Lake Saint-Charles: A Natural Retreat
Discover Lake Saint-Charles: A natural Quebec getaway with outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and historical significance, just minutes from Quebec City.
Lake Saint-Charles is a captivating lake in the Capitale-Nationale region of Quebec, straddling Quebec City and Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury. As the source of the Saint-Charles River, it plays a crucial role in the region's ecosystem and provides a natural haven for Quebec City residents. The lake's history is intertwined with the Cyrille-Delage dam, initially built in 1934 and replaced in 1948, raising the water level to create a reservoir for Quebec City's drinking water. This alteration has shaped the lake's environment, impacting its physical and biological balance. Today, Lake Saint-Charles is a hub for recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy guided rabaska tours, boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, pedal boats), and fishing for northern pike. The lake also marks the start of the Linear Park of the Saint-Charles and Berger rivers, offering scenic trails for hiking and biking. The surrounding area holds archaeological significance, particularly around Charles-Talbot Bay. While the lake's surface typically freezes from early December to late March, safe ice activities are generally possible from late December to early March.
Local tips
- Explore the Linear Park of the Saint-Charles and Berger rivers, starting at the lake, for walking and biking trails.
- Rent a canoe, kayak, or pedal boat to explore the lake's serene waters and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
- Visit Charles-Talbot Bay for its archaeological potential and historical significance.
A brief summary to Lake Saint-Charles
- Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, CA
Getting There
-
Public Transport
From downtown Quebec City, take bus route 82 towards Lac-Saint-Charles. The bus departs from various points in the city and travels directly to Lac-Saint-Charles. Several bus stops are located within a short walking distance of the lake. A one-way fare costs $3.75 CAD.
-
Taxi
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Quebec City. A taxi ride from downtown Quebec City to Lake Saint-Charles typically takes around 20 minutes and costs approximately $45 - $60 CAD.
-
Driving
From Quebec City, take Autoroute 73 North and follow the signs for Lac-Saint-Charles. Exit onto Boulevard Henri-Bourassa and follow it to the lake. Parking is available near the lake. Parking fees may vary depending on the location and time of year.
