Top Provincial Parks Near Montreal and Around Quebec
As Montrealers are discovering, there are thousands of beautiful and historic parks in the Quebec region—and you can easily spend a weekend exploring them all!
Whether you’re planning a family road trip or a weekend getaway, one of the best things to do in Montreal is visit the province’s beautiful provincial parks.
With hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and natural beauty, these parks are ideal for all levels of experience. Here are 5 of the top provincial parks near Montreal to check out next time you’re in the area.
Here are the top provincial parks around and near montreal
1. Oka Park
Among the urban chaos of Montreal, Oka Park is a welcome haven. This park is a paradise of trails, animals, activities, camping, and stunning beaches, and it’s only a short distance north of the city.
The park also has the historic monument Calvaire d’Oka, which consists of four oraties and three chapels and dates back to the year 1740.
This park may be tiny, but it offers something for everyone, including Hippocampe recreational wheelchairs so individuals with disabilities may enjoy the park year-round, with its rich history, plenty of activities, beautiful beaches, stunning nature, and unique species.
If you don’t feel like roughing it during your camping trip, Oka Park also offers glamping campsites that come with everything you need, including sleeping cots, gas burners, a mini fridge, dishes, cooking utensils, and power.
2. Voyageur
Do not be deceived by the French sounding names. Voyageur Park, or Chute à Blondeau, is located in Ontario, approximately an hour’s drive from Montreal.
This beautiful park on the shores of the Ottawa River features four distinct beaches and many enjoyable pursuits for people of all ages.
Voyageur’s extensive coastline and onsite recreation equipment rentals make it a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are pathways for walking, cycling, and, in the winter, skiing and snowshoeing.
The campgrounds are suitable for tent camping (sorry, no glamping) or RVing, and campers looking for peace and quiet can select one of two campgrounds that do not allow dogs or radios (don’t worry, though; the main park is pet- and radio-friendly).
3. Plaisance
Plaisance seems like the most pleasurable thing there is, right? This park is great for families, but many visitors come here on their own to enjoy the tranquility and calm.
The area is often regarded as an ideal spot for practicing mindfulness meditation through strolling.
Wetlands are a defining feature of the park, providing a food source for the lush understory and a habitat for several species of birds and plants.
Trails for bicycling, swimming, boating, and fishing may also be found in Plaisance, in addition to the many hiking and walking paths.
Camping in Plaisance may be done in true luxury. They provide the option to stay in a tent, a yurt, a farmhouse, or in a cabin with all the modern conveniences.
4. Parc de la Gorge
Parc de la Gorge’s enormous gorge is, unsurprisingly, the park’s primary draw. Or, more accurately, the longest suspension footbridge in North America is utilized to traverse it.
It is neither a state or federally run park, but rather a private organization with a mission to protect the area’s natural splendor. If you’re feeling bold, crossing the footbridge is an experience that won’t be forgotten.
Foresta Lumina is a multimedia nocturnal experience of the park that transports visitors to the lesser-known realm of Quebec mythology, and it’s available both in the summer and the winter.
In the same vein as Jacques Cartier, Parc de la Gorge provides camping in both the summer and winter, as well as glamping and cabin rentals all year round.
5. Jacques-Cartier
Jacques Cartier Park is about a four-hour journey from Montreal, but the sights are well worth the trip.
There are several hiking and walking routes in this area, and the deep valleys, rocky terrain, and the Jacques Cartier river running through them all will let you come in touch with nature and forget about the hustle and bustle of the metropolis you left behind.
Jacques Cartier is one of the few parks that permits camping throughout the winter, making for a really unique camping experience.
Camping in a tent, yurts, cabins, primitive shelters, and the breathtaking EXPerience cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows for a close encounter with nature (although behind glass) are all available.
Best provincial and national parks in Québec
1. Mont-Tremblant
Mont-Tremblant is the largest protected area in Québec, and as such, it provides a luxurious getaway into the heart of nature with its lakes, rivers, and, of course, breathtaking mountains.
The park’s namesake mountain is among the Laurentians’ tallest, making it a favorite wintertime destination for skiers and snowboarders in the Montreal area.
