Top Campings in Québec for Hiking – Your Adventure Guide
Looking for your next adventure in Quebec and wondering where to stay? Don’t worry, we got you covered! Quebec has many provincial and national parks that offer a large variety of hiking trails and amazing viewpoints. Whether you’re seeking panoramic views, hidden waterfalls, or peaceful lakeshores, Quebec’s wilderness offers an abundance of treasures just waiting to be discovered.
In this blog post, we’ll uncover our top campings in Quebec for hiking enthusiasts, ensuring your next expedition is nothing short of extraordinary. So, if you’re thrilled to lace up your boots and hit the trails, join us as we expose our top destinations for hiking and camping in this picturesque province, where every trail promises an adventure of a lifetime.
Obviously, we had to put Gaspésie National Park in our top campings in Quebec for hiking. This SEPAQ park has surely one of the largest varieties of hiking trails and made its reputation in the Gaspésie area. It’s one of Québec’s hiking paradises and you should definitely experience the park yourself, especially if you’re doing a road trip in Gaspésie.
→ Planning a road trip in Gaspésie? Check our full article to make sure you don’t miss anything.
One thing you might want to consider before you choose your campgrounds, is which hike you want to do. For example, if you plan on hiking Mont-Albert, Mont-Albert campground is the nearest camping to the trail starting point. At the opposite, Mont Jacques-Cartier campground is not in the same area and is closer to the Chic-Chocs Wildlife Reserve (45 minutes from the Mont-Albert Sector).
→ Want to know the best things to do in Gaspésie National Park Chic-Chocs Wildlife Reserve? Check our full article to learn more about the activities to do in these parks!
Gaspésie National park campgrounds
Mont-Albert campground
Since we were planning on hiking Mont-Albert, we decided to stay at Mont-Albert campground. We enjoyed our stay here and it’s the perfect spot near the trail starting point which is in front of the Discovery and services center (about a 3 minute drive). We also found the amenities were pretty good, especially their newly renovated bathrooms near the ready-to-camps. Finally, as you can see, Mont-Albert campground also offers ready-to-camps in which we stayed our first two nights since it was raining a lot and we really enjoyed our experience. For more information on these, check our full article on Gaspésie National Park.
De la Rivière campground
Also located near the trail starting point of Mont-Albert, De la Rivière campground has 14 sites without services and 14 with two services. This campground is smaller than Mont-Albert campground so it might be a good option if you want a quieter experience or if there’s no more places in the first one.
Mont Jacques-Cartier campground
As the name of the campground says, it’s the nearest one to the trail starting point Mont Jacques-Cartier. Located about 45 minutes away from the Mont-Albert sector, you might want to be sure of your camping choice before booking.
If you want to observe caribou, Mont Jacques-Cartier is the perfect spot since it’s a protected area. Given that, this hike has some regulations you must follow and so be sure to check Sepaq’s website for more information. As for the campground, it offers 30 campsites which have non drinkable running water.
Cascapédia campground
About 30 minutes away from mont-Albert sector, Cascapedia campground has 72 campsites which don’t have drinkable water. If you plan on kayaking or doing some SUP, here’s the right place. Located near the Cascapédia lake, you can either bring your own crafts or either rent some.
Top pick hikes in Mont-Albert area
Mont-Albert north face trail (14,8 km/Hard)
This hike is a perfect compromise if you don’t want to do a long hike. You still can enjoy all Mont-Albert has to offer; a stunning view of the endless mountains on one side and the Canadian tundra on the other side.
Mont-Albert loop (20,3 km/Hard)
If you want the full Upper Gaspésie experience, this is the one you should do. As a loop, you’ll be able to enjoy everything Mont-Albert has to offer. If you only hike the north face of Mont-Albert, you’ll only have a preview of the Canadian tundra, but the loop allows you to go deeper in it. This one is obviously the most classic hike of the park.
Mont Ernest-Laforce (4,7 km/Moderate)
This one is clearly an underestimated hike in the park. Although it’s a shorter hike, it still offers one the most beautiful views of the park. Located in the heart of Gaspésie National Park, you can practically see all of the renowned mountains around. You also might come across moose if you hike early in the morning.
Mont Xalibu (11,1 km/Hard)
While you hike Mont Xalibu, you’ll come across Lac aux Américain which is a stunning lake. Then, the trail goes through the forest and reveals tundra among the mountains.
*Check our full article on Gaspésie National Park to learn more on these hikes
Top pick hikes in Mont Jacques-Cartier area
Mont Jacques-Cartier (8,9 km/Moderate)
This hike is one the most iconic ones of the park. Being a protected area for caribou, it’s the perfect spot to come across them. The vast territory of alpine tundra makes it a really unique hike in the region.
