Should I book campsites in Quebec in advance for summer?

Hi there,

I’m planning a family van trip from July 24 to August 14, 2025, from Montréal to Tadoussac. Is it necessary to book campsites in advance?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Gigi.

I highly recommend booking in advance. Especially since you’ll be there during Quebec’s construction holiday (the last two full weeks of July). That’s when all the construction workers take their vacation. Cheers

Thanks so much for your reply! Duly noted.

Happy holidays!

Gigi

I almost forgot to ask:

- How far in advance is it necessary to book? - What are the general cancellation policies (fees)?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Gigi

I’m not sure about the cancellation policies. You’ll probably find that info online for the places you’re planning to stop.

When should you book? Depending on your route, it might be necessary to reserve as soon as the booking period opens—sometimes as early as the beginning of January for certain spots. For example, in SEPAQ campgrounds, the best sites are gone within 24 hours during Construction Holiday. So don’t wait too long. Keep an eye on when booking dates open, as they can vary from place to place.

Sorry I can’t be more specific.

Cheers

hi, As Bauhaus mentioned, you’ll be right in the middle of Construction Holiday, which, all things considered, is basically Quebec’s version of "July 15 to August 15" in France (a time when a lot of people are on vacation!). Historically, it was for construction workers, but now it’s pretty much everyone!! You’d be even better off booking ahead since you’ll be in a van. That said, I know there are websites and apps that show spots where you can park your van for the night! For example, I’m thinking of https://www.boondockerswelcome.com/searchhosts/, but there are definitely others (I’m not a vanlifer, so I’m not super up-to-date!!)

Hi, It’s really recommended to book ahead. I remember that on certain dates, I had a hard time finding spots at all.

Thanks to everyone for your replies. A few questions have come to mind:

1- Should I book well in advance for the period from June 24th to July 12th? 2- Is there a comprehensive list of campsites available online? 3- Is there a central booking system for campsites? 4- Do bookings require payment? 5- Is wild camping possible if there are no more spots available in campsites?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Gigi

Hoping to answer your questions;

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I have a few questions:

1- Should we book well in advance for the period from June 24 to July 12?

I think we’ve already answered this question, and based on the replies, it’s highly recommended that you do.

2- Is there a comprehensive list of campsites available online?

Not that I know of. You’ll need to search by region. Maybe SEPAQ has one.

3- Is there a central booking system for campsites?

Not that I’m aware of.

4- Do bookings require payment?

Almost always, a deposit is required.

5- Is wild camping possible if campsites are fully booked?

With a van, you can sometimes park in the lots of certain large centers, but forget about services. Also, since the pandemic, some more touristy cities have banned this kind of activity—there was too much abuse. A few years ago, a group of RVs would gather in the municipal park parking lot for a few days, but we don’t see them anymore. Maybe look into RV sites.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

You’re welcome,

Gigi

Greetings

Definitely, you’ll be traveling during peak season. If you’re camping in the parks, go to the website. You’ll see that sites are limited. Reservations have been open since November. sepac.com

No wild camping. In a Walmart parking lot!

No wild camping. In a Walmart parking lot!

It definitely wasn’t you I saw in Rosemère or in the parking lot of my town’s baseball field!!!