Canoeists and kayakers will find themselves in heaven along the Diable River’s 12 kilometer stretch throughout the summer months.
Offering both traditional tent camping and year-round yurts, the park has been known as one of the top camping locations in Québec.
Distance from Montreal: 2 hours
Distance from Québec City: approx. 4 hours
Entrance fee: $9.00
Other details: You may pay to park your car at the park’s garage. You may find restaurants and shops within a 20-kilometer radius of the park, in addition to the park’s own stores and dining services.
Chalets are offered from November to March, and from April to October, tent camping, oTENTik camping, yurts, and cubic Étoile accommodations are available.
Borrowable baby gear is offered, and dogs are welcome in some rooms.
2. Grands-Jardins
Grands-Jardin, a harsh outdoor playground where tundra and boreal woodland mix, is a remarkable gem of the Charlevoix area. Only 90 minutes from Québec City, it offers a genuine experience of northern Québec.
The park is rich in unique animals, such as moose, black bear, grey wolf, lynx, and woodland caribou, because it is a member of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve.
Anglers from all over have been flocking to this park for over a century since it is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Québec.
Distance from Montreal: 4 hours 15 minutes
Distance from Québec City: 1.5 hours
Entrance fee: $9.00
Other details: There is a fee-based parking lot within the park’s gates. A variety of dining alternatives are available in the park’s service centers, and the Charlevoix area is brimming with places to stay and eat.
From April through October, guests may reserve tent sites, oTENTik campsites, and chalets; in the off-season, they can stay in winterized cabins. Borrowable child care items and dog-friendly spaces are also accessible here.
3. La Mauricie
La Mauricie is another one of our favorite Québec national parks close to Montreal, and it’s conveniently located about midway between the bustling metropolis and the capital of Québec City.
Although the park is well-known in the warmer months for its waterfalls and picturesque hiking paths, it truly comes into its own during the fall and winter for its magnificent foliage and winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
This park is perfect for a family vacation since it has plenty to do for people of all ages and ability levels, including a playground and entertainment options for kids.
Distance from Montreal: 2 hours 45 minutes
Distance from Québec City: 2 hours 15 minutes
Entrance fee: $7.90
Other details: With a valid park pass, visitors to La Mauricie can park in approved places like campgrounds and charge their electric vehicles. Guests may get meals and other necessities at the on-site eateries and gift shops.
Camping is available all year long, and visitors may also stay at the park’s luxurious Wabenaki-Andrew Estate. Some locations are designated as pet-friendly.
4. Jacques-Cartier
Located less than an hour away from Québec City, Jacques-Cartier National Park is one of the most accessible national parks in the region.
The park’s valley, carved by glacial streams, defines the terrain and provides exciting opportunities for exploration all year long, from rock climbing to river trips in canoes and kayaks.
Make the most of your time at a Québec City national park by getting outside and becoming inspired by the majestic Laurentian mountain and its many hiking routes.
Distance from Montreal: 3.5 hours
Distance from Québec City: 45 minutes
Entrance fee: $9.00
Other details: For a little price, you may park your car in the park itself. The park’s general store sells prepackaged meals and snacks.
You may reserve yurts, chalets, yurt cabins, and tent sites (both traditional and oTENTik) from April through October. Borrowable baby gear is available, and dogs are welcome in some places.
5. Fjord-du-Saguenay
The Scandinavian countries should make way. The fjord in the park’s core was carved by prehistoric glaciers and offers breathtaking panoramas of the park’s natural splendor.
Explore this gorgeous, unspoiled area by doing everything from stargazing to mountain riding. In order to really appreciate your time in the province, don’t miss out on Tadoussac, where you may go whale watching.
Distance from Montreal: approx. 6 hours
Distance from Québec City: 3.5 hours
Entrance fee: $9.00
Other details: You may pay to park your car at the park’s garage. Snacks may be purchased in any of the two tourist centers, and the city of Saguenay offers a greater selection of restaurants and stores.
From April till October, guests may choose between tent camping, oTENTik, and cottage stays. Borrowable child care items and dog-friendly places are provided throughout the main season.
