Camping near Québec City
On the banks of the St Lawrence, Québec City is surrounded by parks and wild spaces.
Popular camping styles for Québec
5 top campgrounds near Québec
Camping near Québec City guide
Overview
First settled more than 400 years ago, Québec City feels more European than Canadian, and walking the cobbled streets of Old Town transports you far from modern life. The city offers a huge amount to see, including the 17th-century ramparts that surround parts of Old Town and myriad cultural institutions covering the French and Indigenous histories of the area. Even better, on Québec City's doorstep are national parks, whale watching on the St. Lawrence River, and dozens of camping options.
Where to go
Montmorency Falls
Thirty meters higher than Niagara Falls, Montmorency Falls treats visitors to its view and its mists, in addition to a zipline and onsite Via Ferrata.
Jacques-Cartier National Park
The steep mountains and deep glacial valleys of this national park offer a range of activities for lovers of wild landscapes, plus a range of front and backcountry camping experiences, including yurts and cabins. More than 100 kilometers of hiking trails line Jacques-Cartier, and its pristine waterways are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Mauricie National Park
More than 150 lakes are found in the deep forests of Mauricie National Park, along with waterfalls that tumble into perfect swimming holes, rivers to tube down, and a huge range of wildlife. (Expect the chance to spot moose, beavers, white-tailed deer, owls, and foxes.) Campsites are plentiful, as are hiking and biking trails and watercraft rentals.
Frontenac National Park
The lakes and beaches of this park are perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, and paddling, while a network of hiking and biking trails offers superb birding and wildlife viewing opportunities—Frontenac's lakes, bogs, and ponds support otters, as well as rare orchids and other fauna. Campers can choose from Frontenac cabins and campsites, both serviced and rustic, as well as canoe-camping.
When to go
Summer in the city can be crowded with visitors (especially when cruise ships are in), but July and August also provide some of the very best camping weather. Quebec City is a year-round destination but is perhaps at its most beautiful in winter, when the city hosts festivals and events that embrace the beauty of the snow (complete with ice hotels). Whale watching season is May through October.
Know before you go
- Quebec City is very walkable, and there is public transit. You won’t need a car while you’re in the city (where driving can be a pain), but getting to nearby parks without a vehicle will be tricky.
- French is the official first language in the province of Quebec, and although most people working in tourism are bilingual, you may well encounter folks with a more basic level of English. Translation apps can be helpful.
- The city hosts festivals year-round, so it is worth checking out what is happening before choosing your dates to visit.