Top pick hikes in Cascapedia area
Pic-du-Brûlé (14 km/Moderate)
The starting trail point is located in the Lac-Cascapédia Registration Centre. The viewpoints of the Chic-Choc mountain range and the St. Lawrence Valley are absolutely splendid.
Pic-de-l’Aube (11,9 km/Moderate)
About a 3 ½ hour length hike, Pic-de-l’Aube also offers a beautiful view of the Chic-Choc mountain range.
Forillon National Park, located at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, is a coastal paradise renowned for its dramatic cliffs, rugged coastline, and diverse ecosystems. You can explore splendid beaches, hike scenic trails, and encounter wildlife such as whales and seals while immersing you in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Even though it’s part of Parks Canada, Forillon National Park had to be on our top campings in Quebec for hiking list since it’s one of our favorite stops during our road trip in Gaspésie. There is everything you could expect from a national park in Gaspésie: magnificent wildlife, whales and moose as well as magnificent views of the sea washing up on the rocky shore. So here’s more information about the campgrounds in Forillon National Park to plan your next escapade.
→ Planning a road trip in Gaspésie? Check our full article to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Forillon National Park campgrounds
Petit-Gaspé campground (South Area)
This campground is the closest to the town of Gaspé (about a 30 minute drive) so it’s perfect if you plan on going in town more than one time during your stay. It’s a huge camp with more than 100 campsites separated in sections (A to F). There’s also every type of campsite (no service/electricity/electricity and water) offered.
It’s in the Petit-Gaspé campground we chose to stay during our trip and enjoyed our stay. The washrooms were not the prettiest, but they were pretty fine. This campground is located in the forest near the south entrance. You can relatively easily find an intimate campsite with the vegetation between the sites. Petit-Gaspé is also near Grande-Grave which is a nice thing to consider if you plan on doing the whale watching cruise since it’s where the cruise’s starting point.
Cap-Bon-Ami campground (North Area)
The Cap-Bon-Ami area sure has the wow factor! The views, both from the ground and on the mountain are just stunning! It’s in this area that lies the Mont-Saint-Alban trail which offers a 360° view of the land’s end, the ocean, the shore and even Rocher-Percé if you can have a clear view. So if you plan on hiking Mont-Saint-Alban, Cap-Bon-Ami campground is the nearest one.
This campground is at the foot of the cliff and for tents only. Although it’s the nearest campground to the most popular hike in the park, maybe you could find it not enough private. The campsites are more in the open space than the ones in Petit-Gaspé campground. It depends on what you prefer.
Des-Rosiers campground (North Area)
Des-Rosiers campground is up north to Cap-Bon-Ami and is closer to l’Anse-au-Griffon. But it doesn’t seem to be far from Cap-Bon-Ami campground. It’s also the closest campground to the beach and it’s closer to the Information and Discovery Center than Cap-Bon-Ami campground. It seems to be a good alternative if you want to hike Mont-Saint-Alban.
Top pick hikes in Forillon National park
Mont-Saint-Alban (7,9 km/Moderate)
Offering a 360° view of the surroundings, Mont-Saint-Alban is definitely the most iconic hike in Forillon National Park. The views of the sea crashing onto the cliff and the mountains are absolutely magnificent.
Hautes-Gorges-la-rivière-Malbaie National Park, situated in Charlevoix’s region, is a stunning wilderness area characterized by its high cliffs, deep valleys, and winding river. Here you can enjoy challenging hiking trails, thrilling kayaking opportunities, and breathtaking scenic viewpoints, all while immersing yourself in the beauty of the park’s rugged landscape. No wonder why it had to be in our top campings in Quebec for hiking list.
With the iconic Acropole-des-Draveurs hiking trail which offers a spectacular view on the valley, this national park has to be on your list for your next adventure. There are many other hiking trails of different difficulties throughout the park suitable for everyone. Other than hiking, it’s also possible to do kayaking, canoe-camping, fishing, SUP and more. Check our overview of the different campgrounds offered in this SEPAQ’s national park to choose the right one depending on what you intend to do.
Le Cran campground
This campground is located about 0,5 km from the Felix-Antoine-Savard Discovery and information center. It’s the first campground when you enter the park, it has campsites with and without electricity and it’s near easier hikes. It’s the perfect spot to stay if you have young children.
