Charlevoix Airport

Aeroport De Charlevoix sits on a plateau above the St. Lawrence River in the municipality of Saint-Irenee, about 100 kilometres northeast of Quebec City. The airport serves the Charlevoix region, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve known for its dramatic landscapes, whale-watching sites, and the Casino de Charlevoix. With a single asphalt runway and a modern terminal that opened in the 2010s, the airport primarily handles general aviation, charter flights, and seasonal connections. Its location makes it a convenient entry point for visitors heading to the Manoir Richelieu, the Massif de Charlevoix ski area, or the scenic coastal villages that dot the north shore of the St. Lawrence.

Getting There

The airport is located on Route 362, approximately 5 kilometres east of Saint-Irenee's village centre. From Quebec City, the drive takes about 1 hour 20 minutes via Autoroute 40 east, then Route 138 and Route 362. Taxis are available from the terminal, but service can be limited — it is wise to pre-arrange a pickup, especially outside peak hours. The distance from the Casino de Charlevoix is roughly 10 to 15 kilometres, a taxi ride of 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Ridesharing apps such as Uber do not operate reliably in this rural area. For those driving, free parking is available in the airport lot, with designated spaces for small planes. Car rental agencies are not based at the terminal; the nearest rental offices are in Baie-Saint-Paul (30 minutes west) or Quebec City. Cycling is possible from Saint-Irenee via Route 362, but the road has narrow shoulders and moderate traffic in summer.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Aeroport De Charlevoix is compact, modern, and exceptionally clean — a reflection of the community's pride in its facilities. Upon arrival, passengers enter a bright, open hall with high ceilings and large windows that frame views of the Laurentian foothills. The check-in area is minimal, as most traffic is general aviation or charter; there are no airline counters for major carriers. Security screening is available for commercial flights, but operates on a demand basis — passengers should confirm procedures with their airline beforehand. The terminal features wheelchair-accessible entrances, accessible toilets, and a similarly accessible car park. A small waiting area with seating and a public toilet (also accessible) serves departing passengers. There is no restaurant or café inside the terminal, though vending machines may be present. Wi-Fi is not guaranteed; a mobile signal is generally strong inside. The overall atmosphere is calm and orderly, with staff — notably Michel, the operations manager — known for their attentive, helpful service. For those flying privately, the free parking for small planes is a standout feature, and the ramp is convenient for quick turnarounds.

Aeroport De Charlevoix and Saint-Irenee

Saint-Irenee itself is a quiet village of around 700 residents, but it sits within one of Quebec’s most celebrated regions. Charlevoix was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1988, recognised for its unique mix of river, mountain, and forest ecosystems shaped by an ancient meteorite impact — the Charlevoix crater, visible in the circular arrangement of hills and valleys. The area draws visitors for its outdoor pursuits: kayaking among the beluga whales of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park (a 40-minute drive east), skiing at Le Massif (45 minutes west), and hiking the trails of Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park. Culturally, Charlevoix is known for its artisan food producers — cheese, chocolate, and craft beer — and for the Cirque du Soleil, which was founded in Baie-Saint-Paul in 1984. The Casino de Charlevoix, a popular attraction for visitors arriving by air, sits on the grounds of the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, a grand hotel with a golf course and views over the St. Lawrence. The hotel also hosts live performances and a small museum of local history. The region’s art scene thrives in Baie-Saint-Paul, a short drive away, with dozens of galleries and studios. For travellers seeking a blend of natural splendour and refined relaxation, Saint-Irenee and Charlevoix deliver an experience that feels deliberately removed from the pace of larger tourist hubs.

Practical Information

Aeroport De Charlevoix is not open every day; operating hours are posted at the terminal and may vary seasonally. Confirmed contact: phone +1 418-489-2010. The airport has no website of its own; regional tourism sites list flight information. For taxi or shuttle arrangements, call at least 24 hours in advance. Free parking for small planes is available; general vehicle parking is also free. There are no fuel services at the airport — avgas is not available on site, so pilots should plan accordingly. The nearest hospital is in Baie-Saint-Paul (30 km west) and the closest larger city is Quebec City. If you are flying into Charlevoix for the casino, book your taxi ahead; if you are visiting for outdoor activities, consider renting a car in Quebec City before arriving. The single most useful piece of advice: confirm the airport’s operating hours with your charter operator before departure — turning up on a closed day can mean a long wait or a costly last-minute drive.