Just wondering for exploring the Charlevoix/Saguenay regions, would Baie St Paul or La Malbaie make a good base to do day trips from? One day we would like to go whale watching out of Tadoussac but I'm wondering if it's too far to do in a day. We'd rather plunk ourselves in one place for five nights and explore the areas but want to make sure either one of these towns makes sense. Any other suggestions appreciated too. Many thanks.

Either would make a good base, but my preference would be Baie St. Paul. It has a number of good inns and restaurants and as an artist's town of long standing has quite a few galleries.

You can easily do a day's whale-watching out of Baie-St-Paul. Most of the boats leave from Baie-Ste-Catherine as well as Tadoussac. Because it is on the west side of the Saguenay, you don't have to wait for the ferry to take you to and from Tadoussac.

Enjoy your visit. There's lots to see in your five days. Don't forget a visit to the Ile-aux-Coudres.

One of our favourite areas in Quebec and have been back many times. Both places have their pros & cons. Accomodations in Baie St Paul are more rustic with most being dated or poorly located.Maison Otis rated as the best needs a big facelift but right in the centre of town with a very good dining room. les Muses is an old inn in downtown with nicer rooms but not quite as nice a dining room. A few good restaurants in town along with many nice art galleries. Travel along the St Laurent route through small towns to La Malbaie or reverse is pretty in the summer and again through manty artist villages. It's about 50 minute drive along the main highway and a couple of hours via the scenic route taking your time.

La malbai has much nicer accomodations but not as quaint a town. The Fairmont Manoir Richelieu is very nicely located up on top of the St Laurent cliffs. Beautiful hotel with walking trails,casino on site,golf course and riding stables.Much more of a resort type spot. Very good dining room in the Charlevoix within the hotel. Several close by good restaurants Les Trois Canards, Vices Versa and the dining room in the Pignoronde hotel(Relais & Chateau)are great. The latter second to none. The latter hotel is very nice and quieter/more tucked away as per most relais&chateaux than the Maoir. Either place is individual taste. If travelling with kids I'd suggest the Manoir with more for them to do.

The drive back and forth to Baie-Ste Catherine is very manageable with whale watching tour from La Malbaie and that's how I'd do it with a day trip down to Baie St Paul rather than using the latter as a base which would add an extra 2-3 hours each way on to your day.

You'll love the area,the people are friendly even if your not French with beautiful are and quantly painted Village homes who pride themselves with their gardens. Wonderful organic cuisine and how can you go wrong.

Have a great trip!

Many thanks laverendrye and PontetCanet for your feedback. I appreciate the info especially on the difference between the two towns. Good accommodation is more important to me so will look into the possibilities of both places. Thanks again for your help!

Small mistake above. The Relais & Chateau in La Malbaie is la Pinsonniere not Pignoronde which is a family style inn(rustic) in Baie St Paul.

Thanks for the clarification, I had figured you were referring to La Pinsonniere which looks heavenly.