🏕️ The Ultimate Guide to Hiking & Camping in Quebec: Top Trails, Campsites & Gear Essentials for 2025

Quebec is a goldmine for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 27 national parks, thousands of kilometres of forest trails, and four stunning seasons to explore, the province offers something for every kind of camper and hiker. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or just starting out, Hilles.ca is here to help you gear up and get out there.

🌄 Why Quebec is a Top Destination for Outdoor Adventures

Quebec offers:

• Diverse landscapes – from the Laurentians to the Gaspé Peninsula

• Well-maintained trail systems through SEPAQ parks

• Four-season camping, including winter camping experiences

• Wildlife spotting including moose, foxes, owls, and whales (yes, whales—if you camp near Tadoussac!)

🏔️ Top 5 Hiking Trails in Quebec You Need to Try

1. Mont-Tremblant National Park (Parc national du Mont-Tremblant)

   • 🔁 Trail: La Roche Trail

   • ⛰️ Difficulty: Moderate

   • 📏 Distance: 5.4 km

   • 🌟 Tip: Catch the sunrise at the summit for spectacular lake views.

2. Acropole des Draveurs (Charlevoix)

   • ⛰️ This is one of Quebec's most iconic and challenging hikes.

   • 🕐 Duration: 5–6 hours round trip

   • 🐻 Warning: Bring bear spray and proper footwear—it gets steep!

3. Mont-Saint-Hilaire (near Montreal)

   • 🚶♀️ Easy to access for a day trip.

   • 🌳 Offers multiple trails with views of the Richelieu River.

4. Gaspé Peninsula – Forillon National Park

   • 🐋 Whale watching, cliffs, and coastal hikes.

   • 🏕️ Campsites available right near the sea.

5. Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier

   • 💦 Great for both hiking and canoe camping.

   • ❄️ Open for winter hiking and snowshoeing too!

⛺ Best Places to Camp in Quebec (With or Without a Car)

1. Parc National d’Oka

   • 🚙 45 minutes from Montreal

   • 🏖️ Lakeside beaches, family-friendly trails

   • 🏕️ Campsites, ready-to-camp tents, and yurts available

2. Réserve faunique de Papineau-Labelle

   • 🎣 Excellent fishing + backcountry canoe camping

   • 🌲 Isolated sites for true nature immersion

3. Parc national du Bic (Bas-Saint-Laurent)

   • 🌅 One of the most scenic sunsets in Quebec

   • 🦌 Wildlife + seal watching from your tent!

4. Camping Aux Bouleaux – Private site near Mont-Orford

   • 🏔️ Close to ski slopes in winter

   • 👨👩👧 Great for families with young kids

🎒 What Camping & Hiking Gear Do You Need in Quebec?

Due to the unpredictable weather in Quebec, even in summer, it’s crucial to be ready for:

• ☀️ Sunshine

• 🌧️ Sudden downpours

• ❄️ Cold nights (yes, even in June!)

Here’s your Quebec gear checklist:

Essentials:

• All-weather tent (rainproof + quick setup)

• 3-season sleeping bag

• Compact cookware & stove

• Bear-proof food container (especially in northern areas)

• Layered clothing system (moisture-wicking base, warm fleece, waterproof shell)

Quebec-Specific Must-Haves:

• Bug spray + mosquito net (black flies & mosquitoes are real!)

• Biodegradable soap (many parks require eco-friendly options)

• Bear bell + spray (for certain SEPAQ zones)

• Headlamp or lantern (some sites don’t allow campfires)

🛒 Find all your essentials in one place:
👉 Shop trusted Canadian camping gear at Hilles.ca — fast shipping across Quebec.

🔥 Insider Tips for Camping in Quebec

• Book early: SEPAQ campsites get booked up 2–4 months in advance, especially July–August.

• Download trail maps: Cell signal can be weak in rural areas.

• Wildlife awareness: Never leave food out. Use proper storage or lockers provided.

• Respect Leave No Trace principles: Quebec’s parks are stunning—let’s keep them that way!

🗓️ Best Time to Go Camping in Quebec

• Summer (June–August): Warm weather, all parks open, but can be crowded.

• Fall (September–October): Cooler temps, amazing foliage, fewer bugs!

• Winter (December–March): Try snowshoeing, ice fishing, or staying in a winter yurt.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Quebec is one of the most magical provinces to explore on foot and in tents. Whether you're climbing the Acropole des Draveurs, kayaking the Jacques-Cartier River, or roasting marshmallows under a thousand stars, the memories you make here will last a lifetime.

📦 Hilles.ca is here to support your adventure with reliable, durable, and affordable gear handpicked by Canadians for Canadians.