How to Plan Your First Glamping Trip (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

June 24, 2025 admin Québec, Travel

So, you’re ready to escape the city, trade honking horns for birdsong, and maybe still sleep on a real mattress while you’re at it. Welcome to the world of glamping. If you’re in Montreal and craving nature without the hassle of pitching a tent or sacrificing a good night’s sleep, glamping in Quebec might just be your perfect weekend getaway.

But if you’ve never gone glamping before, you might be wondering: What do I pack? Where do I go? Am I supposed to bring my own wine glasses? Don’t worry—we’ve got you.

glamping in quebec with a woman inside a tent
Photo by cottonbro studio

Here’s your no-stress guide to planning your first glamping trip, designed for Montrealers looking to escape the city and reconnect with the outdoors—without getting overwhelmed.

1. Pick the Right Location (and Travel Time)

One of the best things about living in Montreal is how close you are to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Quebec. From the Eastern Townships to the Laurentians and up to the Charlevoix region, there are plenty of glamping spots within 1–3 hours of the city.

Look for:

  • Riverside or lakeside sites for sunset views and swimming

  • Wooded areas for fall colours or snow-dusted trees in winter

  • Options near villages or towns for food and activity access

Glamping in Quebec offers everything from safari tents and yurts to domes, treehouses, and cozy off-grid cabins—all within a short drive from home.

2. Choose Your Comfort Level

Not all glamping sites are created equal. Some are rustic with just a bed and a firepit; others have electricity, private bathrooms, and even Wi-Fi. Decide what kind of experience you want—closer to camping, or closer to a boutique hotel.

Ask yourself:

  • Do I want to cook over a fire or have a kitchenette?

  • Will I be okay with a composting toilet?

  • Am I bringing a partner, kids, or going solo?

For your first time, start somewhere comfortable. It’s easier to embrace nature when you’re not stressing about the logistics of survival.

3. Pack Smart (Not Heavy)

The beauty of glamping is that you don’t need all the gear—no tent, no inflatable mattress, no ten-step tarp setup. But you still need to plan for comfort and weather.

Essentials to bring:

  • Warm layers (even in summer—Quebec evenings can be chilly)

  • Food, drinks, and snacks (unless meals are provided)

  • A good flashlight or lantern

  • Toiletries and biodegradable soap

  • A cozy blanket or throw for sitting outside

  • Reusable water bottles, wine tumblers, or mugs

  • Bug spray and sunscreen, depending on the season

Pro tip: Pack like you’re going to a cottage—but with a little more flexibility in footwear.

4. Plan Simple Meals (or Scout Local Options)

If your site has a firepit or outdoor grill, plan easy meals you can cook over the flames: sausages, veggie skewers, foil-wrapped potatoes, and of course—s’mores.

Not into cooking? Many glamping in Quebec locations are close to charming towns with cafes, bistros, and bakeries. Pick up supplies at a local fromagerie or farmers market, or enjoy a dinner out to balance your campfire breakfasts.

5. Leave Room for Nothing

This is maybe the most important part: don’t over-plan. The whole point of glamping is to slow down. Let the quiet do its work.

Yes, you can go hiking, biking, horseback riding, or visit a local vineyard. But you can also just sit by the river with your feet in the water, make a fire, watch the stars, and wake up without an alarm.

The best glamping in Quebec experiences come when you let nature set the pace.

6. Double Check Before You Go

Before you hit the road from Montreal, make sure to:

  • Confirm check-in instructions and GPS directions (some places have spotty signal)

  • Bring cash if the area is remote or doesn’t accept cards

  • Check what’s included on-site (bedding, towels, kitchenware)

  • Let someone know where you’re headed, especially if you’re going off-grid

Go Easy On Yourself

Your first glamping trip doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be yours. If you forget something, you’ll be fine. If it rains, you’ll dry off. If your phone dies, maybe that’s a blessing.

You’re not just escaping Montreal; you’re giving yourself permission to breathe deeper, sleep better, and reconnect with what matters.

So go ahead—book the dome, pack the flannel, and start your glamping in Quebec adventure. It’s closer than you think, and easier than you imagined.

Related Articles