Le Pin-Blanc campground
You came here to hike the one and only Acropole-des-Draveurs? You have to stay at Le Pin-Blanc campground since it’s the nearest one to the trail starting point (literally in front of the campground entrance). Offering 20 without services campsites, it’s also located near the Malbaie river. Depending on your campsite, you can have a really stunning view of the river and the mountains. Only 2 km from the Du Draveur Discovery and information center, Le Pin-Blanc campground is in the middle of the park so it has a really nice position for discovering the surroundings. We truly enjoyed our stay and recommend you camp here.
L’Équerre campground
Looking for a more thrilling adventure? L’Équerre campground is the right place for you! This campground is only accessible by foot or bicycle on the cycling path. The only other way around is by canoe along the river Malbaie which can be really exciting, but also challenging. Just consider that the park doesn’t offer baggage transportation to the campground and that it’s 8 km from the Du Draveur Discovery and information center. We recommend you check SEPAQ’s website and even call the reception to get all the information you need for your trip.
Top pick hikes in Hautes-Gorges-de-la-rivière-Malbaie National Park
Acropole-des-Draveurs (10,5 km/Hard)
This one is the most popular hike in the park. With an elevation gain of 875 meters, the impressive view of the mountains and the valley is a real reward at the summit.
The Riverain (20,6 km/Hard)
You can either hike it out and back for 20,6 km or you can return by the shuttle bus if it’s in operation. This hike offers an amazing view of the valley and the mountains at their base.
→ Check Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park’s website for more information.
Also located in the Charlevoix’s region, Grands-Jardins National Park, is renowned for its expansive boreal forest, diverse wildlife, and beautiful mountain scenery. The most iconic hike in this park is definitely Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes which offers a stunning view of the mountains and the St Lawrence river.
Several forest fires occurred in the park about 20 years ago and you still can see their marks on the vegetation around Lac Arthabaska and Lac à Pou.
Still recovering, this area is really unique from any other parks in the region. From camping, hiking, fishing and wildlife watching, Grands-Jardins National Park offers a nice variety of activities to do.
Grands- Jardins National Park campgrounds
Arthabaska campground
Located near the Arthabaska Discovery and Visitors Centre, this campground is in the heart of the park. Since it’s in the area burned by the fires, the campgrounds offer wide open spaces where you can easily watch the starry sky.
Pied-des-Monts campground
This campground is the closest to the trail starting point of Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes. It has about 36 campsites and some of them offer a clear and beautiful view of the mountains. If you plan on hiking Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes, this is where you should stay.
La Roche campground (rustic)
If you want to go deeper in the park, La Roche campground has 23 rustic campsites. Near the Malbaie river, some of the campsites offer a nice view of it. The closest center is the Arthabaska Discovery and Visitors Centre where you can take a shower.
L’Étang Malbaie campground (rustic)
This campground is the deepest one of the park. The nearest center would be Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes Visitors Centre, but it’s still not that close. Located in the Thomas-Fortin area, there’s not really any services offered nearby so it’s the most rustic campground of the park.
Top pick hikes in Grands-Jardins National Park
Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes (8,9 km/Moderate)
Most iconic hike of this park, Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes offers a panoramic view of the Charlevoix crater and the endless mountains around. You can also see the swan-shaped lake, hence the name Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes. It’s also a nice spot to watch sunrises and sunsets.
Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes and Le Pioui (11,1 km/Hard)
This one is our favorite of Grands-Jardins National Park, especially the Le Pioui area. Here you can witness beautiful and endless mountains. The only reason why we prefer Le Pioui over Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes is because, on the last one, the view is more on the St Lawrence river and fields. The views on Le Piou are more on the other side of the park where all the mountains are. Sometimes we also only hike Le Pioui which we recommend if you prefer mountains over fields and look for a shorter hike.
La Chouenne (4,7 km/Moderate)
This hiking trail offers a beautiful view of the valley and the face of Mont Gros-Bras. The unique shapes of the mountains are what make this hike remarkable.
4. Bic National Park
Situated along the St. Lawrence River near Rimouski, Bic National Park is renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes and abundant wildlife. Here, you can explore a variety of hiking trails that go through the forest, rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic viewpoints.
The park’s coastal waters are popular for kayaking or SUP among the small islands. Whale and seal watching is also a popular activity in the park. Bic National Park is a perfect marriage between the mountains and the ocean This combination along with the coastal vibe are what make this park so singular.
Bic National Park campgrounds
Rivière-du-sud-Ouest campground
Located near the Rivière-du-sud-Ouest Visitors Centre, this one is the biggest campground of the park with 135 campsites. Like the name says, Southwest River runs through it which means you can have a campsite with a clear view on it. We enjoyed our stay at this campground and recommend it.
