My family and I stayed in a ready-to-camp tent at the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon. The experience was conclusive, so much so that we're thinking about selling our own tent. (Anyone interested?) True confessions: I love camping, but I really hate sleeping in a tent. The damp creeping into your bones, the sleeping bag sliding around, the tree root poking into your sixth vertebra, the sun waking you up at 5 a.m. I've experienced it all. The ready-to-camp option eliminates all that.

Mounted on a wooden platform, the tent is equipped with everything you need to ensure your comfort. The layout is simple and efficient. At the back of the tent are two rooms separated by a canvas partition, with raised mattresses; on the right is the kitchen area complete with a counter, utensils and a mini-fridge, and on the left are a table and four chairs. Outside, in a sheltered spot, is the gas stove where I'll cook my bacon (to the envy of the other campers) tomorrow morning. The fire pit and picnic table are close to the tent, and there are comfortable chairs already set up. (And here I brought my camping chairs …) In short, all you have to bring is your bedding and your food: no tent to set up, no mattresses to inflate. I'm completely won over by the simplicity of this concept. We got things set up so fast that I was almost surprised to be ready in time for happy hour. 

What's great about ready-to-camp is that you have more time for the fun stuff! My two boys are in heaven, and they feel like conquering heroes. They're all over the giant trampoline, the slides, the play structure, and, of course, the beach. My eldest, taking a short break from running around, tells me that he likes the tent so much he can't wait to sleep in it!

On waking the next morning, I'm amazed to see that it's NOT 5 a.m.: it's 8 o'clock! (Hey, in our house that counts as sleeping in.) That's when I realize that the sleeping area of the tent has an extra sun-blocking layer. The inventor of this tent deserves a Nobel prize! The night was cool, but the small heater (provided) quickly takes the chill off. Once again I'm thankful to whoever thought of this. After breakfast (with extra bacon), my partner and I set out to explore some of the many trails at the Centre, while the boys head for the trampoline and other structures.

Our next stop is the beach pavilion. We rent a kayak and a paddleboard, and put on the life jackets provided. The weather is perfect and Lac Simon is calm as we paddle leisurely along, following the shoreline. After an hour or so, the kids have had enough, and we head back to the beach to relax on the warm sand before going back to the tent, would you look at that: it's already happy hour!

Want to stretch your getaway beyond the campsite? Head to Chénéville, just minutes from Duhamel, where you'll find shops, art galleries and local restaurants to round out the day before heading back to the tent. 

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For even more ideas, check out the official 2026-2027 Outaouais Tourist Guide! Discover all the activities the region has to offer and plan your itinerary based on the area you'd like to explore.