Family-friendly beach camping near Joliette
A juxtaposition of city life and wild terrain makes Joliette the gem of Quebec.
Popular camping styles for Joliette
Family-friendly beach camping near Joliette guide
Overview
Set in southwest Quebec and classified as part of the greater Montreal area, Joliette offers opportunities to explore interesting architecture and an impressive art collection—or to get out of town. Visiting in summer means spending your days floating in waterfall-fell swimming holes, soaking up the sun at Monte à Peine Falls, and hitting Dalles Regional Park. Meanwhile, winter brings campers to Mont-Tremblant National Park for skiing. Whether tent camping, RV camping, or staying in a yurt, camping in Joliette is likely to be an unforgettable experience.
Where to go
Mont-Tremblant National Park
Set in the Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant National Park is a two-hour drive from Joliette and open year-round. Its terrain offers over 1,510 square kilometres to explore (including 400 lakes and streams), making it a must-see destination. Snowshoeing, ice climbing, dog sledding, and helicopter tours are all popular in winter. In summer, spend the day hiking to beautiful vistas, kayaking rivers, and mountain biking. Nearby campsites include yurts and backcountry camping. Check rates and buy tickets online in advance to make the most of your trip.
Montreal
Only a one-hour drive from Joliette, Montreal offers the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s known for delicious food (poutine and pizza are iconic favourites) and awe-inspiring architecture. Visit a traditional sugar shack to have a sweet maple treat, then stroll through the city to view the colorful murals. Old Montreal showcases cobblestone streets, lively plazas, and quaint cafés. Visit the legendary Notre-Dame Basilica, a Gothic Revival church, and the Pointe-à-Callière museum featuring archeological ruins of the city.
Monte à Peine Falls and Dalles Regional Park
Monte à Peine Falls and Dalles Regional Park is a 35-minute drive from Joliette with plenty of nearby camping options. The Rivière L'Assomption crosses the middle of the park with three waterfalls viewable from bridges above—trek 21 kilometres of trails showcasing panoramic viewpoints along the way. A barbecue-friendly picnic area invites campers to stop and enjoy the scenery with a meal or snack. Leashed pets are welcome, but there is a fee. Cold winter temperatures create a frost-covered paradise, while a visit in fall when the leaves are changing brings smaller crowds.
When to go
Visiting Joliette between May and September is the best time for warm-weather outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming, but with great weather comes big crowds, so be prepared to start the day early. The off-season (October to November and March to April) is quieter, but rain is common, so waterproof clothing is essential. Temperatures start to drop in November, but decent snowfall begins in late December and lasts until March. The best months for winter-based activities in Joliette are January and February.
