Quebec, during the colonial era and beyond, has long been a region defined by its railroads.
Whether we’re talking about the Montreal neighborhoods that were formed around the immigrant populations who built the railroads, or the North Shore as a commercial highway by land and water, the railroads have played a vital role in shaping Canada as it is today.
Nowadays, we don’t take the train all that often – and that’s obviously turned the experience into an absolute romantic getaway. Whether it’s the Québec-Montréal (always late) or the Montréal-New York train, every journey is spent with eyes in the haze and an almost gothic form of forced meditation.
And the region’s most romantic train is the one that overlooks Quebec’s wildest expanses – the Charlevoix train…
The Appalachians, the St. Lawrence, the train
The Charlevoix region lies northeast of Quebec City, between the banks of the St. Lawrence and the mouth of the Saguenay. At the heart of the region is the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, set in a 400-million-year-old asteroid crater.
Charlevoix is a region criss-crossed by the Canadian Shield, a rock formation dating from the Precambrian era (4.5 billion years ago, give or take) and the disparate peaks and troughs of the region’s relief. It’s a true oasis of biodiversity, and the villages and inhabitants of the region give it back with a primordial energy that emphasizes nature and minimizes human impact on the landscape.
Between the river and the Appalachians, these are the region’s finest views.
The Charlevoix panoramic train runs along some of the most beautiful parts of the North Shore, from the river’s edge to the wheat fields below the mountains – and in autumn, it’s all red and orange and absolutely sublime.
The scenic route, South to North and North to South
Every day from June 13 to November 2, 2025, you can board the Charlevoix train in Quebec City, Baie Saint-Paul or La Malbaie.
The train follows the St. Lawrence River, stopping at;
- Quebec City (Montmorency Falls)
- Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
- Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
- Baie Saint-Paul
- Les Éboulements
- Sainte-Irénée
- La Malbaie
On board, you can drink fine wine, sit by the windows, read a good book or just take photos through the window or at the panoramic train stops. It’s a great ride to see the colors, with kids or seniors, or if you’ve broken your leg or are allergic to hiking.
You can also opt for a train-accommodation package and spend the weekend in Charlevoix in one of the region’s magnificent hotels– the Germain in Baie Saint-Paul is one of our favorites, and already on our list of romantic weekends for fall in Quebec.
Practical info
Where? departure varies, closest to Montreal is Chutes Montmorency in Quebec City (about a 3-hour drive -or train ride via ViaRail- from Montreal)
When? June 13 to November 2, 2025
How to get there?
- Québec-La Malbaie: from $268 (round trip)
- route Québec-Baie Saint-Paul: from $169 (return)
- Baie Saint-Paul-La Mailbaie: from $99 (return)
Bon voyage!