La Malbaie Facts
Fact 1: In 2000, the tiny village of Tadoussac, located at the confluence of the Saguenay and Saint-Lawrence Rivers, celebrated its 400th anniversary. The proud "Cradle of New France" was first explored by Jacques Cartier in 1535.
Fact 2: Whale ho! The Saint Lawrence River is home to several species of marine mammals, including such whales as minkes, fins and even the mammoth blue whale. In the warmer months, whale-watching cruises depart daily from both Tadoussac and Baie-Sainte-Catherine.
Fact 3: The steeper, the better. Dare-devils will adore the downhill skiing available at nearby Le Massif in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, where the vertical drop is a "mere" 770 meters. Bombs below.
Fact 4: The home of countless noteworthy artists and craftspeople, Québec's Charlevoix region is littered with fascinating (and tempting) little galleries and boutique shops, making it dangerous to the bank account. Baie-Saint-Paul has long been a haven for area painters. Meanwhile, to the north of La Malbaie, pottery reigns supreme, with places like Poterie-au-Persil and Poterie Bertrand leading the way.
Fact 5: What's in a name? As the story goes, Samuel de Champlain dropped anchor here in 1608, but he didn't anticipate how far the water would recede at low tide. When he awoke the next morning, he found his ships stuck in black mud and cried "Ah! la malle baye!"
Fact 6: Using processes that are over 300 years old, the Papeterie Saint-Gilles in tiny Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive produces some of the most unique gift items you can think of. Aside from making excellent stationery, these skilled artists are also adept at creating delicate brooches and pendants using their handmade paper.
Fact 7: Start your engines! Each fall, thousands of drivers and racing enthusiasts head to La Malbaie for the start of the Charlevoix International Rally, the largest such auto rally in the Americas.
Fact 8: Although La Malbaie stretched out her arms and brought her neighbors a little closer by absorbing the nearby villages of Cap-à-la-Aigle, Point-au-Pic, Rivière Malbaie, Sainte-Agnes and Sainte-Fidèle, have care what you decide to call "La Malbaie." Residents of these smaller communities still have a strong sense of civic identity.
Fact 9: Le Manoir Richelieu, long considered one of Canada's grandest hotels, has been a tourist haven since the late 19th century, attracting the movers and shakers of Montreal, Toronto and even New York high society. Little wonder; the "Castle on the Cliff" boasts a spectacular location on the banks of the Saint Lawrence, posh accommodations, top-notch recreational facilities, and some of the top restaurants in the region.
Fact 10: The breathtaking Saguenay Fjord, carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, is a true photographer's paradise. Its icy blue waters drop to a depth of 250 meters (far deeper than the Saint-Lawrence) and are flanked on both sides by soaring cliffs that reach heights in excess of 300 meters. In the warmer months, tours of the Saguenay River depart daily from both Tadoussac and and Baie-Sainte-Catherine.
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