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Major city · Canada

Petite-Rivière-Saint-François

Stay 1–2 nights if you ski Le Massif or hike the Caps trail; otherwise pass through in 2–3 hours on Route 138 between Québec City and Baie-Saint-Paul.

Petite-Rivière-Saint-François is a village of about 744 people on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, at the western gate of Charlevoix. Rue Principale drops 438 m from Route 138 to the river, and the mountain slope above it holds Le Massif de Charlevoix, the biggest vertical drop east of the Rockies. It is a base for skiing, hiking and river views, not a sightseeing town: two hours covers the village, and the reason to sleep here is the mountain.

basic guide: no trip line yet
More
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
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More ways in
Print / PDF guide
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
CAD
Best months
Jun–Sep for hiking and river; Jan–Mar for skiing
avoid Nov (between seasons, lifts and trails often closed), late Mar–Apr (thaw)
Airport
Québec City Jean Lesage (YQB)
Nights
1–2

About Petite-Rivière-Saint-François

Petite-Rivière-Saint-François is a municipality in the Charlevoix regional county municipality, sitting on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. It marks the western entrance to Charlevoix along route 138. The village is reached by rue Principale, which begins at route 138 and descends 438 m to the river's edge. The municipality's territory forms a coastal strip more than 20.4 km long and up to 8.1 km wide. Its main attraction is the Charlevoix astrobleme, a vast meteorite crater, and the municipality touches the edge of this old crater. The mountain slope facing the river serves as a resort area and a setting for board sports and other recreational activities, while permanent homes are mostly on the land between the cliff foot and the riverbank.

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide for Petite-Rivière-Saint-François: no airport-to-bed path, walking clusters or day plans yet. Fares and schedules here are unverified. What this page does cover
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
  • North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
  • North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
  • North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
  • Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
  • Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
  • Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.

Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide

Checking your follows…
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices

See

What is worth your time in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François.

  • Chapelle du Frère Vianny — The town's church dominates the central town square.
  • Côtes de la Martine — This stretch of rue Principale overlooks the St. Lawrence and faces Saint-Jean-Port-Joli on the opposite shore.
  • Parc des Riverains — The park permits swimming at high tide and has water games for children, with the municipal wharf next to it.
  • Astrobleme of Charlevoix — The crater rim lies near the municipality's northeastern limit, and the crater is a significant tourist attraction for the region.

Eat and drink

Specialities of this place.

  • Casse-croûte du Quai - Zultra-Bouffe — A restaurant in the city centre whose Orange Bistro offers Charlevoix flavours in an ancestral home.
  • Restaurant la Bourgogne — A dining room in the Auberge La Côte d'Or with a panoramic view of the rivers and mountains and a gourmet table d'hôte.
  • Bar Le Rivage — A bar on rue Principale at the river's edge.

Customs

  • Tourisme Charlevoix and Baie-Saint-Paul City work with businesses and organizations to showcase the region's natural attractions, architecture, history, artistic and cultural life, and local products.
  • The community works to maintain Baie-Saint-Paul's reputation as the cultural capital of Charlevoix, Quebec and Canada.
  • Espace Baie-Saint-Paul is a free YouTube mobile application for discovering downtown Baie-Saint-Paul and surrounding villages, including Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, by chosen themes.
Emergency numbers for Petite-Rivière-Saint-François911 ▾
  • Police, fire, ambulance911
  • Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)811

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • CoffeeCoffee or a pastry in the villageC$3–7 (≈ US$3–6)
  • Sit-down mealDinner main in a village innC$25–45 (≈ US$19–35)
  • Street or quick mealCasual lunch (soup, sandwich, poutine)C$15–28 (≈ US$11–25)
  • Beerdraught in a bar / can at the groceryC$8–12 (≈ US$6–9)C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
  • SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
  • Budget bedHostel or campsite bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
  • Mid-range bedInn or gîte double room, a night, per roomC$210 (≈ US$160)
  • High-end bedInn or gîte double room, a night, per roomC$380 (≈ US$300)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$170 (≈ US$130) · High C$320 (≈ US$250)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Le Massif de Charlevoix ski areaCharlevoix astrobleme crater rimSentier des caps de CharlevoixSt. Lawrence River views from rue Principale
Airports
YQB Québec City Jean Lesage (About 1 h 10 min by car via Route 138; no direct bus to the village, so a car or a transfer is needed.)

Map of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François

Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.

Baie-Saint-PaulL'Isle-aux-CoudresSaint-Tite-des-CapsSaint-Jean-Port-JoliLes ÉboulementsSaint-UrbainSaint-Ferréol-les-NeigesGrosse Isle

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

  • Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
  • Basic guide

Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps

Guides nearby

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    Best

    −7°C (19°F)

  2. Feb

    Best

    −6°C (21°F)

  3. Mar

    Care*

    0°C (32°F)

  4. Apr

    Avoid

    7°C (45°F)

  5. May

    not flagged

    15°C (59°F)

  6. Jun

    Best

    21°C (70°F)

  7. Jul

    Best

    24°C (75°F)

  8. Aug

    Best

    23°C (73°F)

  9. Sep

    Best

    18°C (64°F)

  10. Oct

    not flagged

    11°C (52°F)

  11. Nov

    Avoid

    4°C (39°F)

  12. Dec

    not flagged

    −3°C (27°F)

Best: Jan–Feb, Jun–Sep. Mixed: Mar. Avoid: Apr, Nov. Month by month →

Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)), coolest Jan (−17°C (1°F) low), wettest Dec (15 rain days), driest Feb (12). Averages, not a forecast.

* only part of the month (early, mid or late).

