The Charlevoix region is renowned for the variety, originality and quality of its traditional crafts and folk art. Although endowed with landscapes of unique beauty, this region was not favorable for colonization given its roughed topography and the aridity of its soil. Often isolated, the first settlers in the region had to learn to adapt and survive on their own, and to be creative in order to live on and off the land. On the other hand, the beauty of Charlevoix's landscapes has attracted many modern and influential artists. For example, from Toronto, members of the Group of Seven and from Montreal, Jean Palardy, Jori Smith and Alfred Pellan have passed through and left their mark. Today, Charlevoix artists and artisans still stand out for their know-how, creativity and ingenuity.