Vacations and the great outdoors naturally go hand in hand. And national parks usually rank high on nature lovers’ lists of must-see destinations! To make the most of your visit to our parks, why not stay for a night or more? The national parks in the maritime regions of Québec offer many lodging options for all tastes and budgets. Here are a few to consider.

Camping

Camping is undoubtedly one of the most popular outdoor activities, and the national parks in our regions offer many campgrounds located in a variety of environments.

You can find beautiful campsites in Bas-Saint-Laurent along the coast in Parc national du Bic as well as in the magnificent forest on the Notre-Dame Mountains near majestic Lake Témiscouata in Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata.

In Gaspésie, you can pitch your tent in the beautiful mountainscapes of Parc national de la Gaspésie as well as at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in Forillon National Park.

In Côte-Nord, you can camp along the spectacular Saguenay Fjord in Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay or spend a night in complete tranquility on an island in Parc national d’Anticosti or the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve.

Glamping

Glamping (“ready-to-camp”) options have become increasingly popular over the last few years. This term includes various types of accommodations that allow you to spend a night communing with nature without having to carry (or buy) all kinds of camping gear.

Both Forillon National Park and the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve offer oTENTik tents. A cross between a traditional tent and a rustic cabin, these glamping units can accommodate up to 6 people. To facilitate your comfort, some basic items are provided but vary depending on the park, so inquire beforehand. In any case, you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and food.

Want to stay somewhere even more unusual? Both Forillon and the Mingan Archipelago also offer Ôasis glamping units in the shape of a water droplet, which will give you a front-row view of spectacular scenery. With a convertible table/bed on the main floor and a suspended hammock loft above, the Ôasis will appeal to the whole family and can accommodate a couple or up to 2 adults and 2 children.

Forillon National Park also offers a micrOcube in the Desrosiers Campground. This is a solid, cube-shaped structure with a contemporary design that can accommodate 2 people.

The Étoile glamping units are also cubic wooden structures; however, unlike the micrOcube, they’re covered with canvas. With three double beds, they can accommodate up to 6 people each. You’ll especially appreciate the covered front porch when it’s raining. Parc national de la Gaspésie offers 13 of these units, while Parc national du Bic offers 28. In addition, both of these parks as well as Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata offer several traditional “ready-to-camp” tents, which are equipped with two double beds, a space heater and everything you need to make food.

Do you dream of staying in a yurt? Head to Parc national du Bic, where you’ll find 11 of these traditional dwellings originally used by the nomadic peoples of Central Asia. Their round shape creates a warm atmosphere, and the skylight allows you to watch the stars while sheltered from the elements.

Cabins

Parc national du Bic offers two types of cabins: Echo and EXP. Both will charm you with their modern architecture and large windows that will make you feel like you’re sleeping outdoors. All the amenities are included (except bedding), and the woodstove helps to create a warm atmosphere on cool fall nights.

If you’d prefer more traditional cabins, you’ll appreciate the ones located near the Gîte du Mont-Albert hotel in Parc national de la Gaspésie, which can accommodate 4 to 8 people each. In the same area along the Sainte-Anne River, you’ll find 5 smaller cabins accommodating 2 people each. An additional 4 cabins are available on Lake Cascapédia for a very relaxing stay. Finally, winter lovers will be delighted with the cabins in the secluded Petit-Saut sector, which are accessible via a 4-km (2.5-mi.) backcountry ski and snowshoe trail.

If you’re looking for an incredible view of the sea and absolute tranquility, the cabins in Parc national d’Anticosti are for you! Note that these units can only be booked with a package that includes your flight to the island and a vehicle rental, so you can explore the beauty of this unique environment at your own pace.

Lodges and hotel

Does the idea of a package on Anticosti Island sound good to you, but you’d prefer the cozy comfort of a lodge? You’ll love Auberge McDonald, which is located right by the sea, at the mouth of the McDonald River, in a larger-than-life setting. Meals are included in the package; all you need to do is bring is your own wine!

Perched at an altitude of 615 metres (2020 feet) at the heart of the Réserve faunique de Matane in Gaspésie, the Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs combines luxurious comfort with a warm atmosphere, tasty gourmet cuisine and an outstanding environment for outdoor activities. In the summer, the mountain lodge offers hiking and mountain biking, while in the winter, it becomes a snowshoeing and backcountry skiing destination. Packages include the services of an experienced guide.

Finally, the Gîte du Mont-Albert is a prime lodging option if you’re looking for exceptional comfort. This hotel at the heart of Parc national de la Gaspésie gives you access to a natural playground that’s perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. In the evening, you can share the highlights of your day with friends in the casual atmosphere of the pub or while enjoying a gourmet meal in the hotel’s renowned dining room.

Has this blog post piqued your interest? Find out more details about our national parks by visiting our website, including how to book your stay. Come and spend time in exceptional natural environments in our regions!