Waterside camping near Portneuf with campfires

Just 30 minutes from Quebec City, Portneuf serves up everything you could possibly want to explore the best of this province. Here, campers are on the Whale Route, where you can cruise the St. Lawrence River to potentially see humpbacks, belugas, and other whale species. Off the water, mountains, forests, and valleys are teeming with wildlife, as Portneuf is within striking distance of several national parks and private campgrounds around town. Amenities abound in town, as well as museums, galleries, and a buzzing summer festival season.

Portneuf is considered a four-season destination, with winter camping available in many parks and plenty of snow activities on offer. Whale-watching season runs from May through October; July and August can be packed with tourists; and fall is absolutely gorgeous, with warm weather sometimes continuing right into October. The waters may be a bit chilly for swimming or kayaking, but this may be the best time to visit.

• You can rent all kinds of equipment in Portneuf, from bikes and kayaks to motorcycles. 
• Multiple EV charging stations can be found in and around the town. 
• Getting around this area is difficult without a vehicle, as transit options are limited. Bring a car if heading here from Quebec City or Montreal.
• Most people you encounter, especially those working in tourism, are likely to be fluent in English, but you can never take this for granted in Quebec. Having a French translation app on your phone can be very helpful.