Quebec is a region that’s larger than you might think, and to see as much of it as possible, you can always visit by train—with a glass of wine in hand, a hat, and a romantic air.
The colors, the river, and the vast gray autumn skies are a sight to behold through the large panoramic windows of the Train de Charlevoix this fall—take the train from Quebec City and explore the region’s most beautiful coastline during the prettiest season of the year.
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CHARLEVOIX, THE COLORS, THE FALL SKIES
Quebec, during the era of colonization and long afterward, was for a very long time a region defined by its railroads. Whether we’re talking aboutthe Montreal neighborhoods that formed around the immigrant communitiesthat built the railroads or the North Shore as a commercial highway by land and water, railroads played a vital role in shaping Canada as it is today.
These days, we don’t take the train as often as we used to—and that has, of course, transformed the experience into the ultimate romantic getaway. Whether it’s the Quebec City–Montreal line (which is always running late) or the Montreal–New York train, each journey is spent gazing out the window and in a sort of almost gothic state of forced meditation.
The most romantic train in the region is the Train de Charlevoix.
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The Charlevoix region is located northeast of Quebec City, between the banks of the St. Lawrence River and the mouth of the Saguenay River. The Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, in the center of the region, sits within a 400-million-year-old asteroid crater.
Charlevoix is a region traversed by the Canadian Shield, a rock formation dating back to the Precambrian era (approximately 4.5 billion years ago), and the region’s varied peaks and valleys.
It’s an oasis of biodiversity, and the region’s villages and residents protect the area with a primal energy that prioritizes nature and minimizes human impact on the landscape.
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THE CHARLEVOIX TRAIN
Until November 1, 2026, you can board the Charlevoix Train in Quebec City, Baie Saint-Paul, or La Malbaie for a ride along the river.
The train runs along the St. Lawrence River and stops at:
- Quebec (Montmorency Falls)
- Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
- Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
- Baie Saint-Paul
- Les Éboulements
- Sainte-Irénée
- La Malbaie
On board, you can enjoy a glass of good wine, read a book, or just gaze out the window with a mysterious air. There are stops along the way to stretch your legs or go for a stroll.
It’s a lovely trip to take to see the fall colors, whether with children or seniors, if you’ve broken your leg, or if you’re not a fan of hiking.
You can also choose atrain-and-lodgingpackage and spend the weekend in Charlevoix at one of the region’s magnificent hotels—the Germain in Baie Saint-Paul is one of our favorites and is already on our list of romantic weekend getaways for the season.
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Where? Departure points vary; the closest to Montreal is at Montmorency Falls in Quebec City (about a 3-hour drive—or train ride via ViaRail—from downtown Montreal)
When? Through November 1, 2026
What?
- Quebec City–La Malbaie route: starting at $268 (round trip)
- Quebec City–Baie Saint-Paul route: starting at $169 (round trip)
- Baie Saint-Paul–La Mailbaie route: starting at $99 (round trip)
And for more information, visit the Train de Charlevoix website
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