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Heading into nature with young children often involves a mountain of logistics: setting up a tent, dealing with a deflating mattress and preparing complicated meals. A family glamping getaway in Quebec eliminates many of these inconveniences by offering the benefits of the outdoors without sacrificing comfort.
With beds already made, a solid roof and sometimes even a kitchenette, this type of unique accommodation gives parents a chance to relax while the children explore. The next step is choosing the right region, the right type of unit and activities suited to everyone's age. This guide covers the essentials for planning a successful family getaway.
Glamping, a combination of glamour and camping, brings together immersion in nature and the comfort of a fully equipped accommodation. For families, the appeal is simple: you can enjoy the forest, lakes and campfires without having to set up camp or sleep uncomfortably on the ground.
Units are often ready when guests arrive, with bedding, heating and storage space already provided. Many travellers see glamping as a gentle introduction to the outdoors and an ideal way to help children become comfortable sleeping in nature.
Comfort also affects sleep quality, which is especially important when travelling with young children. A proper bed, a waterproof roof and a stove or supplementary heater help prevent nights from being cut short by cold temperatures or rain. Parents can therefore spend less time managing logistics and more time enjoying the experience.
This type of accommodation also makes the outdoors accessible to families that do not own camping equipment. There is no need to invest in a tent, sleeping bags or a camp stove because everything is already available on site. For a broader overview, read our complete guide to glamping in Quebec.
Not every property is equally well suited to a successful family glamping getaway. A few important details should be checked before confirming your reservation.
Yurts, domes, prospector tents and mini-cabins each have their own advantages. Enclosed, heated units can feel more reassuring when travelling with very young children, while furnished tents may be better suited to families that already have camping experience. You should also confirm the unit's actual sleeping capacity. Some accommodations advertise space for four people but rely on a sofa bed that may not be practical for a full night's sleep. Check the number and type of beds before booking.
Check the distance between the parking area and the unit, whether washroom facilities are nearby, whether drinking water is available and whether the grounds are safe for children. A ready-to-camp accommodation, which falls somewhere between a tent and a cabin, remains one of the most popular options for families. You should also ask about electricity, cellular coverage and access to hot water, as these details can make a significant difference when travelling with a baby.
Prioritize properties that offer swimming, easy trails, outdoor games or wildlife watching. Having activities within walking distance helps avoid long car rides with tired children. A property with a beach, play area or short trails can keep younger children entertained while allowing their parents to remain nearby.
Several regions within easy reach of Montreal or Quebec City offer a good selection of family-friendly accommodations. Each has its own character, including swimmable lakes, mountains, vast wilderness or riverside scenery. The following table summarizes their main advantages to help you choose based on your children's ages and how much driving your family is comfortable with.
| Region | Family-friendly features | Distance from Montreal | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Townships | Swimmable lakes, spas and easy trails | Approximately 1.5 hours | Summer and fall |
| Lanaudière | Forests, waterfalls and dog-friendly properties | Approximately 1 hour | Summer and fall |
| Mauricie | Large natural areas, ready-to-camp units and canoeing | Approximately 2 hours | Summer |
| Charlevoix | St. Lawrence River scenery, mountains and boreal forest | Approximately 4 hours | Summer and fall |
Your choice of region will depend mainly on how long your children can comfortably spend in the car and the type of landscape you want to experience. Families with very young children often choose the Eastern Townships or Lanaudière, located around an hour or slightly more from Montreal. Mauricie and Charlevoix reward families willing to travel farther with larger and more remote natural areas.
In the Eastern Townships, swimmable lakes, easy trails and forest spas are particularly well suited to family getaways, as explained in our suggestions for staying in nature in the Eastern Townships.
To compare the different settings available, you can also explore our destinations before booking.
Adapting your itinerary to your children's ages can transform a family glamping experience.
Regardless of age, alternating active periods with quiet time helps prevent children from becoming overwhelmed. Planning one main activity per day instead of scheduling several consecutive outings keeps the experience enjoyable for the entire family and reduces end-of-day exhaustion.
A family glamping getaway can also include the dog, an important member of the family. Check the rules at each property, including the number of animals allowed, access to trails and any additional fees.
To prepare for this type of trip, our guide to staying in a cabin with your dog covers several useful practices. Introduce your dog calmly to the new environment and keep it on a leash near shared areas and along the trails. Bring familiar items such as its bowl, bed and toys to help it feel comfortable in an unfamiliar place. It is also wise to locate the nearest veterinary clinic before your trip in case an unexpected situation occurs far from home.
The cost of a family glamping getaway varies based on the region, the season and the type of unit. During the busy summer season, families should generally expect to pay more than they would in spring or fall.
To reduce the cost, travel during the week rather than on the weekend, book early and choose a unit with a kitchenette so you can prepare your own meals. It is also worth watching for seasonal offers, which can help lower the price of a stay outside peak periods.
Remember to account for additional expenses such as park admission fees, watercraft rentals, firewood and restaurant meals. Planning for these costs prevents unpleasant surprises and makes it easier to compare two accommodations with similar base prices. Travelling outside the busiest weekends and school holidays remains the simplest way to reduce the total cost.
A family glamping getaway in Quebec offers the best of both worlds: immersion in nature and the comfort that makes the experience enjoyable for children and adults alike. By choosing the right region, a suitable type of unit and age-appropriate activities, you can create the right conditions for a successful stay.
To find a setting that suits your family, explore our nature destinations and their accommodations located deep in the forest.
A family glamping getaway can be suitable from the first few months of a child's life, provided you choose an enclosed and heated unit such as a mini-cabin or furnished tent. When travelling with a baby, choose a property close to the parking area and with washroom facilities. Around the age of four or five, children can enjoy more of the activities available on site, while older children may already appreciate hiking and kayaking.
Traditional camping requires you to bring and set up your own equipment, including the tent and sleeping mattress. Glamping provides an accommodation that is already furnished and may include bedding, furniture, heating and a kitchenette. Nature remains central to the experience, but the level of comfort is closer to that of a cabin. This convenient option is especially appealing to families that want to enjoy the outdoors while simplifying logistics and travelling with less equipment.
Yes. Many glamping and unique accommodation properties in Quebec allow dogs, often for an additional fee and subject to certain rules. Check how many animals are permitted, whether dogs can use the trails and whether fenced spaces are available. Keep your dog on a leash near shared areas and bring enough food for the stay. Several regions, including the Eastern Townships and Lanaudière, offer accommodations designed for families travelling with their pets.
