Quebec and Montreal RV Parks

???

HI: We are planning a trip to Canada in June. So far we have not settled on a RV park in Quebec. And, we need some suggestions for Montreal.

The first trip we took was too many miles with too little down time. Don't want to do that again. Quebec is about 7 hours from NJ and/or PA, from which we will launch. We might have a full week. Any suggestions on how to break it up so that we don't spend all our time in the car or spending time in a city that does not require so much time.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Sheila

Personally I would recommend staying in Vermont and if you must drive the toad into Quebec.  There is a nice Park called Limehurst Lake South of Barrie VT.  Small lake and outstanding surroundings.

Hi: Not sure I understand why you'd suggest we stay in Vermont? We don't tow a car. At some point, if we want to visit Quebec, don't we have to go to Quebec?

We are new.

Help.

Ed and Sheila

Hi, I am sure you will love visiting Quebec and Montreal and if you wish you can travel 1 1/2 hours west of Montreal and come to the capitol of Canada which is Ottawa, Ontario, all 3 cities are beautiful.

In Quebec I can't tell you about a campsite near or in the city but I do know of a place in Montreal, there is a nice campsite that offer bus tours right from the campsite and it is called Camping Aloette and it can handle coaches of all sizes.

North of Quebec City I do know of one and it is called valcartier and if you are travelling with children it has an amazing water park for their fun, it is not near enough of the city though so without a tow car you are pretty much stuck there.  I will look in some books I have to see if I can find you anything else. 

Have a great trip!

Hi: I have printed our your suggestions. Thank you so much. This is the fun of not
"flying blind." We drive, with our eyes wide open, thanks to all the experts who share where they have been.

Again, thank you.

Ed and Sheila

I would second Cammping auolette near Montreal.  Near Quebec I would recommend  Camping Bernieres (St Nicolas ). We stayed there two years ago and were happy with both.  There is also a nice looking KOA just outsdide Quebec City.  Both cities are well worth the time.

Tony

I can't believe anyone would recommend staying in New Jersey and drive a toad to Quebec.  Illogical. Could that person be biaised against French Canadians ?
We stayed in Bernieres last year, 3-4 miles from Quebec City. It is an excellent campground, with a nice pool, a lot of family activities, superb services for the cost. Reserve early. Don't know about Valcartier; I used to be a military officer at the base up there (1972 !) , but I am not very familiar with their campground.  It is probably a good place also, but about 20 miles further. We plan to spend a month in Quebec again this summer; we will stay either at Bernieres, or at the KOA. We were born and lived in Quebec City for 34 years before we moved to US, so we know the City extremely well. Should you need some suggestions or help, let us know; if we happen to be there at the same time, Suzanne and I would love to be your tour guides.

Last summer we stayed at Camping Aeroport
2050 Aeroport
Quebec City,
Quebec G2E 3L9
800-294-1574

Sat friendly, friendly staff, bus tour of city picks up and delivers you from the CG.

Steve P noted this place in 1999:
We just returned from a marvelous trip around the Quebec City region.  The best surprise was a free campground, yes free...at the famous Catholic Basilica at Ste Anne de Beaupre.

The Basilica is reminiscent of the grand cathedrals of Europe, and is located ten miles east of Quebec City on route 138.

The campground is accross the road from the Basilica, on the shore of the St. Lawrence River (waterfront camping) on a grass fiels which is about 100 acres.

There are no hook ups, but dumping facilities are available on the church grounds for $5.00.  That's $5.00 Canadian money, so about $1.16 U.S. <BG>

A donation can be made, but not asked for, at the Basilica.

There is lots to see and do in the area, including the casino at Pointe au Pic, about 50 miles east on rte 138.

They usually let you stay three nights, before asking if you are planning to stay longer if on a pilgrimmage.

Hi: We live between NY, NJ and PA. It all depends upon where our Winnebago (maison-de-chien) is parked as we plan to leave.  I don't know if I mentioned this but the DH is crazy about our Westie and I know he secretly chose to get involved with RV life because flying with her was so hard. Thus, 'maison-de-chien.'

Thank you for the offer of tour guides. What fun. Once our plans are set, I will send out the alert.


Sheila

Hi: Just checked the web for Aeroport-- no dogs. Sheila

We stayed at the Quebec KOA. Easy drive to Old Quebec City and a few other attractions. Can't recall if they have pet restrictions.

Edit: Their local (French) web site suggests they allow pets.

