The picturesque Charlevoix and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean regions lie east of Québec City, offering hidden treasures, incredible marine mammals, and authentic French-Canadian charm. Driving along the St. Lawrence River, you’ll come to the Charlevoix towns of Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie, while inland, rolling pastoral hills and forests form part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Head further east, and you’ll reach the Saguenay Fjord, flanked by the small settlements of Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac. Where the fjord meets the St. Lawrence, the mix of waters creates a haven for marine life, making this one of Canada’s best spots to see a variety of whale species.

The Saguenay River winds inland through towering, glacier-carved canyons and majestic cliffs before reaching the quiet town of La Baie and the larger city of Saguenay. This city was once a hub for Canada’s pulp and paper industries, with the Chicoutimi mill being the world’s largest producer of mechanical pulp in the early 20th century. Although the industry began to decline in the 1920s, its legacy remains, with some mills now designated National Historic Sites. The Village de Val-Jalbert, a fully reconstructed company town, also offers a fascinating glimpse into this past.

Further west along the river lies the shimmering Lac Saint-Jean. The vast lake is popular with locals for watersports in summer and ice fishing in winter. Thanks to the region’s low population, the shores remain uncrowded, and the wooden houses and church spires along the lakeside make for picturesque stops during a drive.

Perhaps the most captivating feature of these regions is the laid-back way of life and the locals’ deep pride in their home. Ask someone where their favourite place in the world is, and they’ll likely tell you, “here.”