Club Med Charlevoix, Quebec: An all-inclusive Canadian getaway close to home

460

All-inclusive… but make it Canadian.

I don’t know about you, but I didn’t realize Club Med, a chain of all-inclusive resorts (made famous during my childhood for their commercials featuring a catchy theme song and people frolicking on the beach), was still going strong with locations worldwide. And I was even more surprised to find out there’s a location right here in Canada.

Club Med Charlevoix is Canada’s only all-inclusive ski resort and the first all-inclusive ski resort for Club Med in North America. But if you haven’t heard of Club Med Charlevoix, you’re not alone. None of our friends and family had heard of it, either. This Canadian retreat along the St. Lawrence River might be one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. To be fair, they only recently opened their doors in December 2021 amidst the COVID pandemic, so word may still be getting out. And while they’ve set out to make a name as a ski resort, they are open throughout the year. For our family of four, it was a perfect summer, not winter, getaway.

Want to learn more about this unique resort and its offerings? Read on.

Getting to Club Med Charlevoix

So, how did we end up finding this place? Like a childhood game of telephone, we heard about it from my sister-in-law, who heard about it from a co-worker, who heard about it from a friend.

It seemed impossible that Canada had an all-inclusive resort from a world-famous chain no one knew about. But it does exist, and this tidbit of information came to me at the perfect time. Our family was desperate for a break after facing one issue after another. A getaway that was relatively close to home sounded like the perfect thing.

I went straight to the Club Med website to learn more about the resort and book a room to accommodate our family for five nights comfortably. The resort offers rooms of various sizes and capacities. It even has a luxury line of suites known as the “Exclusive Selection,” which includes a dedicated concierge and other niceties. But for our family, I opted for the Deluxe Family room, which sleeps up to five people and sounded very promising. Lucky for us, they were running a 40% off summer promotion. I’ve since found out the resort often runs sales, switching between various tempting deals to attract would-be travellers. So you’ll probably come across a sales promotion no matter what season you want to book.

While flying would have been easier and shorter (just under 1.5 hours from Toronto Pearson Airport to Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport), we opted for a road trip. Toronto to Charlevoix is approximately 9 hours on a good day, without the slowdowns of traffic and construction. So, we definitely had our work cut out for us. But with two drivers, my husband and myself, and some good tunes, we turned it into an enjoyable ride. If you decide to fly, the resort offers a shuttle service from Jean Lesage, which is approximately ninety minutes.

Making our way from highway to highway, we noted the beautiful Quebec landscape as we progressed closer to our destination. Alternating between trees and mountains, quaint towns, and the St. Lawrence River, there was always something to see as we approached Charlevoix. We snaked our way along Rue Principale, a delightful route along the St. Lawrence coast leading directly to the resort. Between the waterway, dense forestry, never-ending mountains, and French-style houses dotting our drive, we couldn’t believe this landscape, somehow, also held a resort. And honestly, the resort remained hidden until the last two minutes of our drive.

First Impressions of Club Med Charlevoix

Once we turned onto Rue de la Montagne-Secrète (aptly named), the three colossal buildings of Club Med finally came into view, nestled into the landscape surrounded by trees. With its angular build, rich colours, and modern design, the resort is beautiful amongst the natural landscape, if not a little out of place. It was quite the contrast to the Norman-style houses we saw on the drive. But after more than nine hours of driving, it was a welcome sight.

Once inside, the bright, big, airy interior immediately made us feel at ease and comfortable with its mix of contemporary and rustic elements. The concierge desk in the spacious front lobby stood amidst eclectic decorations and the largest fireplace I had ever seen. The “GO Team” member, as the staff at Club Med are referred to, gave us a thorough rundown of what to expect. As she secured our wrist bracelets, which would identify us during our stay as resort guests and also acted as our room and access key, she assured us we were in for a wonderful holiday.

The kids were impressed (and anyone with teens or tweens knows they are a tough crowd), and so were my husband and I. But after the long drive and a stressful two months prior, all I wanted to do was eat and crash.

