Quebec’s Massif new train

by CAMILLE CHIN • November 2011

If Cirque du Soleil is any indication, Quebec City’s new Le Massif de Charlevoix train will not disappoint. The brainchild of Cirque-cofounder and Le Massif ski-resort owner Daniel Gauthier, the train’s eight, double-decker railcars from the 1950s cruise 140 kilometres through mountain- and river-rich Charlevoix in the fall, and to the ski resort and town of La Malbaie in winter. The September and October 10-hour fall journey includes a three-hour stopover in La Malbaie, and a three-course lunch and four-course dinner created by the executive chef of the five-star Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. No wonder this fall’s opening jaunt exceeded booking expectations by 10 percent. The February 3 to April 7 winter season consists of three weekend packages: there’s the Trail and Rail to the ski resort, which includes breakfast, evening cocktails, appetizers and a lift ticket; One-Day Getaways (three-course lunch and four-course dinner); and Overnight Getaways (breakfast and four-course dinner). Adult tickets range from $229 to $249; kids six to 17, $179 to $199; kids under five, $79 to $89. Overnight prices have not been announced. To reserve: (877) 536-2774. lemassif.com/en/train.

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