Spend 4 days and 3 nights van camping in La Jacques-Cartier this spring.
Spend 4 days and 3 nights van camping in La Jacques-Cartier this spring. Let the scenery, the trails, and the whitewater be your guide on this outdoor adventure.
Day 1: Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
Your adventure begins as you hit the road, heading for the sprawling Réserve faunique des Laurentides. From the moment you arrive at Espace Nomade located at the Camp Mercier, you’ll know that you’re in a vast, untamed wilderness. The site is best for self-sufficient campers who are passing through, but it does offer a number of convenient amenities like picnic tables, charging stations, and fire pits in shared areas where you can socialize with your fellow campers.
In the afternoon, take it even easier by grabbing your fishing rod and heading to one of the lakes to try and catch a brook trout, also known as the speckled trout. Fishing is part of the history of this land, and the reserve in particular is known as a prime spot. Just head to the reception area to find the best lake.
In the evening, the campsite is enveloped in an almost meditative calm. As you enjoy a meal you made in your van, make sure to soak in the silence and the starry sky—one of those simple pleasures that turns into a lifelong memory.
Day 2 – Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval and Lac-Beauport
The next morning, hit the road again for the second leg of your trip, heading for the new Camping de la Montagne Berryman. You’ll feel the energy shift: the forest is still there, but you’ll start to sense the excitement of the other outdoor enthusiasts. The site itself has a reception building with creature comforts like showers, restrooms, a workspace with WiFi, a laundry room, and soon a café and store.
Once you’re all set up, stretch your legs at the nearby Sentiers du Moulin, known for its outstanding hiking and biking trails.
Ascents are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, while the descents are a thrilling adrenaline rush. After a few hours of effort and a well-deserved aperitif or supper at the Buvette du Moulin, it’s time to return to the campsite for a rest.
Day 3 – Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval and Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
The third day holds the promise of even more adventure. Head to Expéditions Nouvelle Vague for a rafting trip on the Jacques-Cartier river. What better way to create memories that will last a lifetime?
Between hiking, biking, fishing, and rafting, every day is an opportunity to enjoy a new facet of La Jacques-Cartier. And even after you head back home, one thing is certain: you’ll know you’ve found a place you can return to again and again.
Van rental : Québec Campervan
Reserve at Espace Nomade au Camp Mercier, Réserve faunique des Laurentides
Reserve at Camping de la Montagne Berryman
Outdoors and camping material rentals: Quatre Natures et Locapaq
Written by Tourisme Jacques-Cartier