Dining at Club Med Charlevoix

After depositing our bags in our room (more on that later), we headed straight to dinner at the buffet restaurant, Le Marché, before it closed for the night.

Everyone knows the best part of an all-inclusive resort is not having to cook while simultaneously having a world of flavours at your feet. With that in mind, we couldn’t wait to see what Le Marché offered.

The restaurant is a large open dining space with plenty of seating, including a designated area for adults only. It has floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing every table a full view of the surroundings outside. Upon walking into the restaurant, you’ll first encounter the many different serving stations and the chefs who command them. If you’re used to buffets at Caribbean resorts or on cruises, you’ll be happy with the offerings here. While Le Marché is a more pared-down version of these sometimes over-the-top dining experiences, it lacks nothing in variety or taste. The abundant choices available will please anyone from vegans to meat lovers and even picky kids.

The menu changes daily and features local produce. You can eat healthfully during your stay, but you can also indulge and treat yourself.

Le Marché is open at specific times to accommodate breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But don’t worry, if you sleep in and miss breakfast or you’re back late from hiking and miss dinner, you won’t starve. You have options. When the buffet is closed, you can find mid-day snacks and treats in the resort’s lounge area, and their large spread will leave you wondering if you’ll be able to eat dinner later. And you also have the option of choosing the resort’s other restaurant, Le Chalet, for a gourmet experience.

Getting to know the resort

After we ate, we gave ourselves a tour of the main building, Block A. You’ll find everything in this building to make your stay great.

Le Marché and Le Chalet are on the 5th floor, along with the main lounge. The spacious lounge area offers a variety of activities, including nightly entertainment and aerial classes for the kids. Additionally, it’s “the place” to relax and play board games or grab a drink from the large bar. Sign-up stations for whale watching, Quebec tours, and other excursions are also located on the fifth floor.

On the fourth floor, you’ll find sign-up stations for activities like hiking and mountain biking. This area also holds the equipment rooms for various activities, and you’ll likely meet your hiking and biking groups here at the back of the building.

The third floor houses a decent-sized gym with all the equipment necessary for a good workout, including free weights, weight and cardio machines. There is also a yoga studio and a spinning area. The indoor pool, also located on the third floor, was a favourite for our family and many others. The pool area has hammocks, lounge chairs, and separate shower and change rooms. Right beside the pool is a small lily pad area for the toddlers and littles in your life. Outside on the deck is a hot tub and sundeck. There is also a Hamam steam room just in the corner of the pool area. (It would later become one of my favourite places to unwind. It is a great spot to melt away aches and pains while enjoying the refreshing and healing aroma of eucalyptus). Lastly, on the third floor, you’ll find Sothey’s spa, where you can get everything from a back massage to a pedicure.

The concierge area is located on the main floor of Block A, where you’ll also find access to the hotel parking garage. Be aware there is a daily charge for this garage. But there’s also a large and free outdoor parking lot on the hotel property just a short walking distance away. We knew we wouldn’t have much need for the car during our stay so we opted for the parking lot (and we weren’t the only ones. The lot stays quite full).

By the end of our self-guided tour, we were ready for bed in our room in Block B (the second building). Thanks to an interior bridge connecting all the buildings, getting from Block A to B or C (where there are more accommodations) is easy and doesn’t require you to go outside.

Club Med Charlevoix Accommodations

Club Med Charlevoix has many room configurations, with the option of facing the river or the mountains.

Our room, the Deluxe Family Room with a river view, was lovely. It was a big room divided into two separate living spaces, a perfect layout for families of 3-5, which gives kids and adults some separation and privacy. On the adult side, we had a large queen bed, two bedside tables, and a TV. The main bathroom was actually two separate areas – one containing only the toilet and the other a double-sided sink and bathtub/shower combination. There was ample space for walking in the room and also ample storage space. It was easy to put all our things away and out of sight. The adult side also had a balcony with a table and two chairs.

The kids’ space was smaller but perfect for what they needed. It came equipped with two single beds situated end to end, a two-seated couch or what the hotel calls “a convertible fireside chair,” a TV, and more storage space. The kids could also store their clothes away with no issues. Next to the kids’ room was another bathroom equipped with a stand-up shower, sink, and toilet.

