Because why wouldn’t you combine the outdoor with a cold one? Over a few years I have taken the habit of always stopping by a local brewery on the way back from a week end in the wild. Let’s just call it a well-deserved reward for paddling and hiking all day. 😉
I have a soft spot in my heart for a local brewery’s vibe: locals usually gather there, so you can taste the authenticity ! You can also usually get a decent meal and above all : the beer is good! So here are some of the discoveries I made along the way, feel free to complete this list with your own entries!
Outaouais :
Getaway at Gatineau National Park, with its many camping spots. Pick one by a lake, or one along a beautiful beach, or by a lookout or even by great falls. You’ll get all the wilderness you need, only 15 minutes away from Ottawa inner city !
If you’re getting back to Montreal, drop by the charming village of Montebello to check out the local brewery.
Hautes-Laurentides :
Now this campsite is only accessible on foot. So that’s a good challenge, one rewarded by superb lookouts of the surrounding area, the calmness of nature and a unique experience. Welcome to the Montagne du Diable Regional Park!
If you start missing civilization after one peaceful night, check out the Microbrasserie du Lièvre, the local brewery !
Laurentides :
Mont-Tremblant National Park is a must-see destination for anyone who enjoys nature. The place is simply astonishing, and if you’re not easily scared by the fresh nights of autumn, a night camping during the Indian summer will really be worth your while !
After a nice hiking day, you will get all the fun you need at the Baril Roulant brewery in Val-David, and tasty beers to quench your thirst.
Lanaudière :
There is quite a sight waiting for you at the Lac taureau Regional Park. Picture this: a gigantic water tank, so big it almost looks like an ocean. Wide beaches that will make you feel like you’re on some tropical vacations… If you could switch the firs for palm trees that is! Quite the spot to camp.
On the road to Montreal, stop by the town of Joliette and its local brewery named Albion. This is one of my favorite places to hit; with games at your disposal and excellent beers, this is a really friendly place.
Mauricie :
Try out the unforgettable canoe-camping experience at La Mauricie National Park. Wake up early in the morning and admire the rising sun with a hot cup of coffee in your hand on your little beach.
On the way back, stop by Shawinigan and its popular local brewery: le Trou du Diable. Be sure to sit outside if the weather allows it, and if you’re an IPA fan, this place will feel just like home.
Cantons-de-l ’Est :
There is a real family vibe to the Mount-Orford National Park, with its many nautical activities: Canoe, pedal boat, or even Stand-up paddle, getting more popular every year. There are some nice hiking trails as well, like the Sentier des Crêtes (quite the sight in autumn). My advice: stay at least two days to spend a night camping.
A few minutes away from the park stands La Memphré, the local brewery where you’ll enjoy a well-earned break. And if the trail made you hungry, check out their cheese fondue to accompany your beer!
Charlevoix :
Whatever you choose to do in Charlevoix you will not be disappointed, for this region has so much to offer: gleaming rivers, impressive mountains, charming villages and good gastronomy. What else would you need to spend a few days away from everything?
If it is camping you’re looking for, you will find all the challenges you need at the Grands-Jardins and des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Parks : like the Via Ferrata and the Acropole des Draveurs hiking trail, among other things.
However a trip to Charlevoix will not be complete until you’ve stopped at the Charlevoix local brewery! Trust me when I say you have to try the Dominus Vobiscum (white beer). But I’m sure you will find a beer to your liking here anyway.
Bas St-Laurent :
Where you will witness the most beautiful sunsets in the world. More on that matter in our Top 5 romantic camping sites. 😉 The road itself is a beauty and will lead you all the way to Gaspésie, but that is a trip for another time. The Gaspésie National Park awaits, hiking to the top of Mount Albert or to the top of Mount Jacques Cartier : the perfect place to observe moose and actually one of the few places where it is actually possible.
As for a place to spend the night, I suggest the camping spot on the shore of the Cascapédia Lake, where the morning mists calmly rise over grounded canoes. Simply magical.
On your way back, stop by Matane and its lively La Fabrique local brewery. Your vision of Poutine will change when faced with their shrimps Poutine with a white wine sauce, accompanied by some good white beer ! Trust me, these guys know what they’re doing.
Gaspésie :
Let’s say you’re in the middle of your trip through Gaspésie, and you’ve just reached the charming town of Percé. In the summer, the place is filled with activities and admiring le Rocher-Percé, famous throughout the region, never gets old. The Côte Surprise camping will grant you a unique point of view and unforgettable sunsets!
At the heart of all the excitement of Percé lies the Pit Caribou local brewery. Enjoy the terrace by the sea as you sip the very best lager of your life (totally not kidding). Maybe you’ll even have another 😉
