This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Baie-Saint-Paul.
Baie-Saint-Paul, a small town on the Saint Lawrence River in the Charlevoix region, is on the North Shore between Quebec City and Tadoussac. It is well known for its well-preserved architecture and its relationship with arts.
While all seasons can be interesting in Baie-Saint-Paul, it's a wonderful place to experience winter (you can go snowmobiling); summers are hot and there are many festivals -- the best time to visit is probably autumn (in Charlevoix, the colours in the trees are spectacular). Oranges, reds, yellows, and greens become a wonderful canvas and the weather is surprisingly mild. There are many scenic drives, including the Massif de Petite-Rivière-Saint-François. While Baie-Saint-Paul is not very far north compared to other warmer cities, the temperature can drop unexpectedly at night at any point in time during the year. If you're visiting a Baie-Saint-Paul hostel, you should bring warmer clothes with you at all times.
The main street, rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, is home to art galleries, coffee shops, and nice boutiques. The houses on the main street are in the old French colonial style. A few restaurants -- most of them offering French food, bistro-style or upscale -- can be found in Baie-Saint-Paul. Some of them are only open during the summer, so call in advance to confirm that the place is open.
There are a few beaches everywhere around town. One of the most interesting attractions of the area is the Charlevoix crater, the hole created by the impact of a meteorite hitting the Earth millions of years ago.