Plan a Tour of Gaspésie in a Camper Van

Are you wondering where to sleep, eat and find dump stations during a camper van trip in Gaspésie? Here are some practical information and tips to help you plan your vacation in this region.

Where to stop and sleep

Most municipalities in Gaspésie have regulations prohibiting overnight parking in public places. Please comply with these restrictions to avoid fines and sleep safely. In addition to staying in national parks or certified campgrounds, you can also find local food producers that will welcome your vehicle by using the Terego app. The following sites also offer spaces specifically designed for self-sufficient camper vans:

• Station touristique Pin Rouge (New Richmond) is a ski resort that offers mountain biking trails in the summer. A van park is available where self-contained campers can stay for one night at a rate of $21.50 + tax.

• Camp de Base Gaspésie (Percé (Coin-du-Banc)) is an inn offering outdoor activities, sea kayaking and beach fatbiking. Access to a vanlife park for self-contained campers, consisting of a mowed field. Showers and toilets are available inside the Camp de Base Gaspésie inn. Rate: $27.85 + tax.

• Auberge Festive Sea Shack (Sainte-Anne-des-Monts) is known as a lively destination featuring a concert program, a variety of accommodations, a tiki bar and a beach. Seaside parking spaces are available for vanlifers. Access to the site includes the inn’s shared kitchen, toilets and showers, bar and snack bar, and beach. $30/adult/day.

• Griffon Aventure (Gaspé (L'Anse-au-Griffon)) offers chalet, camping and dormitory accommodations, as well as a bar, beach access and canyoning excursions. Vanlife parking is available a 5-minute walk from the site. Dry toilet nearby. $20/night + tax.

• Camping de la Pointe-Taylor (New Richmond) offers a Van Park area. The unserviced sites are arranged in a semicircle around a fire pit area, just steps from the beach. Rate: $34.32 + tax during high season.

• Parc national de la Gaspésie (Sainte-Anne-des-Monts) has set up the Espace VR La Vallée, a gravel area accessible year-round. During the summer season, the Rivière campground’s sanitary facilities are a 3-minute walk away. Rates start at $21.30 + tax, plus park admission.

• Centre d'art Marcel Gagnon (Sainte-Flavie) is an inn, restaurant, art gallery and boutique offering an Espace VR consisting of an unserviced parking area with access to toilets. $25/night, with a 10% discount at the restaurant.

Please also note that in Québec you cannot park in rest areas for longer than four hours or spend the night in them. You can, however, stop in villages-relais, which are municipalities that offer parking lots that are accessible at all times, whether you want to stop to stretch your legs, visit local tourist attractions or take a short nap. Some of them also offer overnight parking. Visit the villages-relais website for more information.

Keep in mind that, although Gaspésie is home to vast stretches of land that seem unoccupied and may therefore look suitable for parking your camper van, these areas belong to private individuals, businesses, municipalities or other entities. They may also be protected areas.

Driving on beaches, in particular, can cause significant damage to fragile habitats and the species that inhabit them. Please make sure you’re complying with local regulations when you drive through an area or park your vehicle.

Where to eat

Rest areas in Gaspésie usually offer picnic tables as well as washroom facilities, drinking water and children’s play areas. Some even provide access to the sea. They are therefore great places to stop for a bite to eat along your way! To enjoy meals featuring local flavours, be sure to stock up at local food artisans, fish markets or restaurants.

Note that most rest areas are seasonal (saisonnière), which means they’re only open from mid-May to mid-October. Locate rest areas and find out what services they offer by visiting the Québec 511 website.

Other services

Dump stations, public showers, laundry facilities and many other services are available to travellers throughout the region. Please note that fees may apply.

Some campgrounds offer the option of using their dump station or shower facilities even if you don’t spend the night (for a small fee). Inquire about this possibility before you go somewhere.

Villages-relais are municipalities recognized by Québec’s Ministry of Transportation for offering certain year-round services such as restaurants, gas stations and public restrooms. For more information about the services offered by each village-relais, please visit their website.

If you’re interested in renting a camper van, please keep in mind that there are none available for rent in the region of Gaspésie. Inquire about rental options near you or on your way to the region.

Enjoy a hassle-free camper van trip in Gaspésie!