Tombolo campground
Located in the heart of the park, Tombolo campground is also a great option. The nearest center is the Ferme Rioux Discovery and Visitors Centre which is where the trail starting point for Le Grand-Tour is. The Baie des cochons is also close to the campground which is a nice thing to consider if you plan on doing SUP. This bay is also great if you just want to relax on the beach or watch a sunset. Overall, this campground is near many trails, has its own washrooms and has semi-service campsites as well as single-service ones making it a great option.
Rioux campground
If you want to go deeper in the park, Rioux campground is the closest one to the Ferme Rioux Discovery and Visitors center. If you plan on hiking, it’s a great campground choice since several trails are accessible directly from it.
La Coulée campground (rustic)
This campground is more isolated and is only accessible by foot, bicycle or kayak. The trail to get at La Coulée campground is considered an easy-moderate one (1,3 km). If you choose to get there by kayak it’s also about 1,3 km. Campers who choose this campground must bring their one drinkable water. Being the most isolated one, this campground is more peaceful.
Top pick hikes in Bic National Park
Le Grand-Tour (8,7 km/Hard)
Wow! This hike is a must when visiting Bic National Park. What we loved about this hike it’s that it’s different from the others we usually do. Only accessible during summer and at low tide, you’ll go through the forest, sandy beaches and the amazing coastal cliffs. The rugged route with large rocks to navigate is the reason why the trail is considered difficult.
Pic-Champlain (6,1 km/Moderate)
With a duration of 2 hours, Pic-Champlain is a family-friendly hiking trail. Dogs are also allowed in the trail (from May to October) and with a moderate difficulty, it’s for everyone. The progressive ascent reveals a beautiful viewpoint on the estuary. There is also a deck with benches to enjoy the view while eating a good lunch.
*Check our full article on Gaspésie to discover more about Bic National Park and all you need to know to plan a trip in Gaspésie.
Mont-Tremblant National Park campgrounds (La diable Sector)
La Ménagerie (Le Castor, L’ours, La Grenouille, Le Chevreuil) – Lac Monroe
La Ménagerie includes 200 campsites among Le Castor, L’ours, La Grenouille and Le Chevreuil campgrounds. They’re all near each other and close to the Discovery Centre and the Services Centre.
These campgrounds offer campsites with one to three services accessible both for tents and RV. This sector of the park is ideal for families with many activities available all around. At La Crémaillère, there’s a supervised beach and picnic area which are perfect for children. IT’s also possible to rent a watercraft if you don’t have your own.
La Diable sector offers other campgrounds on which you can have more information on the SEPAQ’s website.
Mont-Tremblant National Park campgrounds (Pimbina-Saint-Donat Sector)
Lac Provost campground (Formerly La Volière)
Fully renovated for the 2024 season, you should definitely put Lac Provost campground on your list for this summer. It now has a rental center where you can rent watercraft to fully enjoy Lac Provost.
Top pick hikes in Mont-Tremblant National Park (Sector La diable)
La Roche, La Coulée and La Corniche loop (8,2 km/Moderate)
This popular hike is our favorite in the La Diable sector. This trail offers 2 gorgeous viewpoints on Lac Monroe. You can enjoy these views on wooden decks which are perfect to eat your lunch or a little snack.
La Corniche (3,2 km/Moderate)
If you come with your family, this hiking trail is ideal for everyone. With a length of only 3,2 km, it’s perfect if you want a short hike and combine it with another activity. Since La Corniche is accessible for many people, it’s one of the most popular hikes in the area. We suggest you do it in the morning, eat your lunch on top and then do some SUP on the lake or just relax on the beach.
Top pick hikes in Mont-Tremblant National Park (Pimbina-Saint-Donat Sector)
Mont de L’Envol (4,5 km/Moderate)
This short hike near Lac Provost is about 1 ½ hour and offers a beautiful view on the lake. Open all year round, it’s a great option if you come with family or if you’re looking for a brief activity.
Mont Kaaikop (5,8 km/Moderate)
Located about 25 minutes from Lac Provost, Mont Kaaikop is the second highest summit of the Laurentians. Showcasing multiple mountains, the viewpoint is stunning and you can even see Montreal on a clear day. Mont Kaaikop is one of our favorite hikes of the Laurentians and strongly recommend it to you. there are also 2 other options for hiking Mont Kaaikop :
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- Mont Kaaikop small loop (5,3 km/Moderate) : you go up the same trail as the forest one, but as you come back, you follow Lac Legault.
- Mont Kaaikop Grand tour (12,4 km/Moderate)
*Important : Mont Kaaikop isn’t part of Mont-Tremblant National Park. You have to buy your entrance ticket at Coopérative l’Interval. Check their website for more information here.
