© Claire Kowalewicz
Photo: Tourisme Outaouais
Summer may be winding down, but the season’s pleasures linger even as the leaves start changing colour. September and October are not the time to pack away your camping gear! In the Outaouais, there’s autumn camping to suit all tastes, from wilderness enthusiasts to those who prefer more comfortable options. We tend to think that camping season ends on Labour Day. But the joys of the great outdoors continue well into October, and we’re here to tell you that the rewards are even greater!
Photo: Myriam Baril-Tessier
First of all, the temperature gradually drops a few degrees, to a level that’s ideal for the outdoor activities that go with camping without risking heatstroke: cycling, hiking, canoeing and kayaking. These activities are always more enjoyable with a light autumn breeze! The cool autumn nights also make it easier to get a good night’s sleep all bundled up in your tent. Another point worth mentioning is that once the hustle and bustle of summer is over, the region’s campsites regain a tranquillity that’s very appealing to anyone who wants to relax in nature! As well, local attractions are a little less crowded, so you can get the most out of the activities you love. What's more, many establishments offer reduced rates in autumn, as this is the low season. Fall camping keeps more money in your wallet. Campfires can be lit all year round, conditions permitting, but nothing beats a fire at dusk when it’s cooler and the smell of damp leaves fills the air! It’s also the perfect excuse to put on your #Outaouaisfun sweatshirt to keep warm by the fire. Finally, in autumn, the landscape becomes completely surreal. It’s impossible not to be enchanted by the forests dressed in their warmest colours!
Photo: Camille Labonté
Photo: Camping Ange-Gardien
Located in the Collines-de-l’Outaouais, Camping Ange-Gardien offers an unforgettable glamping experience. The charming cabins with transparent walls allow you to observe the nocturnal beauty of the surrounding forest from the comfort of a cozy double bed. Add a little magic to your fall with this wonderful experience. Tent and RV sites are also available.
Photo: Pascale Anctil
In Petite Nation, the Air-Eau-Bois outdoor centre offers several types of accommodation for all camping enthusiasts. Spend the night in a prospector's tent or a dome! Enjoy the simple joys of camping thanks to a formula that limits the amount of equipment you have to lug around, while ensuring comfort and a touch of luxury in the great outdoors. There are also sites for tents and motorized vehicles, as well as micro-cottages and micro-huts for rent.
Photo: Camping CarpeDiem
This fall, try the hanging tents at Camping Insolite CarpeDiem. Enjoy a unique experience on the shores of magnificent Lake Edja. You’ll be amazed by the facilities and the beauty of the surroundings, especially in autumn. The site has been designed to take advantage of its mountain location, offering campers privacy and tranquillity in the heart of the forest. Micro cabins are also available for rent.
Photo: Pascale Anctil
For an immersive nature experience not far from Gatineau, Origine Aventure offers rustic camping in the forest or mini-cabins on stilts on the mountainside with views of the Saint-Sixte River, a tributary of the Petite Nation River. Go for a hike or challenge yourself to climb large boulders on an impressive climbing wall.
Photo: Chicks and Machines
In the remote regions of the Pontiac, Wildwood Nature Escape awaits you. This unique destination offers you the choice between camping and fully equipped accommodations such as domes and cabins. If you love the outdoors but also appreciate a certain level of comfort, look no further! Come see the Coulonge River and enjoy nature at your own pace.
Photo: CCN
An iconic natural setting awaits you this fall, just a few minutes from downtown Gatineau. The Camping parc de la Gatineau immerses you in a vast conservation park that offers both tranquility and comfort. Enjoy the final months of the summer season, which ends on October 12, 2026, or plan your winter reservation starting February 28, 2026! The Lac Philippe area has been modernized and designed to provide everything you need for a pleasant stay.
Photo: Camping Parc national de Plaisance
Going camping at Parc national de Plaisance means treating yourself to the beauty of a landscape renowned for its stunning natural attractions and rich biodiversity. The park offers more than a hundred designated campsites—with or without amenities—as well as areas for tents and recreational vehicles. Ready-to-camp sites, cabins, and yurts are also available through mid-October!
Looking for a place to stay with your dog this fall? The Camping du Pont Blanc welcomes your faithful companion for an additional fee. This destination offers beautiful campsites with access to water, restrooms, a shower, and a fire pit to warm up by. RV owners and van life enthusiasts can take advantage of parking areas with 15A hookups. You’ll also have access to all the campground’s amenities, including the drinking water station, wastewater disposal, and Wi-Fi. At Camping du Pont Blanc, outdoor adventure meets the joy of getting together. Come with friends for even more fun!
Photo: Myriam Baril-Tessier
The Outaouais and its campgrounds are definitely worth a visit this autumn. What’s more, mosquitoes are rare in this season—another incentive to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors. Take advantage of your outing to admire the beauty of the colourful leaves drifting from the trees.
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Enjoy the fall and let yourself be charmed by the changing scenery and local flavours. Discover charming spots for pick-your-own and stock up on fresh produce for your getaways.
I’m a nature lover and a food lover. My happiness is found in breathtaking landscapes, mouth-watering dishes and all the new colourful experiences. I travelled the world before coming back to my hometown: I missed the Outaouais so much. What if we rediscovered it together?