September and October mean one thing in Canada: spectacular fall foliage. Australian travellers flock to Canada’s eastern provinces every year to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of these pristine regions, ablaze with orange, crimson, and bright yellow leaves.
VIA Rail Canada has joined forces with Train de Charlevoix to respond to the rising demand of autumn adventures. Now, travellers can reserve seats on board a VIA Rail train and the Train de Charlevoix in a single transaction.
This means travellers can more easily plan a trip that originates in Canada’s capital city of Ottawa (Ontario) or Montréal and ends in Québec City or the Charlevoix region. A shuttle provides ground transportation between Gare du Palais in Québec City and the Train de Charlevoix station at the base of Montmorency Falls.
Travellers are treated to the spectacular fall foliage as they travel along the St. Lawrence River taking in the sweeping views of the enchanting Charlevoix region. Read on for three ways to soak up the splendour of the Charlevoix during autumn.
1.Explore Baie-Saint Paul
The Train de Charlevoix crisscrosses the Saint-Lawrence River as it meanders from Québec City to La Malbaie, stopping in seven picturesque coastal villages. Alight at Baie-Saint-Paul and explore this charming artisan village, framed by a spectacular autumn palette. Stroll down rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste among quaint boutiques, shops and countless art galleries. Stop to eat on the sun-kissed patio of L’Orange Bistro, where you’ll get to know the friendly locals with their thick French accents, as you nibble on melted Migneron cheese and crispy calamari.
2.Stay at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu and visit La Maison du Bootlegger
Check into the magnificent Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, nestled between the sea and the mountains, awash with brilliant autumnal hues, a vision of historical grandeur. Enjoy the quiet charm of the countryside blended with the sophistication of a world-class resort. When night falls, visit the truly uniqueLa Maison du Bootlegger. Once a famous “Speakeasy” during the prohibitions years, visitors can still explore its ingenious maze that links secret doors, hidden bars and private rooms. Feast on a barbecue meal over a blazing charcoal pit and rock the night away with Joey Tardif and the Bootlegger House Band.
3.Endless outdoor adventures
Dive headlong into an autumn paradise, breathing in the perfume of endless horizons. Go whale watching on the St Lawrence River, where blue, fin, minke and humpback whales frolic with belugas. Hike or bike one of hundreds of trails in the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, from short day treks to multi-day hikes spanning spectacular valleys, rivers and mountains. The blue skies and mind-blowing scenery of autumn will transport you to another world – and provide the ultimate panoramas for photos that will set your Instagram page on fire.
GETTING THERE
Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane, with direct flights from Melbourne available three times per week. Year-round direct flights from Melbourne to Vancouver are also available, with connecting flights to the eastern provinces. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas.
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