Looking for glamping in Quebec? My favorite is BESIDE LAO (formerly Laö Cabines), in Racine in the Eastern Townships, about 1 h 45 from Montreal. You sleep in a tiny cabin in the middle of the forest, with a thermal area (hot tubs and sauna), a lake and trails connected to Mont-Orford National Park.
Looking for an unusual experience immersed in nature? Dreaming of waking up in the heart of the forest to admire the snow, the fall colors or simply listen to the birds from your bed? Then glamping is made for you.
What is glamping?
The word glamping is a blend of “glamour” and “camping”. This eco-friendly type of accommodation offers a real reconnection with nature, while combining design and comfort.
In practice, you sleep in a small, often glass-walled cabin open to the outdoors, with a real bed and heating. You thus enjoy the peace of the forest without the hassle of traditional camping.
Why I recommend BESIDE LAO
There are several places in Quebec to try glamping, but my very first experience, and one of my best, happened right here. Since then, the experience has only gotten better.
The site covers more than 60 acres of preserved forest in Racine, just north of Mont-Orford National Park. It’s about 30 minutes from Magog and 45 minutes from Bromont. The cabins, with their minimalist architecture, are spread far apart: you truly feel alone in the world.
Which cabin should you choose?
BESIDE LAO has about ten cabins, each one different. Here’s how to find the right one for your stay.
For a romantic getaway
Mousse, Cime and Coteau sleep up to 2 people. Mousse is close to the welcome pavilion and the thermal area, while Cime, with its L-shaped deck, is tucked deep in the woods.
With family or friends
Canopée, perched on stilts and reached by a short hike, Orée and Crête céleste sleep up to 4 people. Camp de Base sleeps 3, and Crête boisée up to 6, with a view of the stars from bed.
With your dog
Coteau, Orée and Canopée welcome dogs, for an extra fee.
Comfort or adventure?
Coteau, Orée and Camp de Base have electricity, Wi-Fi and running water. On the other hand, Canopée and Crête boisée offer a more rustic experience, perfect for fully disconnecting.
My memory: during my stay, my cabin on stilts ran on solar power, with a dry toilet and showers in the shared washroom building. That simple, off-grid side is exactly what makes the experience so restorative.
What to do on site?
Here, nature sets the schedule. Here’s what you can do, often just steps from your cabin:
- Hiking: nearly 4 km of trails on site, plus more than 6 km on the neighbouring trails of Mont-Orford National Park
- Trail running: nearly 14 km of forest routes
- Swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking on the clear lake
- Hot tubs and sauna in the relaxation area, among the trees
- Wildlife watching: deer, beavers, foxes and birds
- In winter: snowshoeing and sledding, with snowshoe rentals and sleds available at the welcome pavilion
My tip: use your stay to discover local artisans. Personally, I loved my food finds at the Nouvelle France cheese dairy and the Au cœur du pain bakery.
When to go glamping in the Eastern Townships?
BESIDE LAO is a year-round destination, and each season has its charm:
- In summer: swimming in the lake, paddleboarding and hikes in the shade of the forest
- In fall: the blazing foliage of the Eastern Townships, among the most beautiful in Quebec
- In winter: snowshoeing, sledding and hot tubs in the snow, for a cozy stay
- In spring: the forest waking up and often lower rates
For the fall colors, aim for late September and the first half of October. Then find more ideas in my guide to the 10 best places to see fall colors in Quebec.
Practical info
- Where: Racine, in the Eastern Townships (Estrie), north of Mont-Orford National Park
- From Montreal: about 1 h 45 by car
- Nearby: Magog (30 min) and Bromont (45 min)
- Capacity: 2 to 6 people depending on the cabin
- Pets: dogs allowed in some cabins (extra fee)
- Booking: recommended, especially on weekends and in the fall
More glamping and unique stays in Quebec
Want to try something different? Here are other options to explore:
- Canopée Lit, in Sacré-Cœur near the Saguenay Fjord, to sleep in the trees
- SÉPAQ ready-to-camp units, in several national parks, for a simple and affordable first experience
- Sleep in a floating house: my stay at Eau Villa, near Montreal
- A nature weekend in Mauricie: my stay at the Sacacomie
Frequently asked questions
What is glamping?
Glamping is a blend of “glamour” and “camping”. It’s a way to sleep in the heart of nature without giving up comfort: a real bed, heated and well-designed accommodation, often with big windows to enjoy the scenery, and no tent to pitch.
Where can I go glamping near Montreal?
In the Eastern Townships, BESIDE LAO is located in Racine, about 1 h 45 from Montreal. Its forest cabins, thermal area and trails connected to Mont-Orford National Park make it an ideal weekend getaway.
Which cabin should I choose for a romantic getaway?
For two, choose Mousse, Cime or Coteau. Mousse is right next to the welcome pavilion and the thermal area, Cime is tucked in the woods with its L-shaped deck, and Coteau offers electricity, Wi-Fi and running water, and also welcomes dogs.
Can you go glamping in winter in Quebec?
Yes, and it’s actually one of the best seasons for it. The cabins are heated, and at BESIDE LAO you can snowshoe and go sledding on site, then warm up in the hot tubs and sauna.
Can I bring my dog glamping at BESIDE LAO?
Yes, some cabins welcome dogs, such as Coteau, Orée and Canopée. Extra fees apply: check the conditions on the official website when you book.
In summary
In short, if you’re looking for glamping in Quebec less than two hours from Montreal, BESIDE LAO ticks every box: cabins in the middle of the forest, a thermal area, a lake and endless trails. Whether you’re going as a couple, with family or with your dog, there’s a cabin for you. All that’s left is to pick your season.
