Located in the Francophone city of La Malbaie, Quebec, Casino de Charlevoix is a world-class casino that prides itself on providing an impressive level of service, as one might expect from one of the most popular casinos in the province. This is partly due to the setting, as the casino overlooks the St. Lawrence River, along with the region's incredible natural beauty.
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The casino is owned by Loto-Québec, which is a crown corporation of the province, so it falls under the jurisdiction of the government. The casino has been a significant source of regional tourism and revenue since its inception more than three decades ago, first opening its doors in the summer of 1994.
The casino has also been a key source of employment in the area, creating countless jobs not only in the casino but also in the surrounding area as a result of other businesses needing to scale up to meet the increased demand generated by Casino de Charlevoix. The casino is a world-class gaming establishment, and its location on the banks of the river next to the iconic Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu makes it the ideal spot for those exploring the area's natural beauty.
Nestled in La Malbaie in the Charlevoix region of Quebec, the casino offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, running from lush, ancient woodlands to the waters of the St. Lawrence River, which leads out to the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. If you're looking for an experience that provides so much more than just slot machines and a lively atmosphere, Casino de Charlevoix is certainly a memorable choice.
The Casino de Charlevoix is blessed when it comes to the surrounding area, flanked on all sides by sources of natural beauty. Those visiting the casino will have plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature during their trip. In addition to hiking trails and whale-watching tours, visitors can head over to key local landmarks, such as the Charlevoix Astronomical Observatory and Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, which is the adjacent five-star hotel..
The casino is accessible via Route 138, which comes through Québec City and past Casino de Charlevoix before finally ending 900 km away in the small trading-post village of Kegashka. As you might expect, bus services are limited in this part of Canada, largely due to the vastness of the province, but it is possible to arrive via a privately scheduled shuttle bus. However, you'll need to verify this directly with operators in Québec City as this can vary depending on the time of year and demand.
The casino was first established in 1994 as part of a collaborative effort between Loto-Québec, Canadian Pacific Hotels and the Fonds de Solidarité FTQ, with the goal of improving the region's appeal as a year-round tourist destination. The casino underwent a major renovation and expansion in 1998, which coincided with the redevelopment of the Manoir Richelieu resort, the site’s primary accommodations provider.
Casino de Charlevoix has an extensive game catalog, including hundreds of slot machines and countless playing tables, which is why it's widely seen as the province's premier gaming destination.
The casino is home to well over 650 slot machines, which range from classic three-reel slots to state-of-the-art video slots featuring pop culture characters. There are also progressive jackpots and themed games, such as Wheel of Fortune and Cleopatra slots, which give players a chance to try for a larger win.
The casino offers players a wide range of table games, including blackjack, roulette, poker and baccarat. These games are available in various versions to suit a range of preferences.
If you prefer to play at a faster pace or are a beginner wanting to find your feet, table game machines are available. They're also ideal for players seeking lower stakes or quicker play.
There are various accommodation options at the Casino de Charlevoix, with rooms varying from simple ensuites to grand suites perfect for special getaways with loved ones or close friends. There are numerous packages available for potential guests, including options for those seeking wellness or culinary experiences.
Guests can stay at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, which is just a short walk from the casino. As you might expect from such a grand hotel, plenty of amenities are provided, including an on-site spa and access to watersport activities, although the latter may be less appealing during the winter months.
During the week, the casino opens at 10am; on the weekend, this changes to 9am. The casino typically closes at 12am, but on Friday and Saturday nights, it closes at 2am. These opening hours may change depending on the season, so be sure to check directly with the casino before arriving.
To access the casino, visitors must be at least 19 years old and will likely be required to prove their age upon entry, so please ensure that all young adults in your party carry a valid form of government-issued photo ID to avoid any unnecessary disappointment. Although formal dress isn't required, the Casino de Charlevoix is an upmarket establishment, so dressing up is encouraged.
The casino's opening hours vary throughout the week. From Monday to Friday, the casino opens at 10am; this moves up to 9am on the weekend. The casino typically closes at midnight, but on Friday and Saturday nights, it closes at 2 am.
The casino is free to enter, and while some VIP guests may receive complimentary drinks, expect to pay for your drinks when playing on the casino floor or relaxing in one of the various lounge areas.
To gain entry, guests will be required to present a valid form of government-issued photo ID as the casino floor is only accessible to those who are 19 or older.
The casino itself is adult-only, but there are a lot of other activities in the nearby area for families, such as a whale-watching tour or hiking through the lush forests that surround the casino. The adjacent Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu allows children to stay.
Indoor smoking is not allowed in most public places and workplaces in Canada, including restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. However, designated smoking areas are available outside.