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Petite-Rivière-Saint-François: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

−7°C (19°F)

−17°C (1°F)

14 rd

Feb

−6°C (21°F)

−16°C (3°F)

12 rd

Mar

0°C (32°F)

−10°C (14°F)

12 rd

Apr

7°C (45°F)

−3°C (27°F)

12 rd

May

15°C (59°F)

4°C (39°F)

13 rd

Jun

21°C (70°F)

10°C (50°F)

13 rd

Jul

24°C (75°F)

13°C (55°F)

13 rd

Aug

23°C (73°F)

12°C (54°F)

13 rd

Sep

18°C (64°F)

8°C (46°F)

12 rd

Oct

11°C (52°F)

3°C (37°F)

13 rd

Nov

4°C (39°F)

−3°C (27°F)

14 rd

Dec

−3°C (27°F)

−12°C (10°F)

15 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

A car is the practical choice: the village sits at the bottom of a 438 m drop and the ski area is a separate road. Route 138 runs along the ridge; rue Principale is the only way down to the river. Intercar buses on the Québec City–Tadoussac route stop along Route 138, not at the wharf, so plan a taxi or a lift from your host. Charging stations exist in the area but are sparse: check before relying on an EV in winter.

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time

Baie-Saint-Paul

go

Door to door: About 30 min

Route 138 east, about 25 min by car

Galleries, food and services; the practical town for a rainy day.

Les Éboulements

go

Door to door: About 50 min

Route 362 east from Baie-Saint-Paul, about 40 min by car

Village on the crater's raised centre, with river views from the ridge.

L'Isle-aux-Coudres

go

Door to door: About 1 h 15 min

Drive to Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, then the ferry

Ferry crossing, then bikes or a car loop; a half day at least.

La Malbaie

go

Door to door: About 1 h

Route 362 east, about 1 h by car

Casino, restaurants and the Cap-à-l'Aigle end of the crater.

Saint-Urbain

caution

Door to door: About 40 min

Route 138 west, then inland, about 35 min by car

Gateway to Grands-Jardins; mostly a summer and autumn trip.

Québec Citygo

Door to door: About 1 h 15 min

Route 138 west, about 1 h 10 min by car

Doable as a day trip, but better as the start or end of the loop.

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

Village and rue Principale

Inns, gîtes and the wharf at river level; walkable, but the climb back up the hill is steep.

Mountain slope near Le Massif

Club Med, domes and ready-to-camp; ski-in feel, but you need a car for the village.

Route 138 ridge

Cheapest beds and campsites; quiet, and every trip down to the river is a drive.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
C$90–150 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
Mid
C$150–260 (≈ US$110–190) excl. bed
High
C$260 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
Inn or gîte double room1 × 2 nights × C$210C$420
Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$170C$680
Le Massif day lift ticket2 × C$110 · checkC$220
Sentier des caps day access2 × C$15 · checkC$30
eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25C$50
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurgeC$140
Trip total≈ C$385 per person per day, bed includedC$1,540≈ US$1,200

2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; taxes extra, flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.

Prices of common things

Coffee or a pastry in the villageC$3–7 (≈ US$3–6)
Casual lunch (soup, sandwich, poutine)C$15–28 (≈ US$11–25)
Dinner main in a village innC$25–45 (≈ US$19–35)
Beer: draught in a bar / can at the groceryC$8–12 (≈ US$6–9) / C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
Grocery run for two, one dayC$40–70 (≈ US$30–55)
Gasoline, per litreC$1.60–1.90 (≈ US$2) (check)
eSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

Very low crime; the real risks are winter driving on the steep descent, ice and fast tides at the wharf, and backcountry weather on the Caps trail. Tell someone your route before hiking.
  • Steep, sometimes icy descent on rue Principale in winter: snow tires and low gear.
  • Tides at the wharf and Parc des Riverains change fast; swimming and smelt fishing follow the tide schedule.
  • Le Massif and the Caps trail run on their own seasons and hours: check before booking a bed.
  • Cell coverage is patchy on the mountain slope and in the backcountry.

Emergency numbers

Police, fire, ambulance
911
Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
811

Pocket card

One page · print or save as PDF

Fill in, then print or save as PDF

Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.

Petite-Rivière-Saint-FrançoisPetite-Rivière-Saint-François

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please

Emergency

  • Police, fire, ambulance911
  • Info-Santé (24 h health advice)811

Embassy

No embassies here; the US consulate general is in Québec City and most other countries keep embassies in Ottawa (check).

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • Intercar Québec City → Route 138 stop near the village: about C$25–35 (≈ US$19–30), about 1 h 20 min (check)
  • Taxi from the Route 138 stop down to the wharf: C$20–35 (≈ US$15–30) (check)
  • Le Massif day lift ticket: about C$90–130 (≈ US$70–95) in high season (check)

Say or show

  • Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
  • Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
  • Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
  • Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (pweezh pay-YAY par KART)
  • Où est le départ du sentier ? — Where is the trailhead? (oo ay luh day-PAR doo sahn-TYAY)
  • J'ai besoin d'aide — I need help (zhay buh-ZWAN ded)

Tipping is expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.

Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Petite-Rivière-Saint-François. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: Jun–Sep for hiking and river; Jan–Mar for skiing · avoid Nov (between seasons, lifts and trails often closed), late Mar–Apr (thaw) · month by month →
  2. 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 6 day-trips, door to door
  6. 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. Airport-to-bed contract for YQB: last Intercar departure along Route 138, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
  2. Walking clusters with rescue anchors: the wharf and Parc des Riverains, rue Principale village core, the Le Massif base.
  3. Place pages with verified cutoffs (Le Massif, Sentier des caps, Mont à Liguori trail, municipal wharf) and eat pages with last orders.
  4. Tide and winter-storm fixtures so gates A–D can go green.

Meanwhile

Back to Canada

Sources

Ask about Petite-Rivière-Saint-François

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