The proud legacy of Captain Desbiens

Almost at the eastern tip of the island, the site offers views of the great Saint-Laurent stretching as far as the eye can see. The fine trees along the road offer a cool oasis where one lingers to read or simply admire the landscape. Entering the main building, standing here since 1961, visitors are struck by the splendour of the reception desk, its lines echoing those of a schooner's railing. A unique piece, made by a long-time artisan employee.

The memory of Captain Desbiens, grandfather of the current owner, is omnipresent here. His cap, photos, and various artifacts are scattered across the floor and walls of the reception area and adjoining dining room.
Why come here? "For happiness," replies Marcelle Tremblay, the reception manager. Seven rooms in the hotel and 13 more in the adjacent motel. Pets welcome. Heated river-water pool. Spa and sauna. The renowned Saturday dinner concerts in high season, hosted by the hostess herself.

Speaking of the dining room, its menu changes daily. A mix of regional terroir products and traditional cuisine. Variety is a constant.

So many stories and legends can be felt in this welcoming place. The lives of sailors have always permeated this island's history. We've all seen or heard of the films about the boats, the schooners, and the daily lives of the island's fishermen and sailors by filmmaker Pierre Perrault, a son of Charlevoix. In this hotel, you can feel its moods, and the walls recount great fragments of them.

Hôtel du Capitaine
hotelducapitaine.com
3033, chemin des Coudriers
Île-aux-Coudres. Qc
418.438.2242