Vacations and the great outdoors naturally go hand in hand. And national parks usually rank high on nature lovers’ lists of must-see destinations! To make the most of your visit to these sites, why not spend a night or more? The national parks in the maritime regions of Québec offer many accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. Here are a few you may want to consider.

Camping

Camping is undoubtedly one of the most popular outdoor activities, and the national parks in our regions offer many campgrounds located in a variety of environments.

You can find beautiful campgrounds in Bas-Saint-Laurent near the St. Lawrence in Parc national du Bic as well as in the magnificent forest of the Notre-Dame Mountains just a few steps away from majestic Lake Témiscouata in Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata.

In Gaspésie, you can pitch your tent in the beautiful mountain landscapes of Parc national de la Gaspésie as well as at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in Forillon National Park.

In Côte-Nord, camp along the shores of the spectacular Saguenay Fjord in Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay or spend the night on a quiet island in Parc national d’Anticosti or in the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve.

Glamping

Glamping (“ready-to-camp”) options have become increasingly popular over the last few years. This term includes various types of accommodations that allow you to spend a night communing with nature without having to carry (or buy) all your camping gear.

Both Forillon National Park and the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve offer oTENTik tents. A cross between a traditional tent and a rustic cabin, these glamping units are equipped with three beds and can accommodate up to six people. You have two packages to choose from: equipped, which means you only have to bring your own sleeping bags, pillows and food; or basic, which means you must also bring your own camping stove, cooler and dishes.

Want to try a new type of unusual accommodations? The Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve now offers Ôasis, a glamping unit in the shape of a water droplet that will give you a front-row view of spectacular scenery. With a convertible table/bed on the main floor and a suspended hammock loft above, the Ôasis will appeal to the whole family and can accommodate a couple or a family of two adults and two children.

In addition, Forillon National Park offers a micrOcube in the Desrosiers Campground. This is a solid, cube-shaped structure with a contemporary design that can accommodate two people.

The Étoile “ready-to-camp” units are also cubic wooden structures; however, unlike the micrOcube, they’re covered with canvas. With three double beds, they can accommodate up to six people each. You’ll especially appreciate the covered front porch when it’s raining. Parc national de la Gaspésie offers 6 Étoile units, while Parc national du Bic offers 10. In addition, these two parks as well as Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata offer several traditional “ready-to-camp” tents, which are equipped with two double beds, everything you need to make food and a space heater.

Do you dream of staying in a yurt? Head to Parc national du Bic, where you can find 11 of these traditional dwellings originally used by the nomadic peoples of Central Asia. Their round shape creates a warm atmosphere, while the skylight allows you to watch the stars while sheltered from the elements.

Cabins

Parc national du Bic now offers two types of cabins: Echo and EXP. Both will charm you with their modern architecture and large windows that will make you feel as if you’re sleeping outdoors. All the amenities are included (except bedding), and the woodstove helps to create a warm atmosphere on cool fall nights.

If you’d prefer more traditional cabins, you’ll appreciate the ones located near the Gîte du Mont-Albert hotel in Parc national de la Gaspésie, which can accommodate from four to eight people each. Five other cabins (accommodating two people each) are located along the Sainte-Anne River, in the same area. Four units are also available on Lake Cascapédia for a very relaxing stay. Finally, winter lovers will be delighted with the cabins in the secluded Petit-Saut sector, which are accessible along a 4-km (2.5-mi.) backcountry ski and snowshoe trail.

If you’re looking for an incredible view of the sea and absolute tranquility, the cabins in Parc national d’Anticosti are for you! They can only be booked with packages that include your flight to the island and a vehicle rental, so you can explore the beauty of this unique environment at your own pace.

Lodges

Does the idea of a package on Anticosti Island sound good to you, but you’d prefer the cozy comfort of a lodge? You’ll love Auberge McDonald, which is located right by the sea, at the mouth of the McDonald River, in a larger-than-life setting. Meals are included in the package; all you need to do is bring is your own wine!

Perched at an altitude of 615 metres (2020 feet) at the heart of the Réserve faunique de Matane in Gaspésie, the Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs combines 4-star comfort with a warm atmosphere, tasty gourmet cuisine and an outstanding environment for outdoor activities. The lodge is accessible in the summer to hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts and in the winter for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. Packages include the services of an experienced guide.

Finally, the Gîte du Mont-Albert is a prime lodging option if you’re looking for exceptional comfort. This 4-star hotel at the heart of Parc national de la Gaspésie gives you access to a natural playground that’s perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. In the evening, you can share the highlights of your day with friends in the casual atmosphere of the pub or while enjoying a gourmet meal in the hotel’s renowned dining room.
 

Has this blog post piqued your interest? Visit our “National Parks” page for more details, including the contact information you’ll need to book your stay in our national parks. Come and discover exceptional natural environments in our regions!