There is also additional storage in the hallway, which is great for jackets and shoes. At night, the rooms were quiet, and the beds were comfortable.

Filling your days in Charlevoix, Quebec

While we went to Club Med Charlevoix in the summer, the resort likely makes the bulk of its profits in the winter. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Le Massif de Charlevoix, a mountain range with over 50 ski runs and a reputation that boasts “the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies,” the resort is keen to be a haven for ski buffs and winter enthusiasts.

But we had many activities to choose from for our summer getaway. The hotel offers “More than 60 sports and activities.” And because this is a resort, you can be as active or inactive as you like.

You can enjoy many activities at no additional cost. So take advantage. These include:

• Guided hikes
• Yoga
• Mountain biking
• Exercise classes
• Sports for the kids

If you’d like something more, there are other paid activities, such as the following excursions:

• Whale watching
• Tours of Quebec
• Gourmet workshop
• Rail Discovery
• Horseback riding
• And more

My husband and I like to stay active, so during our stay, we made the most of the gym, the pool, and hiking. Like most typical teens, the kids kept it low-key, relaxing in the room, playing at the pool, taking the gondola ride, and taking in the evening entertainment. They made some new friends on the trip and swapped out lounging for outdoor soccer several times.

Make sure to take a ride on the gondola. Passes are included and given to you when you arrive. The ride to the top takes approximately 15 minutes. But there is also a mid-way point where you can get off.

At the summit of Le Massif, my husband and I walked along a 2 km trail called “Le Buton.” But if you stop for pics and trace your footsteps backward, as we did, you can turn 2k into 4k. We stumbled across the trail after incorrectly following the directions one of the gondola workers gave us for another trail. But what a serendipitous discovery it was. Le Buton takes you to a magnificent lookout 30 m high and offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Club Med Charlevoix with the Kids

Club Med Charlevoix is a family-focused resort. The ideology centers on the belief that happy kids equals happy parents. They’re not wrong.

There’s a lot for the kids in your life to enjoy, starting with their kids’ clubs, which cater to children ages 4-17. There is no additional cost for the clubs, and they are open most of the day, even in the evening. Our kids are not big fans of kids’ clubs, but if you have children or teens who want some separation from their parents or, let’s be honest if you’re looking for some separation from your kids, the resort has you covered. Your children will stay busy and happy with activities in the clubs, ranging from hiking, swimming, games, and circus training. There’s no chance you’ll hear the dreaded “I’m bored” from their mouths.

On our last night at the resort, we watched a stage performance featuring children from the kids’ clubs (even the older teens). Obviously, they had been practicing various routines, including aerial performances, singing, and dance acts, in the clubs during the day. They did a great job, and it was nice to see the kids having the time of their lives.

Nightlife

If you’re wondering if there’s anything to do at night at the resort, there is. However, don’t expect an after-hours cocktail bar or wild dance club like you might find at other resorts. The evening entertainment is relatively tame, though it will bring a smile to your face.

You can catch live professional acts singing or performing in the lounge until the nighttime shows begin. Things usually kick off with “Family Time” around 8:00 pm. During this block of time, they may have shows catered to kids, or activities, like a scavenger hunt, the whole family can do together. However, the actual featured program starts after Family Time, around 9:00 pm. This block of time is reserved for musical numbers, aerial acts, and performances that are not quite Broadway spectacles but are fun, whimsical, and pretty darn good. You’ll want to grab a seat early for these sets. Spaces fill up quickly.

Don’t be surprised if you recognize many familiar faces on stage (Why yes, that is the concierge who checked you in playing air guitar). Interestingly, resort staff moonlight as part of the evening entertainment. If you stay at the resort for longer than a few nights, you’ll likely see some repetition in the programming. But your kids will love that.

Scheduled programs typically end around 10 pm, and then it’s “Party Time.” The lounge area stays open until 12, but, at least while we were there, many people left after the main show and the requisite Club Med song and dance (anyone remember “Hands up?”) that takes place every night. So, while this resort is probably not for swinging singles, on the bright side, you’re on vacation to relax, and nothing spells relaxation more than going to bed early.

