Looking for relaxation and good food in the Charlevoix region of Quebec? I recently discovered Auberge des 3 Canards in La Malbaie, Canada. The inn has a unique history, dating back to 1892, with a United States connection.
In 1892, Madam Lucy Connnely, the widow of a Maryland industrialist, bought land in Murray Bay with plans to build a summer home. After her passing, the Baltimore architect who designed the home bought it. Upon his death and after his daughter’s ownership, three doctors purchase the inn, thus the three ducks (or 3 Docs) reference.
Today, the inn continues operation with 40 rooms, eight suites and one guest cottage. As is the case with older properties, there are pluses and minuses at the Auberge. If you are a light sleeper, you might prefer the third floor, as upstairs neighbors movements on the wood floor boards is apparent. However, you’ll need to keep in mind that the Auberge does not have an elevator on site. You’ll be lugging your baggage upstairs.
Fireplace room
I stayed in room #130, a gas fireplace queen room with a St. Lawrence River view and a firm mattress ($155 Canadian dollars). The four star property offers rooms with private balconies or patios, a seasonal swimming pool and lovely golf course nearby. For those who enjoy horseback riding on the beach, or sleigh rides in the snow, Les Ecuries Entre Monts et Marees is minutes away.
Auberge des 3 Canards
The Auberge connection to quality food and regional cuisine is apparent at first glance on the five course menu. With fresh fish, scallops, grilled Quebec red deer and goat sweet breads on the menu, I was over-whelmed with choices – in a good way! The soupe aux gourganes, a regional specialty of Quebec, was a treat, as was the sugar pie with frozen yogurt and milk jam. You won’t be hungry after this meal, but if you are in need of a snack, I highly recommend the Quebec and Charlevoix cheese plate featuring regional cheeses sourced from Flavor Trail producers.
Insider tip
Breakfast is not included with the price of a room, but is available for a reasonable $17. Canadian and includes coffee, fresh juice and six hot breakfast items from goat cheese omelette to maple butter crepes and a selection of meats, cheeses and yogurt.
The toast buffet caught my attention. The chef offers three different home-baked breads, in addition to three house made butters. Guests slice their bread selection to a desired thickness and then set the bread over the fireplace grill. Try and wait until the butter melts to enjoy this yeasty goodness!
For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter @nancydbrown.
If You Go:
Auberge des 3 Canards 418 665-3761 or 800 461-3761
115, Côte Bellevue
La Malbaie ( Pointe-au-Pic ) Quebec, Canada
G5A 1Y2
Article written by and photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Tourism Quebec. All opinions are my own.
You might also like Things to Do in the Charlevoix region of Canada