Without a doubt, camping is a great way to enjoy a vacation! And Québec by the Sea is an exceptional destination for campers, with campgrounds offering a wide range of services and amenities to suit everyone’s tastes. Here’s an overview of the various options you’ll find in our regions.

On an island

For a truly maritime experience, nothing beats an overnight stay on one of the many islands in the St. Lawrence. Société Duvetnor, in Bas-Saint-Laurent, gives you the unique opportunity to pitch your tent on Île aux Lièvres, right in the middle of the St. Lawrence Estuary, off Rivière-du-Loup. Several sites are located near the landing dock, while others require a hike of 4 km (2.5 mi.) or 12 km (8 mi.).

Further east, in the Rimouski area, you can go on an excursion to Saint-Barnabé Island, located 3 km (2 mi.) off the mainland. Boasting several miles of hiking trails, the island offers 12 campsites overlooking the sea, where you can relax and admire the sunset after a day of hiking.

On the north side of the St. Lawrence, in Côte-Nord, the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve offers 30 tent sites on six islands. This is your opportunity to experience an unforgettable stay in a truly peaceful environment among the islands’ majestic limestone monoliths. If you’re more interested in glamping, the park reserve also offers oTENTik tents and Ôasis units. On your way to Mingan, you can stop in Sept-Îles and spend the night on Grande Basque Island, which is part of the Sept Îles Archipelago. For both archipelagos, private boat companies offer shuttle services between the mainland and the islands.

In Grande-Entrée, in the Îles de la Madeleine, Auberge La Salicorne offers 22 campsites, including 7 with hookups, as well as 8 glamping units. This resort also proposes a full program of fun activities to fill your days throughout your stay.

By the sea

In the Kamouraska area, in Bas-Saint-Laurent, the SEBKA site offers 100 semi-wilderness campsites for tents and RVs located in a mixed forest or along tidal flats. Opt for the latter to admire some of the area’s famous flamboyant sunsets from your campsite!

In Gaspésie, head to the tip of the peninsula to the enchanting Cap Aventure site. On the beach at Cap-aux-Os, you can choose from sites for tents or small RVs as well as glamping units (wooden teepee, kahuts and pods). This outdoor company also offers whale-watching excursions and sea kayaking trips to see the seals!

In Les Bergeronnes, in Côte-Nord, Mer et Monde Écotours has something special to offer: you can watch whales right from the shore! In addition, you can camp on site in a tent, glamping unit or small RV.

Further east, Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes offers 10 tent sites and 10 RV sites right near a beach. Fall asleep to the sounds of the waves in this nature park that’s also a famous bird-watching destination.

In the forest

In Cacouna, in Bas-Saint-Laurent, you’re sure to be enchanted by the campsites in Parc côtier Kiskotuk. Whether you pick a spot in the forest, at the foot of the mountain or even on the mountainside, you’ll enjoy a peaceful stay surrounded by nature. Take advantage of the trails in this coastal park to go for a hike and see what wildlife species you encounter!

Still in Bas-Saint-Laurent, near downtown Rimouski, Camping Rimouski is the perfect home base to discover the area’s attractions. The campground offers 130 tent and RV sites as well as 4 glamping units, located in various sectors. You can therefore opt for a site near all services and amenities, in a more rustic and tranquil area, or on higher ground with a scenic view of the St. Lawrence!

If you love river activities and are visiting Gaspésie, you must add Nature Aventure in Matapédia to your itinerary! Offering 13 tent sites, 8 RV sites and a host of amenities, their campground is a great place to spend the night before setting off on a river paddling adventure. You can even go snorkelling with Atlantic salmon!

Also in Gaspésie, in the La Baie-des-Chaleurs sector, Cime Aventure is located along the banks of one of Canada’s clearest rivers: the Bonaventure. After paddling down this waterway on your own or with a guide, you can relax in the campground, which offers 112 wooded sites for tents or RVs.

Nearby, in Pabos Mills, Espace NAPAGA offers a campground with 210 sites. Choose the one that suits you and then discover all the amenities and attractions on site, including an archaeological interpretation centre, immersive activities, an escape game (in French only), hiking trails, bike paths, beaches, a snack bar-style bistro and more.

At the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark offers a complete immersion in nature, whether you opt for a more rustic camping experience or treat yourself to a stay in one of their glamping units. You also won’t want to miss this opportunity to explore this unique site during a hike on your own or with a guide!

Located in L’Anse-à-Valleau, only about a half hour’s drive north of the town of Gaspé, Motel Camping des Ancêtres is a great place to stay! Offering 25 tent and RV sites, this campground is an oasis of tranquility. You’ll find all the amenities you need on site and will be within a short driving distance of the area’s many attractions.

In Sacré-Coeur, in Côte-Nord, the Ferme 5 Étoiles holiday resort, which is also a wildlife refuge, offers a wide range of activities that will allow you to commune with nature. This family farm also offers 10 campsites with or without hookups, which will appeal to both tent and RV campers.

Finally, in Tadoussac, the Domaine des Dunes campground, which is located in a birch grove, offers a total of 41 tent and RV sites (with three hookups) as well as 2 comfortable glamping tents.

In a national park or wildlife reserve

Nature lovers will love camping in our regions’ national parks and wildlife reserves! Our Sépaq parks (Gaspésie, Bic, Lac-Témiscouata, Fjord-du-Saguenay and Anticosti) all offer a multitude of tent and RV sites as well as glamping options. You’ll also find tent and RV sites in our regions’ wildlife reserves (Rimouski, Matane, Port-Daniel and Port-Cartier–Sept-Îles). In addition to the options mentioned above in the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Parks Canada gives you the opportunity to camp in Forillon National Park, in Gaspésie. Offering three campgrounds, this park has more than 350 tent and RV sites, a few of which are for backcountry camping. You’ll also find oTENTik tents and Ôasis units in this park.

Practical info

If you’re a touring cyclist, you’ll be delighted to know that several of the campgrounds listed above are certified Bienvenue cyclistes, which means they welcome cyclists and offer services specifically designed for you! And if you’re travelling with your dog, some campgrounds will also welcome furry friends! (Be sure to inquire before you book your spot.)

Whether you camp in a tent or RV, want to stay on an island, by the sea or in the forest, you’re sure to find a campground that suits your needs in the maritime regions of Québec. Come and see for yourself: start planning your camping adventure today!