Known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, the Quebec region also offers several very beautiful sites, whether near the Saint-Laurent River, in grandiose valleys or in mountainous landscapes.
Read also : The most beautiful campsites in Quebec
Here are the 6 best nature campsites in the National Capital
1. Jacques Cartier National Park – Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
Popular for its proximity to the city, yet its sense of being miles away 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 waterways offers impressive views of the sky as soon as darkness falls. And, as for camping, you will have the choice of one of the 190 sites to pitch your tent.
Read also : The most beautiful hikes in Jacques-Cartier National Park
SIX VERY GOOD CAMPING MATTRESSES FOR COMFORTABLE SLEEPING
2. Camping Etsanha, Bras-du-Nord Valley – Saint-Raymond
One hour from Quebec, the Vallée Bras-du-Nord cooperative is a perfect base camp for nature lovers. Located on the banks of the Bras-du-Nord river and a pretty beach, the Etsanha campsite has 60 pitches, some with a view of the river and the sands, while others are more isolated in the forest . From there, it is possible to enjoy the hundred kilometers of hiking and mountain biking trails in the area, go canyoning or via ferrata, go horseback riding in Saint-Raymond or to enjoy the Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf cycle path over 68 km. You can also consider a one or two-day canoe trip to go down the Bras-du-Nord River, 17.5 km.
3. Pointe Campsite – Saint-François-de-l’Île-d’Orléans
On Île d’Orléans, Camping de la pointe, open year-round, offers a host of options and services to all types of campers. Those traveling in tents can set up camp on rustic grounds, without services, a few steps from the St. Lawrence River. With a fire pit and picnic table, these sites are accessible by vehicle.
4. Portneuf – Saint-Alban regional park
© Photo taken from the Québec Cité website
This regional nature park, located just an hour west of Quebec City, is still a little-known (but less and less so) gem in the province. On the 70 km of trails that crisscross its territory, you can admire the cliff overlooking Lac Long, the potholes of the Noire River, the ancient forest of Lac Carillon and the vastness of Lac Long and Lac Montauban. The Lac Long sector campground is perfect for this lakeside setting! The park has two other sites: the Lac Carillon sector, a body of water prohibited to motorized boats, and the Sainte-Anne River gorges, near the park entrance.
Read also : 5 regional parks right on the water
5. Portneuf Wildlife Reserve – Rivière-à-Pierre
© Sépaq
With 375 lakes and 11 rivers, this wildlife reserve is ideal for canoe camping. Two circuits are offered, between mid-May and early September, starting from Lac Lapeyrère, for a total of 40 km. Three to five tents can be set up on each campsite. No reservation is required. It works on a “first come, first served” basis. A way to experience solitude and tranquility, by unwinding, far from everything. Lovers of camping (but not necessarily canoeing) will also find sites to pitch their tent in the popular Bellevue campsite, renowned for its beautiful sandy beach, with 45 pitches without services and a toilet block.
Read also – Portneuf Wildlife Reserve: winter outdoors in complete tranquility
6. Camping La Loutre, Laurentides wildlife reserve
Located at kilometer 135 of Route 175, this family campsite allows you to sleep on the shores of the magnificent Jacques-Cartier Lake. It has 120 sites in the heart of nature that give the impression of being in the middle of nowhere.
