By: Marcia Abramson
The Charlevoix region in the province of Quebec has gained renown for its breathtaking landscapes and resorts. UNESCO declared Charlevoix a World Biosphere Reserve more than a decade ago because of its outstanding mix of nature and culture. It is a unique distinction because of man's occupation of the region. This designation is given only to countries that carefully preserve development with conservation. Actually, the site of Malbaie, here became the first resort when Scottish settlers opened their manor house to guests. More and more families took in visitors starting a hospitality industry welcoming people seeking healthy air and ideal landscapes for hiking, trout and salmon fishing and salt water bathing.
In the early 20th century, the region was discovered by the very wealthy and those seeking an exotic and romantic destination. The Cabots of Massachusetts, the Kennedys, the Rockefellers and United States President William H. Taft established homes in this healthy environment. They came by railroad and aboard yachts that were like "floating palaces" to their hideaway estates. To meet the demand for a luxurious resort hotel, the exquisite Le Manoir Richelieu was built around 1899 for an elite traveling public who came from the world over. They enjoyed as I did the rich storybook locale with fabulous vistas, wonderful climate, an exceptional cuisine and just about every recreational activity imaginable.
President Taft launched the world famous Le Manoir Richelieu Golf Club in 1925 in a make-believe setting high above the St. Lawrence River. This 18-hole creation with an awesome par-71 features a strong rambling and tumbling fairway with elevation challenges at just about every hole. After surveying the course l came to the conclusion that even the most athletically fit golfer must use a cart to cover the 6,225-yard greens.
Golf is only one reason to come to Le Manoir Richelieu, I learned from one of the guests who also enjoyed the tennis courts, croquet, horse-back riding, mountain bikes and hiking trails and some games of chance at the Casino de Charlevoix on the grounds of the hotel.
In 1999, the hotel was once again restored to its original grandeur, but with every modern convenience to the tune of $140 million Canadian. It is indeed a heritage building with all the graciousness and
