Lakeside camping near Gatineau with campfires

Part of Canada’s National Capital Region, Gatineau is beloved for its museums, beer, and outdoor opportunities. The area’s renowned for its hiking trails, ranging from beginner jaunts to challenging, multi-day treks. Come winter, many of these routes are transformed into groomed snowshoeing and cross-country skiing paths. Just two hours from Montreal, Gatineau and the surrounding region provide conventional camping sites, RV options, canoe camping, four-season tents, yurts, and cabins to suit every adventure level.

Summer is undeniably the most popular time to explore in and around Gatineau Park, the second-most visited park in Canada. Reservations around Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (a public holiday in Quebec celebrated June 24) and Canada Day tend to book up quickly. Early autumn excursions provide the best combination of pleasant weather and low traffic but there is one exception—expect dense weekend crowds in mid-October, when fall colours are at their best.

• If you want to fish in Quebec, you’ll need a license. Fortunately, they’re inexpensive and easy to obtain.
• You can buy everything from kayaks to backpack-friendly doggy dishes at Atmosphere in Gatineau. 
• If your idea of essential supplies includes craft beer, check out Broue Ha Ha. They stock the largest supply of Quebec craft beer in the region, plus salami, nuts, cheese, pickles, potato chips, and a generous selection of hot sauce.
• If you’ve ever wanted to combine trekking and afternoon tea, you can make it happen in Gatineau Park at the Mackenzie King Estate. This one-time summer home of a former Canadian Prime Minister offers an elegant afternoon tea complete with cucumber sandwiches.