October is going to be here sooner than you think, so now is the time to reserve your fall camping trip in Quebec. After a summer of increased domestic travel (and the good and bad that comes with it) and quickly-filling campsites, this fall could be one of the busiest in living memory at the province's national parks and reserves. And, this year, these autumn getaways will be more critical than ever. They could be residents' last chance to enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest extent before a particularly stifling winter — when closures and festival cancellations will only exacerbate the limits to mobility brought on by the snow and ice. Editor's Choice: DAVIDsTEA Just Revealed The Only 7 Locations That Are Reopening In Quebec (VIDEO) The following campsites represent a wide range of experiences. There are tried-and-true spots at some of the most popular national parks within two hours of Montreal, but also some more out-of-the-way grounds that require a bit more travelling but could present an opportunity for a unique fall road trip. At one campsite, you might even be able to spot some whales swimming nearby. You'll be able to find stellar fall views in every case. Be aware that many campgrounds are requiring online reservations and are imposing limits on accommodations. Wildlife Sanctuary Port-Daniel Distance from Montreal: Nine hours and 40 minutes View this post on Instagram Sometimes, all you need is a little splash of colour 🦊 #autumn #vivreenregion #gaspesiejetaime #momanddog A post shared by R A C H E L M C I N N I S 🌞 (@rmmcinnis) on Oct 18, 2019 at 5:56am PDT This spot may be a little far from Montreal but the natural landscapes are worth every minute of the drive. From day fishing and hiking to wildlife watching and mushroom picking, there is a lot of fun to be had. Website Kiamika Regional Park Distance from Montreal: Two hours and 42 minutes View this post on Instagram L’endroit où j’ai été me cacher ces derniers jours 🏕 un petit coin de paradis perdu quelque part à Rivière-Rouge . . #voyagerauquebec #riviererouge #canotcamping #decrochercompletement A post shared by Valériie ✨ (@valerieeeleblanc) on Jul 2, 2020 at 6:41pm PDT This "well-kept secret" under three hours from Montreal features a large lake with dozens of islands and sandy beaches to explore. In the fall, the reflection doubles the foliage. As a bonus, it's even cheaper in the autumn than in the summer. More info Camping Paradis Marin Distance from Montreal: Six hours View this post on Instagram Good vibes on a good spot💋 A post shared by @ juliette_quirion on Oct 8, 2019 at 2:17pm PDT From the beautiful grounds, campers might even spot some whales swimming off-shore. Note that for the 2020 season, the site is only accepting RVs with their own bathrooms. Website Rouge-Matawin Wildlife Reserve Distance from Montreal: Two hours and 15 minutes View this post on Instagram Powroty do domu z wakacji są zawsze ciężkie. 😉 . . Les retours des vacances sont toujours durs. 😉 . . . . . #canada_pic #canada_photolovers #canadatravel #travelphotography #travelkids #travelguide #canada_gram #naturephotograpy #nature_perfection #earthfocus #beautifuldestinations A post shared by Montreal I Canada (@ulacalling) on Jul 18, 2020 at 12:05pm PDT Located a little over two hours from Montreal next to Mont-Tremblant National Park, this camping spot has enough to explore for a full weekend stay. Website Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve Distance from Montreal: Two hours and 20 minutes View this post on Instagram A post shared by Émeric Rodrigue-Graveline (@rodriguegraveline) on Feb 18, 2018 at 4:38am PST According to Sépaq, "the rich and diverse vegetation" at the reserve "creates ideal conditions for wildlife observation." The society also specifically highlights the "exceptional views from the Devlin, Resther, and Bondy mountains" and "the sandy beaches of Lac Écho, Lac Joinville, and Lac Marie-Le Franc." Website Jacques-Cartier National Park Distance from Montreal: Three hours and 10 minutes View this post on Instagram Have you ever been to Quebec in the fall? 🍁 Year after year it’s always such a magical season to witness 🍂 #jeffontheroad #quebecoriginal #explorecanada #cntraveler #sepaq #quebecregion @reseausepaq @tourismequebec @quebecregion A post shared by Jeff Frenette (@dezjeff) on Oct 29, 2018 at 6:16am PDT This national park is right outside the Quebec City region, three hours from Montreal. It's known for its rolling hills and sweeping valleys that offer optimal views for leaf-peepers. Website Saint-Maurice Wildlife Reserve Distance from Montreal: Two hours and 25 minutes View this post on Instagram Alors que les parcs Sepaq réouvre aujourd’hui, j’ai vraiment hâte de pouvoir reprendre le camping! 🏕 Et surtout le canot camping 🛶 #magicallandscape #landscapelovers #landscape_captures #landscapephotography #landscapephotographer #hiking #wildness #wildnature #wildnessaddict #majestic_earth #beautifulearth #bns_landscape #bestnatureshots #bestnatureshot #bestnatureshot_colorsplash #magicallandscape #hiking #hikingadventures #amazingshot #amazingshots #gottolove_this #sonya7r #sonyphotographer #sonyphotography A post shared by Des Feuilles Et Des Pattes (@desfeuillesetdespattes) on May 20, 2020 at 1:13pm PDT Just a little over two hours from Montreal, this quiet reserve, with its serene waters, is a great spot to set up camp and pass the day looking at the leaves. Sépaq indicates that there are several waterfalls visitors can try to locate. Website Mont-Orford National Park Distance from Montreal: One hour and 15 minutes View this post on Instagram Patiently waiting for sunset A post shared by Kael Rebick (@punkodelish) on Oct 19, 2019 at 6:19am PDT This super-popular national park in Estrie is only an hour and fifteen minutes from Montreal. Sépaq makes it clear: "hiking is definitely the best way to discover Parc national du Mont-Orford. It's the perfect way to get access to numerous viewpoints, which are said to be among the most spectacular of the Eastern Townships region." "In the fall," it says, "the forest presents a show featuring the flamboyant colours of the sugar maples." The park includes three campsites. Website We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment and obey any local laws. This article's cover image is used for illustrative purposes only.
