This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Winter has not yet removed its white coat that you must already reserve your campsite for the summer. Here are some beautiful places where there is still room to pitch your tent. But you have to act quickly, at the risk of having to wait until 2024, as is already the case for some sites…
To the Green Devil
Head to the Eastern Townships to immerse yourself in nature, just 1h30 from Montreal, in this sublime campsite in Glen Sutton. Several isolated sites (only accessible on foot) are available to set up your tent on wooden or sandy platforms, on the edge of the forest or in the heart of green pastures. A beautiful place to observe the stars or to admire sensational sunrises over the Missisquoi River valley. Au Diable vert will also delight outdoor enthusiasts with its unique flying bike course that allows you to fly over the treetops with pedal strokes, while hanging from large steel cables several meters above the ground. Note that for campsites, you must reserve a minimum of two nights at all times, or three nights during construction holidays.
On the shores of Lac Castor
If you are looking for an enchanting place to camp by the water, you will find what you are looking for near Saint-Paulin, in the Mauritian forest. But you don’t just pitch your tent on the shores of Lac Castor just to indulge in the pleasures of nautical activities (canoe, kayak or pedal boat). You can also discover the joys of camping in a hammock, to fall asleep with your head in the stars, lulled by the night breeze. For more than 20 years, the Lac Castor team has also been organizing musical shows during the summer season. In the past, Marco Calliari, Les Tireux d’Roches and Émile Bilodeau have hosted happy summer evenings around a huge campfire. This year, two events are scheduled for July 8 and August 19 with a program that will be unveiled soon. So don’t wait too long before booking your pitch.
Gros-Cap Park
Each summer, the Îles-de-la-Madeleine seem to attract more and more tourists. So, inevitably, you have to act quickly if you want to hope to have the privilege of camping in the wind, in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Once again this year, places sold out very quickly, but reservations are already open. “We are sold out for the land with servr 2024”, informs us Laurence Bénard, assistant director of the Corporation du parc de Gros-Cap. And it’s worth planning ahead to experience a complete change of scenery in this typically island setting. With 132 campsites (with or without services), Gros-Cap Park is the ideal base camp for admiring the beautiful red sandstone cliffs aboard a sea kayak or a paddle board. For the youngest, sand castle building workshops are also offered in July and August.
Cliff-sur-Mer
Perched in the heights of Saint-Siméon, this fabulous campsite in the Charlevoix region overlooks the majestic Saint-Laurent. Platforms have been set up to pitch your tent directly on the cliff, and safely enjoy an incredible view of the river. There is no better way to live the soothing experience of falling asleep to the gentle sound of the lapping of the waves, or to observe the large marine mammals or the ocean liners passing by. Over the years, the small rustic campsite Falaise-sur-Mer has developed to attract a more diversified clientele. For fans of ready-to-camp, it is now possible to rent trailers (with services) that can accommodate up to six people. A heated swimming pool and a playground will also delight the little ones.
Batiscan River Park
It is said to be one of the Mauricie’s best kept secrets. Half an hour from Trois-Rivières, Parc de la Rivière-Batiscan offers several campsites far from each other, some with two services (water and electricity). Something new this year: in the Grand-Bassin sector, three sites have been designated to welcome (for one night only) vanlife, less than 15 minutes from Highway 40. The park also has the advantage of offering a wide variety of outdoor activities. A via ferrata and impressive zip lines crossing the tumultuous Batiscan River allow you to fill up on adrenaline by experiencing great adventures at height, in the midst of breathtaking landscapes. Good to know: a camper discount is offered for these activities. And a new course with 16 acrobatic games in the trees has also been set up for children.
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, relating to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.