The Charlevoix region has many outdoor activities. Snowmobiling is extremely popular here as is dogsledding. Your hotel should be able to make arrangements. The Fairmont Manoir Richelieu has a casino.

The Centre Sante Beaute Francine Thibeault, in Baie-Saint-Paul (435-6028), offers a full range of spa and salon services. Among the services at the Amerispa (800-699-7352; 665-2600), at the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu, are Vichy shower massage, body wraps and back treatment. Massage begins at C$95. Be forewarned, not a lot of English is spoken here.

Take a scenic drive along the St. Lawrence River from Pointe-au-Pic to Baie-Saint-Paul, through St. Irénée, known for the famous music academy Le Domaine Forget and its river beaches. A spectacular descent brings you to the tiny 200-person town of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, where a free ferry plies the route to Isle-aux-Coudres. Try the pastries at Boulangerie Laurentide, visit the Maritime Museum and see handcrafted papermaking at Papeterie Saint-Gilles. In Baie Saint-Paul, stop at the La Laiterie Charlevoix, where you can see cheesemaking in process and purchase fresh cheese. A must-top for chocoholics is the Chocolaterie Cynthia, on rue St. Jean-Baptiste (240-2304). For a break, enjoy lunch at surprising Joe’s Deli Bar Smoked Meat, where the sandwiches are massive and tasty (and Joe is friendly and speaks English).

The Charlevoix region’s magnificent scenery and intriguing lights attracts many important painters. Dozens of art galleries dot the entire route from Malbaie. Baie-Saint-Paul has 20 galleries, although not all are open in winter. Many artists are represented at Galerie d’Art Iris, 30 rue St. Jean-Baptiste. La Maison de René Richard is worth a visit to see the development of one of Canada’s most renowned artists. Le Centre d’Art has changing exhibits. Guy Pacquet often opens his home studio to visitors; the views are breathtaking, the artwork spectacular.

There also are plenty of activities in nearby Québec City.