Camping with Your Dog in Québec: Best Spots and What to Pack

Dog-Friendly Camping Rules in Québec

Before setting out, familiarize yourself with Québec’s camping and park rules regarding dogs:

• Sépaq Parks: Dogs are allowed in designated areas of many Sépaq parks (e.g., Frontenac, Mont-Orford, Jacques-Cartier), including some trails and campsites. Always check the park’s map and regulations ahead of time.

• National Parks (Parks Canada): In Québec, some national parks allow dogs on leashes in certain areas. La Mauricie National Park, for instance, has designated pet-friendly trails and campgrounds.

• ZECs and Regional Parks: Often more flexible, these wilderness zones are excellent options for more remote camping with dogs, provided your pup is leashed and under control.

Top Dog-Friendly Camping Spots in Québec

Here are some of the best places to pitch your tent or park your camper with your canine companion.

1. Parc national de Frontenac – Eastern Townships

This hidden gem near Lac Saint-François is one of the most dog-friendly Sépaq parks. Dogs are allowed on certain trails, beaches, and at pet-friendly campsites. The Saint-Daniel sector offers lakefront views, canoeing, and a peaceful forest backdrop.

Highlights:

• Access to dog-friendly hiking trails (with posted signage)

• Beautiful lakeside camping spots

• Paddle sports permitted with dogs onboard

2. ZEC des Martres – Charlevoix

For those seeking solitude and rugged terrain, ZEC des Martres offers primitive camping with epic views and access to quiet lakes and hiking. ZECs are less regulated than national parks, making them ideal for experienced campers with well-trained dogs.

Highlights:

• Remote and uncrowded

• Great fishing and paddling opportunities

• Affordable overnight permits

3. Camping du Parc – Mont-Tremblant

This private campground near the Mont-Tremblant National Park is perfect for families and first-time campers. They offer dog-friendly sites with access to hiking trails and rivers, and even a small dog beach.

Highlights:

• Full-service and rustic camping options

• Easy access to pet-friendly trails

• Great for shorter weekend getaways

4. La Mauricie National Park – Mauricie

Part of Parks Canada, La Mauricie offers some of the best maintained trails and facilities in Québec. Dogs are allowed in campgrounds and on several trails, including the stunning Mekinac and Rivière-à-la-Pêche loops.

Highlights:

• Scenic viewpoints and waterfalls

• Organized campgrounds with amenities

• Clear dog regulations

5. Lac Taureau Regional Park – Lanaudière

This park is perfect for water-loving dogs. Lac Taureau’s vast shoreline and soft-sand beaches are dog-friendly, and many waterfront campsites are accessible by car or canoe.

Highlights:

• Pet-friendly beaches

• Canoe camping available

• Stunning sunsets and wildlife watching

How to Choose the Right Campsite With Your Dog

When booking a campsite, consider:

• Space and privacy: Dogs are more comfortable with room to roam.

• Shade and access to water: Especially important in summer months.

• Distance from trails: Easy trail access helps avoid unnecessary car rides.

• Noise levels: Less foot traffic = a calmer environment for reactive or anxious dogs.

If your dog is reactive to people, dogs, or wildlife, avoid campgrounds near playgrounds, bathrooms, or trailheads.

What to Pack: A Dog Camping Checklist

A well-prepared pack means fewer surprises. Here’s everything you should bring when heading into the wild with your dog.

🐾 Dog Essentials

• Leash and harness (non-retractable): Required in all public parks. Use a sturdy, escape-proof harness.

• ID tags and microchip info: Up-to-date contact information is crucial.

• Vaccination records: Required in some parks and campgrounds.

• Waste bags: Pack more than you think you’ll need. Always pick up after your dog.

• Food and treats: Bring more than you need—your dog will burn extra energy outdoors.

• Water and portable bowls: Never let your dog drink from lakes or rivers directly.

• Poop container: In areas where there are no garbage bins, carry-out rules apply.

🏕️ Comfort and Sleep

• Dog bed or sleeping mat: Keeps them insulated from the cold ground.

• Blanket or sleeping bag: For cooler nights, especially in the mountains or early/late season.

• Towel: For drying off after swims or rain.

🧰 Safety and First Aid

• Tick remover: Ticks are prevalent in most of Québec's forested regions.

• Dog-safe bug spray: Mosquitoes and black flies can be brutal.

• First-aid kit: Include tweezers, gauze, antiseptic, and paw balm.

• Booties (optional): Protects paws from rough terrain or hot surfaces.

• Light or reflective gear: A clip-on LED light or reflective collar is essential for visibility.

🧳 Bonus Items for Extra Fun

• Floating toy: Great for lakeside campsites.

• Long lead: Use a 10-20 ft lead to give freedom while staying safe.

• Dog backpack: Your pup can carry their own water and treats.

• Cooling vest (summer) or jacket (fall): Québec’s weather can be unpredictable.

Safety Tips for Camping With Dogs

1. Respect Wildlife

Québec’s wilderness is home to moose, bears, porcupines, and coyotes. Keep your dog on leash and avoid leaving food or waste near your tent.

2. Watch the Weather

Heat and storms are common in summer. Make sure your dog has shelter and hydration. In cooler months, don’t underestimate how cold a forest can get at night.

3. Know Your Dog

If your dog isn’t comfortable around strangers, pick a remote site. If they bark excessively, avoid tightly packed campgrounds. Respecting others helps keep parks dog-friendly.

4. Leave No Trace

Follow all Leave No Trace principles, including packing out waste and staying on trails. Dog behavior impacts how parks view pet policies—be an ambassador for responsible dog owners.

Seasonal Considerations

• Spring (May–June): Wet trails, ticks, and black flies are common. Bring insect repellent and avoid areas with heavy runoff or flooding.

• Summer (July–August): Ideal weather, but crowded parks and heat can be challenging. Choose shaded sites and camp near water.

• Fall (September–October): Gorgeous foliage, cooler temps, and fewer bugs make fall the best season for dog camping. Bring warm gear and check hunting schedules for safety.

Local Québec Brands That Can Help

Shopping locally for your camping and dog gear supports the community. Look for:

• Québec-based outfitters for high-quality camping gear

• Pet shops specializing in outdoor dog equipment

• Online retailers like Migrou, where quality meets thoughtful design

Conclusion: Adventure Starts With the Right Gear

Camping with your dog in Québec is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the province’s wild beauty. Whether you’re stargazing beside a secluded lake or hiking through golden forests, every moment is richer with your dog by your side.

Before you hit the trail, make sure your pup is equipped for the journey. Our Walking Set is designed for exactly this kind of adventure—durable, resistant to the elements, and built for comfort during long days on the trail or by the campfire. With Migrou gear, you and your dog can explore confidently, no matter where Québec’s wild roads lead you.