Camping a popular option for Quebec vacationers

Camping a popular option for Quebec vacationers

Camping in the province gaining in popularity among newcomers, young families, say organization

Younger people, newcomers and first-time camping enthusiasts are filling up campground sites across Quebec, according to camping organizations in the province.

A recent report by Camping Québec shows more than two million Quebecers went camping in 2025, up from 500,000 in its last report in 2021.

Francis Lessard, the general manager of the Fédération québécoise des campeurs et campeuses, notes that more and more young families are opting to go camping on their holidays.

"Our parents did it in the 60s, 70s, 80s before us. It's like a return to our roots, it seems," he told Radio-Canada.

Martin Grégoire, who owns the Lac-Saint-Augustin campground about 30 minutes from Quebec City, said he's also noticed that trend.

"Just a few years ago, it was retirees or pre-retirees who arrived with mega trailers. Now we see small families with three or four children in the back of a small motorhome, and it's something we find really exciting," he said.

The last time camping saw a surge in popularity was during the pandemic, Lessard said, but he believes other factors are at play this time around, including the economy and political tensions with the United States.

"People seem more inclined to stay in Quebec and there are perhaps fewer people crossing the border, so that's having an impact on our economy in general," he explained.

Lessard added that in the Quebec City region, the summer season got off to a "flying start." But the increase in popularity can come with added costs.

According to Camping Québec, campground owners invested an average of $112,000 in their infrastructure in the past year.

For Grégoire, new splash pads were a worthy investment.

"The more proactive we are, the more we renew our offerings, the more we attract people. That's what we've seen in recent years," he said.

Last year, campgrounds in the province posted their highest occupancy rates since 2022, according to the Quebec Institute of Statistics.

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According to Grégoire, meeting the high expectations of campers is now a reality of the industry.

"A few years ago, people were keen on paddleboards. Now, our paddleboards are parked at the water's edge and stay there all summer," he said.

Lessard for his part said he doesn't know if it's because people have higher expectations, but acknowledges that "the range of options" available has expanded.

"There's something for everyone, depending on the level of service and comfort you're looking for," he said.

Written by Anchal Sharma based on reporting by Radio-Canada's Zachary Sanche and Flavie Sauvageau