6. Haute-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
It is fitting that this park, located in the center of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, takes its name from the glacial valleys that carve their way through some of the highest mountains east of the Rockies.
In the spring and summer, this park is one of the greatest in Québec for seeing a wide variety of fauna and plants up close while hiking or rock climbing.
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience this winter, try your hand at dog sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or even ice climbing.
Distance from Montreal: approx. 5 hours
Distance from Québec City: 2 hours
Entrance fee: $9.00
Other details: Within the park, parking is accessible for a price. Stop by the service station at La Draveur for some smoked pork, cheese, and beer made in neighboring Charlevoix.
From April to October, guests may stay in chalets, while from November to March, they can choose between tent camping, oTENTik camping, and cubic Étoile lodgings.
Dogs are permitted in some places, and parents can borrow babysitting equipment as needed.
7. Gaspésie
A road journey throughout the Gaspé Peninsula, including stops at Gaspésie and other national parks, is an experience you’ll never forget.
Known as one of the top hiking spots in Québec, this park is also home to the sole herd of woodland caribou south of the St. Lawrence River.
Take advantage of the year-round camping opportunities, learn about the region’s rich and varied fauna, and see the wonders of this alpine hiker’s paradise.
Distance from Montreal: 8 hours
Distance from Québec City: 5 hours 50 minutes
Entrance fee: $9.00
Other details: You may pay to park your car at the park’s garage. The Gîte du Mont-Albert provides packed lunches, or you may purchase some sandwiches and snacks at the Discovery Centre.
From April to October, guests may stay in chalets, and from November to March, they can choose between tent camping, oTENTik camping, and cubic Étoile lodgings. Borrowable baby gear is offered, and dogs are welcome in some rooms.
8. Forillon
Forillon, located at the very point of the peninsula, is another must-see on the Gaspésie Tour; the Mi’kmaq gave it the apt name “where the land ends.”
The seas off the park’s breathtaking shoreline are home to migrating humpback whales, and visitors may enjoy a wide variety of other outdoor pursuits, from kitesurfing to snorkeling with seals, during their visit.
Forillon, located approximately at the easternmost tip of the peninsula, offers an unparalleled view of the sunrise.
It is definitely worth getting up early to make the ascent to Cap-Bon-overlook Ami’s to see the sun rise over the horizon and cast a magical glow across the landscape.
Distance from Montreal: approx. 10 hours
Distance from Québec City: approx. 8 hours
Entrance fee: $7.90 high season, $5.70 shoulder
Other details: Campsites and other specified parking places within Forillon are open to visitors with a valid park permit, and electric vehicle charging stations are provided.
The coastal towns provide everything you need, from groceries to restaurants.
The park caters to campers with a wide variety of options, from oTENTiks and micrOcubes to oases and the more classic frontcountry and backcountry campsites.
Campsites open throughout the winter months allow visitors to enjoy the park year-round. Some locations are designated as pet-friendly.
As the most eastern point of the Gaspé Peninsula, Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé is a must-see for any visitor interested in Québec provincial parks.
The park creates a picture-postcard-worthy coastal setting with the iconic Percé Rock jutting out of the water and northern gannets swarming overhead.
Explore the island’s paths, go on a guided boat tour, or go scuba diving to get a close look at the island’s rich flora and animals.
Distance from Montreal: 10 hours 40 mins
Distance from Québec City: 8.5 hours
Entrance fee: $9.00
Other details: For a little price, you may park your car in the park itself. If you’re in need of a fast meal, the Resto des Margaulx is conveniently positioned next to the gannet colony and serves up dishes with a nautical twist.
In spite of the absence of hotels, B&Bs, and campgrounds inside the park itself, there is no shortage of such establishments in the surrounding area. Borrowable baby gear is available, and dogs are welcome in certain places.
Conclusion
There are 5 of the top provincial parks near Montreal. There are so many different kinds of parks in Canada, each offering its own unique scenery, experience, wildlife, and activities.
Whether you’re hiking the trails, camping in the backcountry, rafting through the rivers, or horseback riding along the ridges, you’ll find something to keep you busy and entertained.