    The Quebec government has a good website that you should visit, just be careful to click on English.  Personally, while both Montreal and Quebec offer a lot of unique charm, I prefer camping along the Gaspe coast downriver from Quebec City.  There are dozens of private and Provincial Parks that offer total relaxation and beauty, fishing, hiking, sightseeing, like none that you will see anywhere in the States.  A week will be tight, but do-able.
      Ron, the days of driving back and forth to Montreal from norhtern Vermont died with 9-11 and your homeland security rules.  No problem getting into Canada, but some days it takes hours to cross into the States.  And for gosh sakes, turn off your engine when they tell you to, the crossing gards are now pepper spraying you if you don't.

Hfx_Cdn said:

     And for gosh sakes, turn off your engine when they tell you to, the crossing gards are now pepper spraying you if you don't.

Click to expand...

What?!?! Are you serious?

Thanks for the tips. Who is "Ron" that you mention in your email? I am confused. Sheila

Hi Hfx_Cdn: We have not gotten to the point of towing a car. Would you still recommend the Gaspe Coast? Is it possible and feasible to rent a car-- and get around?

Thanks. Sheila

Hfx_Cdn said:

           Ron, the days of driving back and forth to Montreal from norhtern Vermont died with 9-11 and your homeland security rules.  No problem getting into Canada, but some days it takes hours to cross into the States.  And for gosh sakes, turn off your engine when they tell you to, the crossing gards are now pepper spraying you if you don't.

Click to expand...

We haven't been across the border since 9/11.  Use to be more hassle going in to Quebec than coming back.  Can't say much about campgrounds in Quebec since just once was enough and after that we just avoided them till we got out of Quebec.

Sheila,
Ron is a dedicated staff member of the RV Forum who spend a lot of their time, for free, sharing their experience and knowledge to the benefits of RV ers.
Last year, we spent 2 hrs a the border, trying to get to Montreal; it was on a Saturday night at 7 PM; next time, we will make sure we enter during the first days of the week, early morning.
Also, when you talk about Quebec, remember that Quebec is a Province (State), and Quebec City is a Town, the Capital of the Province of Quebec. It helps to specify what you are talking about.
I agree that campgrounds in Quebec City are not the first class campgrounds we are accustomed to here in the Sates; gated, with full concrete slabs, palm trees, security, twice a day garbage pick up at your door, etc. Campgrounds in Quebec City are only open about 5 months a year; KOA for example is open from May 1, to October 15. I guess that resources are limited. We plan to use KOA this year, especially since Tom (also a staff Member) recommended it. Bernieres was fine; nothing fancy; reasonable price; no concrete,  gravel roads and sites, tight, probably 70% seasonals, quiet at night, about 1 mile form the KOA, and about 15 minutes from the bridges to cross the St Lawrence river, may be 30-40 minutes from downtown Quebec City, about 1 hr from Montmorency Falls, Orleans Island and Beaupre Cathedral. At least 50% of the Campgrounds we use in US are about like that.
If I had one suggestion to visit the old Quebec City, I would go to Levis, which is just across Quebec City, on the St Lawrence River;  from Bernieres or KOA, taking Highway 20 East, you should be there in 20-30 minutes. Park the car close to the Ferry for one day, then take the Ferry across to Quebec City ( the view is breath taking). You can also take your car on the Ferry boat, but you will lose a lot of time in the traffic, trying to find a parking place. Spend the day there walking in the lower City for a few hours, then use the elevator to go up to the Chateau Frontenac, the Terrace and the heart of Quebec City ( as many hours as you want to), then take the Ferry back to Levis; believe me this is a FULL day of work. You may be exhausted at the end , but  you will never forget this day.

While in Quebec and if you like like chocolate and ice cream take a 30 min drive or take the ferry and go to Les Chocolats Favoris in Levis, Quebec.  Get a chocolate dipped ice cream cone and it will be a memory for life.  My wife and I did this last year and it was one of the trip highlights.  I know that seems a bit odd that chocolate or ice cream could be such a memory but until you have eaten one you will never know or have the memory.  Trust me on this.

    OK Bruce, it only happened once, and that was about 2 weeks ago, but yes I'm serious.  The driver was pissed at the officiousness of the border guard, asked him to say please, and the guard showed him who was in charge.  He didn't even get a slap on the wrist.
    As for travelling to the Gaspe without a toad, that a subjective question/answer.  There are a lot of campsites that offer plenty of walking and biking opportunities, and the roads offers great views, and the towns do have car rentals, but each is unique and the decision of what constitutes too much trouble is really yours.  That's why we broke down last year and bought a toad.

Hi: Thank you for all the info. I know this is a newbie question, but what is a 'toad.' The rig? or the car you are pulling behind it?  : Thanks, Sheila