What to do in Cap-à-l'Aigle? The Most Unique Activities!

Date: Octobre 30th 2020

Between the sea and the mountains, Cap-à-l'Aigle is an often forgotten destination in Quebec. Yet located in the heart of Charlevoix, the village of Cap-à-l'Aigle offers many unusual activities that make it one of the most beautiful destinations in Charlevoix! Via Ferrata, memorable sunsets, Cap-à-l'Aigle cottages for rent and local flavours: Cap-à-l'Aigle is a destination of choice for visitors from all walks of life!

Cap-à-l'Aigle, the ideal destination in Charlevoix

No matter what attracts you to Charlevoix, Cap-à-l'Aigle is the ideal base for visiting the region! Whether you want to store in Baie-Saint-Paul, venture into the backcountry or take a whale watching tour on the river, Cap-à-l'Aigle is the perfect place to stay!

Cap-à-l'Aigle is located in the heart of Charlevoix,:

  • 40 minutes from Baie-Saint-Paul

  • 4 minutes from La Malbaie

  • 1h15 from Tadoussac

Best times to visit Cap-à-l'Aigle

Just like the rest of Charlevoix, it can be visited at any time of the year. The abundance of nature, the quality of the snow and the proximity of the water guarantee that there is always a ton of activities to do, no matter the season!

In summer, we go there to enjoy the river. You can also take advantage of the Route des Saveurs and meet local breeders and producers.

In the fall, it is the blaze of colours that amazes Cap-à-l'Aigle! An excursion to the mountains or a road trip in the backcountry is a must to admire the show up close!

Winter is ski season! The region receives staggering amounts of snow: it's a ski paradise! The Christmas market in Baie-Saint-Paul is another excellent reason to visit the region!

Spring is a bit of everything! The ski season lasts until April and outdoor activities can be enjoyed until late in the season! Then the summer activities start up again little by little. It's an endless wheel of activities that awaits you in the Cap-à-l'Aigle region!

Rent a cottage in Cap-à-l'Aigle

The proximity of the mountains and the view of the river make Cap-à-l'Aigle a fertile ground for vacationing! Whether you want to be in the middle of nature to contemplate the mountains or at the water's edge to admire the immensity of the river, you'll find a cottage that offers you this at Cap-à-l'Aigle, or nearby!

Near Cap-à-l'Aigle, the luxurious Arial-5 cottage offers modern decor with a breathtaking panoramic view of the river

Some of the most luxurious cottages for rent in Quebec can be found in and around Cap-à-l'Aigle! There are modern cottages, ski chalets, cottages with breathtaking views and cottages for groups of all sizes!

Top Activities in Cap-à-l'Aigle

Visiting the Cap-à-l'Aigle region means living unique and memorable experiences! Here is our list of activities not to be missed during your stay at Cap-à-l'Aigle!

Road trip on the Route des Saveurs

The Route des saveurs is an agrotourism circuit winding through the most beautiful sectors of Charlevoix. Dozens of producers, restaurateurs and shopkeepers will help you discover the region's rich territory through their art.

Microbreweries, unusual farms, artisanal chocolate factories, cider factories: the menu is varied and the encounters are enriching! A road trip on the Route des Saveurs is the best way to stroll through the Cap-à-l'Aigle region and make sure you don't miss out on any of its culture!

Mushroom growing in Charlevoix

It's not every day that you visit a mushroom farm! At Champignons Charlevoix, oyster mushrooms are serious business! The mushrooms are grown in a vast 4000 square foot facility using 100% natural fertilizers.

Not only are the mushrooms grown here, but they are also transformed into delicious new products! Some examples? Mushroom-based jams, spicy oyster mushroom pesto and mushroom pasta sauce!

The two visits per day allow you to learn more about the cultivation and processing of mushrooms. The well-stocked boutique also allows you to find the little gift that will surprise you!

Hiking in the mountains

The Cap-à-l'Aigle region is first and foremost an unparalleled playground for outdoor enthusiasts! With hundreds of hiking trails for all levels, you will have access to great views whether you are in marathon shape or not!

The Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park is a must for hikers from beginner to advanced levels. There is a vast network of trails of varying lengths. It is also here that we find the mythical Acropole-des-Draveurs trail.

The trails allow you to hike along rivers and reach summits in the absolute tranquility of nature. Other activities are also offered on site, such as fat biking, canoeing and rock climbing.

Palisades and Via Ferrata

Les Palissades mountain adventure park offers a wide range of mountain activities. There are two Via Ferrata courses, a 200-meter high aerial bridge (!), climbing walls and zip lines over a lake.

If you haven't done it yet, it's THE best way to experience thrills while discovering the Cap-à-l'Aigle region! Sublime photos to add to your Instagram account as a bonus!

Visit a Great Garden

Les Jardins de Quatre-Vents is a magical site, bordering on fantasy. With structures and layouts straight out of a Disney account, the place immerses us in a fascinating atmosphere throughout the visit.

We discover more than 1000 different plant species, arranged with unparalleled care and attention to detail. Need a moment of relaxation during your stay in Cap-à-l'Aigle? Les Jardins de Quatre-Vents is a real oasis of calm, greenery and enchantment!

Horseback Riding in the Backcountry

If you want to get back to basics and reconnect with nature during your getaway to Cap-à-l'Aigle, a horseback ride is an excellent option! The Centre du cheval enchanteur, located 20 minutes from Cap-à-l'Aigle, allows you to explore the Charlevoix mountains on horseback.

No need to feel guilty about going there: the Centre du cheval enchanteur is a non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of horses. The animals are well-treated, trained and cared for!

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, the site offers packages for all levels of riders. The rides last from 2 to 3 hours and allow you to get to know your horse before riding him. They take place in the forest and visitors are accompanied by an experienced guide at all times.

Back to the days of prohibition

Between Cap-à-l'Aigle and Baie-Saint-Paul is a unique place in Quebec: a speakeasy that was used during the prohibition era! You read that right: underground taverns and speakeasies were not only the business of the big cities, there was also (at least) one in Charlevoix!

The Bootlegger's House is now a steakhouse-style restaurant with a friendly atmosphere, frequently hosting musicians. If the owners no longer need to hide to sell alcohol, the 1920's hiding places are still in place and you can visit them!

False walls, secret passages, camouflaged bar, game rooms, labyrinth... The Bootlegger's House has no equal, and it is the best way to learn more about this facet of the history of the Cap-à-l'Aigle region!

Sunset on the Cap-à-l'Aigle pier

Known for its thick fog, strong tides and occasional storms, the St. Lawrence River is not kind to sailors at Cap-à-l'Aigle! This is why the Port of Refuge at Cap-à-l'Aigle is located there.

The view of the river and the Charlevoix mountains from the Port de Refuge is simply sublime! The chairs installed on site allow you to stroll while admiring the river. At sunset, a majestic show of colours is offered to us. You can also stroll along the docks and meet friendly sailors with fascinating stories to tell!

The Pointe-au-Pic wharf, 9 minutes from Cap-à-l'Aigle, is another great place to get closer to the river! Take the small pedestrian bridge, go to the tip of the pier and discover an exceptional 360-degree view!

A stay at Cap-à-l'Aigle is an opportunity to get closer to the river. No matter what the season, there is always a place in the region where you can stroll along the river and admire all its splendor!

Au P'tit Bonheur Art Gallery

As you know, art and culture are excellent ways to get to know a region. In the Cap-à-l'Aigle region, it is at the Au P'tit Bonheur Art Gallery that you can admire the works of local artists. Paintings and sculptures offer us another look at this region, which is particularly inspiring for its artists.

In winter, the Desjardins Illuminated Village features an impressive array of Christmas lights (25,000 bulbs)! Your children can meet Santa Claus and his elves. You can start your holiday shopping at the on-site Christmas market!

In March and April, visit the Sweet Village! The Village is like a sugar shack, with all-you-can-eat traditional meals in addition to the regular tour!