Campsites on your way to Saguenay and Lac Saint-Jean

UPDATE DAY

If in your choice of camping vacation you have decided to go to Saguenay or Lac Saint-Jean, on your way, via the Laurentides wildlife reserve, two campsites can be interesting stops to make .

“Over the years, we have developed infrastructures and activities that can meet the expectations of today's camping enthusiasts,” explains the director of the reserve, Mathieu Caron. Whatever the type of equipment, we are able to accommodate them at the La Loutre campsite, and to a lesser extent, at the Belle-Rivière campsite. »

So, campers heading towards the Saguenay can stop for an evening or two at the La Loutre campground, located behind l'Étape, easily accessible by route 175.

“We are located about an hour from Quebec City, on the shores of Lake Jacques-Cartier, with access to a beautiful sandy shore, explains the director. We offer 116 campsites with 36 three-service campsites, 49 two-service campsites and 31 unserviced campsites. For larger vehicles, it should be mentioned that the sites have been set up in a Pull Through mode, which means that people can get in and out of their location more easily. Also, we offer a series of 10 Etoile ready-to-camp, allowing people who do not have camping equipment to enjoy the site. It's all there. »

To access this campsite, you do not have to do a gravel road. Also, you are close to the Stage where there are various services that could be useful to you.

ACTIVITIES

During a stay on this site , you will have access to several activities for young and old.

“ We have laid out walking trails that lead hikers to a lookout offering a breathtaking view of Lac Jacques-Cartier and the mountains that surround the site. There are playgrounds for children, picnic tables on the sandy shore of the lake, explains the director. There is also a volleyball court and a petanque area. It is also possible to rent bicycles on site. »

For basic needs, there are toilet blocks and a huge community room with kitchen and other equipment. Everything has been thought out to offer you the most pleasant stay.

Naturally as is the custom, who says wildlife reserve says fishing. If you feel like it, you will have access to 16 very fishy lakes which are attached to the campsite's fishing plan. On site, experts from the reserve will be able to give you advice and tips for success.

Finally, this campsite is a very interesting stop on your vacation route.

LAKE-SAINT-JEAN

Well installed on the edge of the lake, the ready-to-camp tents of the Belle-Rivière campground allow you to fully enjoy your stay in nature.

If you decide to go to Lac-Saint-Jean by taking the reserve, by road 169, you will see the Belle-Rivière campground.

Located north of the reserve, it is a few kilometers from the city of Alma.

“It is smaller than the La Loutre campground, but it can still accommodate traveling campers who would like to stop during their journey to Lac-Saint-Jean, explains the director. For me, I consider it a family destination par excellence because there is a playground for children, water activities, a sandy shore, the possibility of biking and hiking. People who wish can rent a canoe, a kayak or a rowboat with a motor. There is also a complete sanitary block, in which campers will find the services they may need. In terms of available sites, there are 41, 15 of which can accommodate a recreational vehicle. We also have four ready-to-camp tents on site. 

If you want to take advantage of your stay to tease the speckled trout that abounds in the lakes of the reserve, you will not be left out. In addition to being able to fish on the lake in front of the campsite, you have the possibility of fishing on one of the 18 lakes available to campers. The reputation of the Laurentides wildlife reserve for its hundreds of lakes filled with speckled trout is not overrated. You will have plenty of fun and excellent meals.

♦ So, if you want to take advantage of the facilities of one or even both of these campsites, you can obtain information on the costs and services, you will find your answers on the sepaq.com website, under the Laurentian Wildlife Reserve tab. You can also call 1 800 665-6527.

A very useful service

The Fédération québécoise de camping et de caravaning (FQCC) now offers a very attractive roadside assistance package to its members. By subscribing to this service, you will be entitled to roadside assistance, towing of your vehicle or you will have the possibility of obtaining road maps. All packages include four service calls per vehicle listed and trip planning assistance. These services are offered in Canada and the United States, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A very important point to note: you will receive an answer in French. To obtain information on this promotion, the costs according to the vehicles chosen and more, simply contact the FQCC at 1 877 650-3722, ext 750. You can then add roadside assistance to your membership.