Camping near Baie-Saint-Paul with hiking

Set on the banks of the St Lawrence River, Baie-Saint-Paul is a delightful city to explore, where boulangeries and cheese shops nestle up against galleries and boutiques, and farm-to-table dining has always been prime—if you love food, then Baie-Saint-Paul is an essential stop in the Charlevoix region. Attractions include a lavender farm, chocolatier, and agro-bike tours, plus you’re surrounded by parks and trails. There are campgrounds around the city, but you’re also close to some of Quebec’s most beautiful national parks as well as other amazing places to pitch a tent. 

Baie-Saint-Paul is open year-round, with most businesses staying open through winter to capitalize on the large numbers of snowsports enthusiasts that flock to the Charlevoix region. That said, if you aren’t visiting in the summer it is always a good idea to call places in advance to check. If you want to see whales, come from May to October. High-summer in Baie-Saint-Paul can be very busy with tourists, but the fall is usually calmer but still gorgeous. 

• The Train de Charlevoix travels from Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie, and makes for a romantic little trip that feels a little like stepping back in time when you ride it. 
• Don’t expect everyone in this part of Quebec to speak English! French is Quebec’s first language and most people (especially those working in tourism) will be bilingual, but it is helpful to have a translation app at hand. 
• Each July the city holds its Le Festif de Baie-Saint-Paul, a celebration of music and circus performance. This is super fun, but the city gets packed out.
• There are several EV charging stations in the city.