Montagne noire via Mésangeai (12,1 km/Hard)
If you’re looking for an impressive view of the Laurentians mountains, Montagne noire (Black mountain) is where you should be heading. This hiking trail is on the top of our hiking list and everytime we go we aren’t deceived. The trail goes by a beautiful lake surrounded with fir trees and after that you’ll come across the Méseangeai cabin which is a great spot to eat your lunch. After that, the trail brings you to the 360° viewpoint where all the mountains around reveal themselves.
*Montagne Noire isn’t part of Mont-Tremblant National Park. It’s part of Saint-Donat Outdoor Club, but there is no entrance fee.
Just a short 45-minute drive from Québec City, Jacques-Cartier National Park is a must-visit destination for your summer adventures. Its valley surrounded by towering and magnificent mountains is clearly what makes this park stand out.
It’s then possible to hike these mountains as well as navigate the Jacques-Cartier River with the watercraft of your choice. Besides hiking and going on the river, you can also go fishing, biking and more. Let’s say that Jacques-Cartier National Park has something for everyone!
Now, if you’re wondering which campground to choose for your next outdoor escapade, we’ve got you covered. This Sepaq’s national park provides a variety of camping options, ranging from fully-serviced sites to rustic retreats. Accessible by car, campgrounds like L’Escarpement, Alluvions, and La Bétulaie offer modern amenities for added convenience. Meanwhile,if you’re seeking a more immersive experience, you can opt for campgrounds accessible only by foot or canoe. Whatever your camping preferences, Jacques-Cartier National Park has the perfect spot to pitch your tent and immerse yourself in nature’s embrace. Here’s more details about the campgrounds available:
Jacques-Cartier National Park campgrounds
L’Escarpement campground
Situated near the Discovery and Services Centre, which houses the general store and watercraft rental center, this campground offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. What truly stood out to us during our stay were the spacious campsites and the recently renovated restrooms and showers. With easy access by car and a host of amenities nearby, including the rental center and store, this campground is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a hassle-free camping experience.
Alluvions and Bétulaie campgrounds
Accessible by car, these campgrounds provide campsites with services suitable for both tents and RVs. Similar to L’Escarpement, they are conveniently located near the Discovery and Services Centre, granting easy access to amenities such as the general store and watercraft rental center. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, these campgrounds offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for your outdoor adventure.
Rustic campgrounds
In addition to the accessible-by-car campgrounds, Jacques-Cartier National Park offers 4 other campgrounds that can only be reached by foot or canoe. Here’s a breakdown of each:
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- Grand-Duc campground : 2.4 km from Discovery and Services Centre, 2 km by foot to reach it (easy trail)
- Héron campground : 8 km from Discovery and Services Centre, 300 meters by foot from Pont Blanc parking to reach it (or by canoe-camping)
- Morillon campground : 20 km from Discovery and Services Centre, 300 to 450 meters by foot to reach it
- Hirondelles campground : 20 km from Discovery and Services Centre, 300 meters by foot to reach it
These remote campgrounds offer a secluded and immersive camping experience, perfect for those seeking solitude and adventure in the park’s wilderness.
Top pick hikes in Jacques-Cartier National Park
This hiking trail at KM 16 is undoubtedly the park’s most renowned route. To fully enjoy this experience, we strongly advise starting your hike early in the morning. It’s essential to note that this trail has a limited capacity, and once the maximum number of hikers is reached, access is closed off.
As you traverse the trail, you’ll encounter several viewpoints offering picturesque sights of the Jacques-Cartier River. Take advantage of these opportunities to pause and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the stunning Jacques-Cartier River valley—a moment that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
If you’re seeking a shorter hike that’s family-friendly or easily paired with other activities, look no further than L’Éperon! With a duration of under 2 hours, this trail offers ample time to indulge in additional adventures like paddle boarding or kayaking. Situated at KM 3, L’Éperon is conveniently located near the park’s entrance.
What sets this hike apart is its ability to deliver stunning views of the Jacques-Cartier River, despite its shorter length. Don’t underestimate the beauty that awaits you along this trail—it’s a must-add to your list of summer hiking excursions!
→ Planning on going paddle boarding in Jacques-Cartier National Park? Check out our Best SUP spots in Québec for more information and more amazing spots!
Quebec is full of provincial and national parks that are dream-worthy. Among these we can find magnificent landscapes which are worth visiting. With Sépaq and Parks Canada providing extraordinary campgrounds, the stage is set for unforgettable adventures. We hope this article serves as your guide in planning your next outdoor escapade. So, strap on your hiking boots and let’s hit the trails!
If you try one of these campgrounds and hikes, please share your experience with us. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter if you don’t want to miss any other ideas!
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