To fully appreciate a sky strewn with stars, the formula is simple: calm, darkness and clear skies (obviously). When we move away from the hectic pace of the city, to settle into nature and look up to the sky, that’s when we realize the immensity of our world.
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1. Jacques-Cartier National Park – Capitale-Nationale
Loved for its proximity to the city, yet feeling of being miles from civilization, this national park is a great place to spend a night under the stars. About thirty minutes from Quebec City, this green oasis crossed by rivers offers impressive views of the sky as soon as darkness falls.
More info here.
2. The Carleton-sur-mer campsite – Gaspésie
Located on Pointe Tracadigache, this campsite has several sites that are suitable for both recreational vehicles and tents. Between sky, sea and mountain, the place is ideal for sitting on the pebble beach, with your feet in the water, to lose yourself in the immensity of the cosmos.
More info here.
3. Mont-Mégantic National Park – Estrie
Known for its observatory, this park is in fact the first to have received the title of “international dark sky reserve” in the world. This place, where light pollution is considerably reduced, allows you to be in the front row to observe the stars both with a telescope and with the naked eye.
More info here.
4. The Vérendrye – Outaouais wildlife reserve
Spread out on each side of the border between the Outaouais and Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions, this space brings together more than 1,250 sites, including 40 rustic camping sites, cabins as well as various ready-to-camp sites. All that remains is to choose the place where you prefer to spend the night to admire the sky and its constellations.
More info here.
5. The Falaise-sur-mer campsite – Charlevoix
Near the St-Siméon ferry, this 4-star campsite offers numerous campsites. Here, those that interest us are perched on the edge of a cliff. A true daytime observatory of marine life, these intimate and unusual locations offer an impressive perspective of the firmament.
More info here.
6. Mont Sutton – Eastern Townships
At the top of this ski hill are 21 campsites and rustic shelters available for the summer and fall season. The ascent of these approximately 840 meters bringing us closer to the stars takes approximately 1h30 and is done on foot since no vehicles are allowed at the summit. For those who wish, part of the climb can be done by chairlift by purchasing tickets.
More info here.
7. The municipal campsite of Sept-îles – Côte-Nord
Camping Quebec
Devoid of trees, this campsite welcomes all campers whether they have a tent or a recreational vehicle. Once installed, you have the opportunity to admire the bay of Sept-Îles in all its beauty. At night, the stars take over the scenery to offer us a most inspiring spectacle. For an even more special experience, certain camp sites are also set up on Grande Basques Island.
More info here.
8. The campsite at the top of the Fjord – Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
Just a 15-minute walk away, the Sommet du Fjord welcomes us on camping platforms set up to enjoy exceptional views. A few minutes from the camp, following along the trails, you can reach the highest point of the mountain or a panoramic viewpoint. A wonderful place to enjoy the sunsets and the appearance of the starry sky.
More info here.
9. The Mont-Ham Regional Park – Estrie
To experience camping without a trace, this regional park offers a very interesting option which allows us to sleep at the top of the mountain accompanied by a guide. To enjoy the tranquility of the place, it is also possible to request exclusivity for the site if you are booking for 20 people or more.
More info here.
10. The Lac Normand campsite – Mauricie
In the Saint-Maurice wildlife reserve there are several campsites along the lakes. That of Lake Normand is known, among other things, for its sandy bank. Lying on the beach, you will see that there is no better place to count shooting stars.
More info here.
