Nestled between the craggy northern bank of the St. Lawrence River and the tall peak of Le Massif — the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies — the Club Med Charlevoix tastefully complements its surroundings with a structure that’s contemporary but classic enough to look like it might have always been there. The all–inclusive resort is the first Club Med in Canada, drawing in urbanites from Quebec City and Montreal via road trip and farther–flung visitors by plane (roughly an hour’s drive from Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, with transfers arranged by the hotel).
Checking In: Club Med Charlevoix, Quebec
There’s no shortage of ways to disconnect and recharge at Canada’s first Club Med all–inclusive resort.
The resort makes an ideal home base for skiing, whether cross–country or downhill during the winter, and hiking in warmer months. With Le Massif right at its back door, the hotel arranges expert–led hiking tours for guests, though self–guided is also an option (just hop on the year–round ski lift). The hotel also offers outdoor yoga, mountain biking, seasonal whale watching and more, so there’s no shortage of reasons to get outdoors.
Of course, there’s no shame in a day of spa therapy, and the resort is outfitted with an indoor swimming pool, hot and cold tubs, and a sauna. The outdoor hot tub has one of the most stunning river views from anywhere at the resort. Book a 60–minute relaxation massage and float back to a poolside lounger, or your suite, for a nap.
Rooms are chic but playful, blending wood elements with Indigenous–inspired patterns in bright tones of red and gold. A frosted glass panel separating the bedroom from the shower features constellations and cedar silhouettes, giving the impression that you’re drifting off to sleep in a tree house.
There’s no better resort for a “digital detox”: As part of the Club Med global brand ethos, almost everything from activities to food and drink is included with a stay, so it’s the perfect opportunity to leave your wallet – and phone – in your room. After the initial feeling of disconnect, we began to appreciate our surroundings on a lengthy hike and truly relaxed thanks to the (much–needed) screen time suspension.
Before you wince at the idea of an all–day buffet, know that this all–inclusive program is a step above, with à la carte restaurant options, happy hour service and (yes), a buffet, but one as elevated as that term can possibly stretch. Nearly a dozen chef stations offer made–to–order dishes like Peruvian tiger’s milk ceviche, steak frites or pad Thai. At Le Chalet restaurant, grilled meat and vegetable dishes are prepared simply but skillfully, with traditional Québécois dishes making an appearance. We loved our dessert of pouding chômeur, a simple but comforting Depression–era cake smothered in the region’s liquid gold: maple syrup.