When planning an island vacation, Canada’s Quebec province isn’t typically the first getaway spot that comes to mind. But for visitors willing to venture a couple hours outside of Quebec City into the lesser known Charlevoix region, old-fashioned, summer fun is waiting at Hotel Cap-aux-Pierres on Isle-aux-Coudres.
The seaside adventure begins about 15 minutes before you actually set foot on the island, thanks to the free ferry boats that deliver locals and visitors from St-Joseph-de-la-Rive, on the mainland, to Isle-aux-Coudres. Located on the south side of the island, Hotel Cap-aux-Pierres is located just minutes from the ferry dock.
Overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the property offers just shy of a hundred guest rooms, divided between two buildings, that house a hotel and a motel. The main building is the hotel, and heart of the property. Along with the lobby, restaurant, and indoor pool, there are 46 rooms spread across two floors. Available with river or field views, these rooms have an old, seaside cottage feel. Accommodations in the main building have air-conditioning, and offer amenities travelers expect including a television, coffee maker, and hairdryer. Bed configurations include rooms with a king and single bed, queen and single bed, or a queen bed and sofa bed.
The 52 motel rooms, located in a separate building, are modern in design, offering the same amenities as the hotel. (Some rooms also have a small refrigerator.) Steps from the seasonal outdoor pool, rooms offer river or garden views. Outdoor chairs scattered about offer plenty of incentive to linger and take in the seaside scenery. Bed configurations vary, ranging from rooms with double beds, a double and single bed, to a queen and double bed.
Whether in the main hotel or exterior motel-style building, the numerous bed configurations make it easy for traveling families to find a spot to get comfortable at Hotel Cap-aux-Pierres.
Open seasonally, May through October, the hotel doesn’t try to be fancy. The focus on simple, summer vacation fun is refreshingly old-school. The beach, home to spectacular sunrises and perfect for strolling, is steps away. At the height of the summer season, brave, mostly local residents, don’t hesitate to go for a chilly dip. Along with hiking trails, tennis, and hopscotch, families can compete for bragging rights over a game of mini-golf.
At the end of the day, the fire pit is a popular spot, but kids can also head inside the hotel for entertainment. On the ground floor of the main building, along with a playroom designed for young children, there is a spacious rumpus room for the older set. Home to a pool table, ping pong table, fussball, and a variety of games and puzzles, it’s a comfortable, safe spot for kids (and kids at heart) to call their own.
The on-site La Marée Haute Restaurant focuses on farm-to-table cuisine, with a dinner menu that highlights local ingredients and specialties. Breakfast is served buffet style.
Room rates (based on double occupancy) in the exterior motel building range from $78 to $134. In the main hotel building, rates can run from $86 to $142. Breakfast is an additional $18 for two guests. Breakfast and dinner is an additional $79 for two guests. Wi-Fi is complimentary, but can vary in strength. Both English and French are widely spoken. Book your stay online at the hotel website or Hotels.com.
Review and photos by Dana Rebmann. Her stay was hosted by Tourisme Charlevoix and Tourisme Quebec, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.