What we loved about Club Med Charlevoix

The pros at this resort far outweigh the cons. But what we probably enjoyed most about Club Med Charlevoix is that it’s not a typical resort. While you do feel secluded in this little world, you aren’t deprived of activities or options. Feel free to get off the resort and visit nearby towns, go on excursions, or stay in and stay active. The choice is yours. Here’s a rundown of the top things we enjoyed about this retreat:

• Kid-friendly
• Activities
• Special events
• Designated “Family time” activities
• Separate rooms
• Food
• Excursions
• Evening show
• Swimming pool
• Guided hikes
• Gondola
• Closeness to nature
• Gym and steam room

What we didn’t love

To be honest, we had very few disappointments with the resort. But there are a couple of things we thought could be improved:

• Housekeeping—While the resort offers a daily light cleaning, it doesn’t involve anything more than making the beds. If you’ve got a messy bunch, plan on staying longer than a couple of days, or want a more thorough clean, you’ll have to request it. However, those in the Exclusive suites are provided with a thorough daily cleaning.
• Nightlife—Now that my kids are older, we can finally leave them to their own devices (literally) in the hotel room, giving my husband and I a chance to enjoy a vacation date night. However, the resort doesn’t offer much to parents or singles looking for a romantic getaway or place to dance their cares away, though they do have the space for it.

Pro Travel Tips to improve your stay at Club Med Charlevoix

While the resort has everything you need, here are a few tips to make your stay even better.

• Do download the “My Club Med” mobile app. The app is your guide to the resort. It allows you to check in, make room requests, and see what activities and events are happening there daily. Additionally, you can see the day’s dress code (if you’d like to participate) before you head out.
• Keep it casual. The resort has daily dress code themes that you can follow (or not). But you won’t don’t need to bring your designer dress or suit. Things are pretty relaxed at the resort. Think comfort and casual chic for your wardrobe rather than elegant and dressy.
• Don’t skip the Gondola ride. This is a must-do activity. You’ll be impressed with the heights and scenic views. If you’ve got the time, get off and explore the mountainside.
• Bring your water bottle. While the resort has a small clothing and apparel boutique (located on the 5th floor), it does not sell water. But don’t worry; there are easily accessible water stations around the resort. You’ll also find other dispensers at those stations, including hot water, coffee, and fountain drinks. So there’s no chance of going thirsty. We found that having our own water bottles and filling up at the stations made it handy to have water on hand in our rooms when needed, to take hikes, and to use at the gym.
• Remember the bug spray. Club Med Charlevoix is a mountainous area covered with dense forestry. A good bug spray is necessary if you plan on hiking or having outdoor adventures.
• Do take a guided hike. The themed hikes range from easy, which the whole family can do, to intermediate and expert. Led by friendly guides who are happy to share their knowledge of the region, the hikes are an enjoyable way to spend a morning or afternoon. I went on a fun and exciting hike called Le Forestier. Our guide took our group past the waterfalls, explained the maple syrup extraction process, and taught us some little-known history of the surrounding area. Although our guide wasn’t perfectly bilingual, other hikers ensured I didn’t miss out on anything.

• Take a day trip or excursion – if you’ve got the time, get off the resort. We went on a day trip to Quebec City. We started with a two-hour double-decker bus tour, then followed a recommendation for a lovely lunch in a nearby pub. The food was great! We then walked on our own, picked up delicious pastries at a nearby cafe, and returned to the resort just in time for dinner. But if you don’t want to go as far as Quebec City, which is an hour and a half by car, there are many lovely towns to check out, including Charlevoix itself.

Final thoughts

One of the great things about getting away is leaving your worries, schedules, plans, and budgets behind. Club Med Charlevoix allows you to do that, and I felt stress-free during our time there. It was nice to get away and treat ourselves without having to fly halfway across the world. We would definitely go back. But since I have no love lost for winter, it would probably be another summer or perhaps a fall visit.