5 great RV destinations in Quebec and Canada
Travelling is nice. But RVing literally lets you drive to some of the most beautiful places in the province! Rolling down the highways and byways, only to take pitstops in breathtaking locations, is a great way to see the country, and Quebec has plenty to offer in terms of RV destinations. Keep reading for our top 5 unforgettable road trip destinations!
The poetic majesty of Gaspésie
Gaspésie is all about wide-open spaces, seafood, local hospitality and amazing scenery. At the top of any RVing list should appear the Bic and Forillon parks because they cater to RV enthusiasts. Then there's the spectacular Baies des Chaleurs with campgrounds (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) that jut out into the sea.
Since these are very popular destinations, it’s best to book weeks or even months in advance on the Sépaq (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) and Parks Canada (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) websites. The Tourisme Gaspésie (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) website also has information and resources for asphalt adventurers, not to mention interesting itineraries to amazing locations off the beaten path.
The Eastern Townships and its mountains
This region has something for everyone. Charming vineyards, Granby Zoo, the Astrolab at Mont-Mégantic… to name a few. The region also caters to RV enthusiasts thanks to its many fully-serviced campgrounds (This hyperlink will open in a new tab). Known as Quebec's Little England, the names of many of its villages are reminiscent of the British Loyalists who fled the United States after the American Revolutionary War.
Its beautiful lakes, namely the Memphrémagog and Massawippi, will cool you down, while its Orford, Sutton, Ham, Gosford and Hereford mountains will take you to new heights. The Eastern Townships is definitely a great place to RV!
Outaouais: home to more than just Canada’s capital!
Yes, Ottawa is in the Outaouais region, but there’s so much more to see and do! This vast region, nestled between Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the Laurentians, is a wonderful playground for lovers of the arts and outdoors alike. Drive among arctic wolves (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) at Parc Omega, let Chelsea (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) enchant you and live your best van life in Pontiac (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) on Route 148. With its many lakes and rivers, gourmet dining options and summer festivals, the Outaouais offers the perfect balance between urban life and the great outdoors.
The untamed Côte-Nord
Although it fell prey to forest fires this year, the Côte-Nord is all about road tripping! Your journey begins in Tadoussac, where you'll take the ferry (free!) across the Saguenay. Driving along coastal Route 138, which can accommodate motorhomes of all sizes, you’ll be in awe of the wild landscape. Then, plan a stop at Sept-Îles municipal campground (This hyperlink will open in a new tab), Baie-Comeau's Camping Boréal (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) (French only) or Longue-Pointe-Mingan's Camping de la Plage (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) or any other place along the way. Here, Mother Nature rules all and the 138 is the destination, much like the mythical Route 66. Diehard adventurers will continue on to Natashquan and spend the night at its municipal campground (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) (French only), and take an early-morning stroll along the Promenade des Anciens.
RVing outside Quebec
Not planning to discover Quebec? There are plenty more places to take road trips to in Canada. Here are two suggestions.
The charm of Ontario
Ontario is perfect for RVers. There are wine and cider routes (cheers to the designated driver!) as well as extraordinary provincial parks. We recommend an itinerary that combines cities and country, which will let you see Ontario like you've never seen it before.
Your journey starts at Niagara Falls, the largest waterfalls in North America. Set up at Campark (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) to discover a region full of vineyards and microbreweries (This hyperlink will open in a new tab). Then on to Toronto, a bustling metropolis with a vibrant cultural scene. Check out the view at the famous CN Tower! Restaurants, shopping, the Art Gallery of Ontario (This hyperlink will open in a new tab), St. Lawrence Market (This hyperlink will open in a new tab), not to mention the superb Royal Ontario Museum (This hyperlink will open in a new tab). There’s so much family fun to be had! Book a site at the Indian Line Campground (This hyperlink will open in a new tab), in Brampton, less than an hour from downtown. After a few days in Canada's largest city, enjoy the peace and quiet of the Muskoka (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) region. Breathtaking nature, over 1,600 pristine lakes and charming English towns and villages await. There are also plenty of parks to discover, namely Arrowhead, Algonquin and SixMile Lake. From Muskoka, you're just 2 hours from spectacular Georgian Bay. The white-sand beaches are worth the drive. On the way back, stop at Kingston, a quaint little town with a rich history located on the shores of Lake Ontario. Visit Fort Henry (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) and the old penitentiary. Take a cruise to 1000 Islands, the Saint Lawrence River's iconic archipelago. Stay the night at one of the many campgrounds in the region, Rideau Acres (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) and the 1,000 Islands/Kingston KOA Holiday (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) to name just two. After all that beauty, you’ll be in sensory overload all the way home.
Surf and turf in British Columbia
Who wouldn’t want to take a road trip to BC? Spanning from the Rockies to the Pacific, this province has everything you need for a memorable road trip. Although there are many RV routes in British Columbia, the best-known (and most awe-inspiring) is the famous Sea to Sky Highway, which runs from Vancouver to Whistler. Outdoor enthusiasts, this one’s for you!
Start in Vancouver. Put your vertigo to the test on the Capilano Suspension Bridge (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) and then take a leisurely stroll through Stanley Park (This hyperlink will open in a new tab). Young and old will enjoy the whale-watching excursions. Stop at one of the many campgrounds in the region. After a few days in the provincial capital, head north to Squamish, to the impressive granite cliffs of Stawamus Chief Park (This hyperlink will open in a new tab). This is hikers’ paradise. There's even a microbrewery route (This hyperlink will open in a new tab), that we recommend doing... on foot! Next, head to Whistler, where luxury meets wilderness. There’s something for everyone here! Less than an hour's drive from Whistler is Pemberton (This hyperlink will open in a new tab), your final stop. Set in a spectacular valley, this village of less than 3,000 is the perfect family playground. Book a site at Nairn Falls Provincial Park (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) and enjoy this exceptional setting. RVing across British Columbia is an exhilarating adventure, where you admire Mother Nature’s masterpiece.
Whether in a motorhome, camper trailer or a van, travelling across the country brings you closer to nature and people. Travel at your own pace, extend stays in places you like and check out the view. Travelling in an RV means getting acquainted with the great outdoors and making friends. Have a safe trip!
