The excitement of traveling isn’t just reaching the final destination, but also experiencing the actual trip. And who doesn’t want to travel in a classy refurbished train that offers you breathtaking sights of Canadian coastlines and mountainsides while serving you gourmet cuisine? Well, buy me a ticket, give me a camera, and pass the escargots, s’il vous plaÎt!
The Massif de Charlevoix train chugged into action last month and elevates tourism in Québec to a whole new level of gastronomical and hospitality standards. The inaugural trip was on September 9th 2011, the first of 27 trips this fall, departing from outside Québec City to La Malbaie, the popular spot for resort vacationing in Québec. Dates quickly sold out and now three new October dates have been added – the 21st, 22nd and 23rd.
Although Le Massif de Charlevoix is a mountain, it’s not just a mountain anymore! It’s become a choice destination stretching over 140 kilometers and is enticing to see in the fall; the mountain has a natural grandeur and the landscape is especially scenic now, all of which can be enjoyed on what can only be classified as a “railway cruise”. Points of interest include La Malbaie, including Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Reserve, the quaint villages of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François and Saint-Joachim, and the magnificent Montmorency Falls.
The trip indulges the rich history of each passing attraction with an interactive multimedia presentation, while onboard chefs prepare traditional Charlevoix dishes. On the way to La Malbaie, a three course lunch is served, and a four course meal is served on the return trip. This isn’t standard train fare, mind you. Each train car has its own kitchen, preparing the Charlevoix food that is known for its freshness and scrumptiousness. The multimedia presentation is accessible through the iPads available, and includes audio-visual features and entertainment throughout the journey.
The Massif train makes the entire trip comfortable, educational, delicious, and exciting- and that’s just the experience of sitting in your seat!
http://www.lemassif.com/en/accueil