Experiencing Casino de Charlevoix: Insights from a January 2025 Visit

When I stepped into Casino de Charlevoix on a cold evening of May 3, 2025, I wasn’t expecting anything extravagant — just a break from the snow and maybe a little luck at the slots. What I got instead was a mixed bag of scenic charm, competent gaming, uneven service, and a few letdowns that are hard to ignore. This is not a promotional flyer — it’s my honest review, straight from the floor.

Location and First Impressions

Nestled in La Malbaie, about 150 kilometers from Québec City, the casino sits on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River. Getting there was scenic — if you like winding roads and mountain views — but not exactly accessible unless you’re driving. Public transit? Forget it.

The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu hotel, connected to the casino by an underground tunnel, instantly gave me upscale resort vibes. The actual entrance to the casino? Less impressive. Kind of sterile, almost too quiet. For a Saturday night, it felt more like a waiting room than a hub of entertainment.

Game Selection and Variety

Let’s talk games — the main reason anyone’s here.

Slot Machines and Table Games

• Over 800 slot machines, from classics to newer themed options. I spent most of my time at Prosperous Rooster and Rakin’ Bakon Odyssey, both of which looked fresh and ran smoothly.

• Table games? There were around 20 tables, but many were closed or unattended. Blackjack was running, minimum bet at $15, and I didn’t see a single table under that.

• Poker room: closed during my visit. Apparently, only open during high season or special events

Dining and Amenities

After a few rounds, I checked out St-Hubert, which is pretty much the only real dining option inside the complex. The chicken was decent (hard to mess up a rotisserie), but don’t expect fine dining or speedy service. Waited over 25 minutes for my order and another 10 for the bill.

There are a couple of bars, and yes, you can sip cocktails while watching sports or a local band play — if they’re playing. That night, the bar was open but dead quiet. A few scattered guests, one TV playing muted curling, and overpriced drinks. A $14 beer better be the best damn beer of your life — this one wasn’t.

The casino is connected to the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, which is stunning. If you’re planning a full weekend getaway with spa treatments, golf, and river views, the combo makes sense. Just don’t expect the casino part to match the hotel’s luxury.

Atmosphere and Ambience

Atmosphere is everything in a casino. You want energy, some buzz in the air, that slight feeling anything can happen. Unfortunately, Casino de Charlevoix was pretty quiet — and not in a good way.

The layout is clean but lacks personality. The decor feels stuck in a late-90s “high-end mall” aesthetic: beige carpets, lots of polished surfaces, and almost no natural light. Music? Too loud in some spots, barely audible in others. The whole vibe was oddly inconsistent.

There’s a noticeable contrast between the grandeur of the hotel and the simplicity of the casino. One makes you feel like royalty. The other? Like you’re passing time before a conference dinner.

 Customer Service and Staff

Let’s be fair here — the staff were polite and professional. No issues there. But “friendly” and “helpful” are two different things.

At the cash counter, there was only one employee, and when she went on break, there was literally no one to replace her for nearly 15 minutes. I waited in line behind two people who looked equally annoyed.

Dealers and floor staff were more upbeat. One blackjack dealer even gave me some tips on betting strategy (though not sure if it helped — I still lost). But again, it didn’t feel like anyone was going out of their way to enhance the guest experience.

What Stood Out — and What Didn’t

Here’s a quick rundown of what worked — and what didn’t.

 ✅ What I Liked

• Slot machines were modern, responsive, and varied.

• The connection to the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu gives it resort appeal.

• The location/view is jaw-dropping, especially during sunset.

• Casino was very clean, bathrooms included.

 ❌ What Fell Short

• Limited hours on table games (many closed Mon–Wed).

• Lack of atmosphere: too quiet, little excitement.

• Food service was slow and uninspired.

• Overpriced drinks and few entertainment options outside gaming.

• Staffing gaps at key points (cashier, some tables unmanned).

 Should You Visit Casino de Charlevoix?

If you’re already staying at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, then yes — you might as well walk over, enjoy a drink, play a few rounds, and take in the view. The tunnel access between hotel and casino is super convenient.

But as a standalone destination? I’d say manage your expectations. This isn’t Casino de Montréal. You’re not going to find Vegas-level thrill here — and maybe that’s fine.

Final Verdict

My January 2025 visit to Casino de Charlevoix was… fine. Not great, not terrible — just fine. It left me with a couple of small wins (and bigger losses), a decent meal, and a lot of quiet time.

• Would I go back? If I’m in the area, sure. But would I drive two hours just for the casino? Probably not. That said, pair it with a stay at the Fairmont, a winter hike, or some whale-watching in season — and now you’ve got a weekend worth remembering.