey and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich history of Quebec. Book your tickets now to indulge in a sustainable and captivating travel experience.
Begin your adventure at the expansive station shared with the cablecar, which transports visitors to the upper level of the magnificent Falls of Montmorency. Awe-inspiring and taller than Niagara Falls, these cascades were the backdrop of General James Wolfe's encampment during the crucial British capture of Quebec in 1759. Adjacent to the falls, an elegant Palladian house was once occupied by the father of Queen Victoria, Prince Edward Augustus.
For an unobstructed view of the falls at varying heights, follow the series of staircases that link the belvederes along the cliff. This ingenious construction allows visitors to witness the grandeur of the falls from different perspectives, immersing themselves in the natural splendor of the surroundings.
Embarking on a train adventure through the picturesque landscapes of Quebec, one is graced with the sights of the lush Laurentian foothills cascading into the St Lawrence as the journey unfolds. The renowned Ile d'Orleans rests peacefully within the expansive waters of the river, celebrated for its agricultural bounty that has earned it the affectionate nickname as Quebec's agricultural jewel. Beyond the urban sprawl of Quebec City, a pastoral tapestry of uniquely elongated plots, a testament to historical land division practices established under Cardinal Richelieu's governance in the 17th century, stretches out parallel to the riverbank, ensuring each estate's proximity to the life-giving waters.
The majestic Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, with its neo-Romanesque architectural style, looms larger than the nearby train, casting a historical grandeur upon the landscape. This edifice, which anchors the holy site renowned for centuries, was fully realized in the year 1946 and has since become a beacon for over a million visitors annually. It boasts an enthralling collection of discarded crutches from those who found alleviation within its hallowed confines, a testament to the profound spiritual encounters experienced here.
Leaving behind the verdant patches of sweetcorn, the train's path merges closely with the St. Lawrence River, providing passengers with an aquatic tapestry just feet away. The picturesque route is scarcely interrupted, offering an extensive panorama of the waterway—a sight not commonly paralleled by railways worldwide. Abruptly, the terrain gives rise to craggy cliffs skirting the tracks, sometimes causing the train to carve its way through a tunnel bored into a protruding promontory. With lower boulders adorned by a patina of orange lichen and resilient trees gripping the cliff surfaces, nature's artistry is on full display alongside the railway's route.
Opting for the "Discover Baie-Saint-Paul" tour provided a comprehensive day's adventure lasting eleven and a half hours, commencing and concluding in Quebec. The highlight was a three-hour stint in Baie-Saint-Paul, a locale revered as the cradle of Cirque du Soleil, which afforded ample time to explore this enclave renowned for its vibrant cultural scene. Creativity flourishes here amid a consortium of art havens, boutiques showcasing local crafts, and eateries beneath the distinctive mansard roofs. The town's silhouette is crowned by the prominent Little Franciscans of Mary compound and the revered Sacred Heart Chapel, established in the early 20th century.
On the grounds where once stood La Ferme, the significant agricultural heart owned by the nuns, which tragically succumbed to fire in 2008, now rises an ambitious hospitality creation by Gauthier – a 145-room lodging catering to guests at the neighboring Le Massif ski destination and standing as a noteworthy attraction itself. Welcoming its first visitors to two initial pavilions in the summer, the facility has since celebrated the grand opening of all sections. When the brisk winter sweeps in, ski enthusiasts lodging here will be delighted to find a shuttle train, engineered in Germany, poised to convey passengers the 20 kilometers to Le Massif's frosty slopes with unfailing regularity.
The hotel's five buildings are situated where the farm buildings once stood, each offering a distinctive yet equally comfortable style of accommodation. Rather than imitating the past, the modern architecture incorporates ample glass, wood, and even exposed concrete, accented with vibrant bursts of color on doors and sections of wall.
Adding to the charm, period photographs showcasing Charlevoix's history adorn the walls above the beds, while some of the furniture has been expertly crafted from locally sourced timber in a workshop specifically designed for young offenders. In an effort to integrate seamlessly into the community, the hotel management plays an active role by hosting a farmers' market and dedicating a large hall for community and arts events. Furthermore, they prioritize supporting regional suppliers whenever possible.
As the train veers away from the scenic seaway and passes by the remnants of a wrecked trawler, it arrives at a newly designed station adjacent to the hotel. This picturesque location offers a multitude of attractions, including the opportunity to explore the charming town, pay a visit to a nearby emu farm, and discover a local cheese producer. Once the exploration is complete, the journey continues to the final destination of La Malbaie, where a convenient bus service provided by the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu hotel awaits.
While traveling along this breathtaking route, passengers can immerse themselves in the enchanting scenery, experiencing firsthand the captivating beauty that Quebec, Canada has to offer. Whether it's enjoying the hospitality of the hotel or embarking on excursions to discover the region's natural wonders, this unique train journey provides a multitude of unforgettable experiences.
Guests on the train were treated to a culinary experience, delighting in a meal that was as memorable as the journey itself. Those onboard savored a sophisticated spread including a sumptous escargot dish enriched with oyster mushrooms, almond and apricot infused duck concoction, capped off with a sumptous blend of dark chocolate tart paired with the smooth notes of Bailey's truffle.
As the train made its return to Quebec City, the receding tide revealed a tapestry of water patterns across the tidal flats, shimmering in the light of the declining sun. History whispered in the waves, as the vessels sailing by traced paths once charted by the legendary explorer James Cook, whose painstaking survey work completed prior to the pivotal 1759 battle remained a mariner's guide up until the dawn of the 20th century. The fading blush of daylight beckoned the train's passengers to reflect quietly as the city drew closer with every mile.
Understanding Le Massif
Travel details
Fly into Montreal on the renowned Air Canada (0871 220 1111; aircanada.com), offering daily flights originating from Heathrow starting at £545, taxes inclusive. Connection to Quebec City is smooth, with over 14 flights and four daily trains (viarail.ca; starting at C$83).
Transportation
The Le Massif de Charlevoix's Train (001 418 632 5876; lemassif.com/train) offers exciting options: From supper cruises at C$119, to experiencing Baie-Saint-Paul's beauty at C$175, or immersing oneself in the splendor of La Malbaie at C$275. This train was envisioned by the founder of Cirque du Soleil, proving there's always magic where he's involved.
Accommodation Choices
You could select enticing accommodation offers: For a cozy, rustic encounter, opt for Hotel La Ferme (001 877 536 2774; lemassif.com/ferme; double rooms starting at C$174 including taxes). Or, for an urban touch, settle in at Hotel Manoir Victoria, strategically located by the Old City (001 418 692 1030; manoir-victoria.com; double rooms beginning from C$135, inclusive of taxes).