La Malbaie, Historic town on the north shore of Saint Lawrence River, Canada
La Malbaie sits between mountains and the Saint Lawrence River in the Charlevoix-Est region, with the town spreading across a large area. The place mixes forest-covered slopes and riverside views, creating different zones to explore.
French explorer Samuel de Champlain named the area in 1605 when he found the river difficult for ships to enter safely. The name came from those early maritime challenges he encountered.
The town keeps strong food traditions alive with local products and handmade cheeses that show what Quebec cooking really tastes like.
The town sits along the Saint Lawrence River and is best explored on foot by walking through different neighborhoods. The area offers trails and nature access, with winter bringing special activities like skiing and snowshoeing in the nearby slopes.
A grand castle-style hotel built in 1899 was rebuilt after a fire in 1929 and later hosted a major international summit meeting. The mansion stands out on the skyline and remains a landmark showing the town's importance in regional affairs.
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