Nomad Junkies installs their RV on the riverfront at the Halte camping Lotbinière in the village of Lotbinière.Nomad Junkies installs their RV on the riverfront at the Halte camping Lotbinière in the village of Lotbinière.
©Nomad Junkies installs their RV on the riverfront at the Halte camping Lotbinière|Nomad Junkies
Traveler in roadtrip mode

Nomad Junkies recounts its van roadtrip in the Chaudière-Appalaches region

7 favorite stops
Nomad Junkies in their RVNomad Junkies in their RV
©Nomad Junkies in their RV
Nomad Junkies

Live vanlife for a weekend? It’s possible! The Chaudière-Appalaches region is the ideal place for a first van trip. This destination is sure to charm experienced nomads and newcomers alike, with its many tourist routes and rest stops specially designed for RVs and vans. You can easily rent a vehicle for a few days and enjoy this unique experience.

We’re sharing our seven-stop itinerary that you can easily replicate on your own.

Your adventure begins when you take the picturesque 263 Sud to Saint-Fortunat, your gateway to the Thetford region of Chaudière-Appalaches.

1ᵉʳ stop: Lunch at Microbrasserie la Porte d’À Côté

In the heart of Thetford Mines, you’ll discover a cozy spot on Rue Notre-Dame Ouest. It’s the region’s first microbrewery!

To get you in the vacation spirit, sample one of their iconic beers like La Perspicace, La Désirable, La Ricaneuse, L’Illusionniste or even L’Aventurière.

2ᵉ stop: Hiking atMont Adstock

In more active mode, head to Mont Adstock, just 15 minutes from Thetford Mines for a short, steep hike, the Mont Adstock Loop. This trail has a round-trip distance of 3.5 kilometers and a vertical drop of 278 meters.

It should take you about 1.5 hours round trip. You’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view and a sensational panorama.

3ᵉ stop: Aperitif and dinnerLe Pub du Boisé

Discover a magnificent terrace overlooking the beach at Hôtel du Domaine’s Pub du Boisé. This is the place to drink sangria while watching the rosy sunset. You can also devour some ribs, try their famous burger or opt for the poutine bar.

This resto-bar will surprise you with its bay window inside, where you can see the complex’s climbing wall and climbers in action.

4ᵉ stop: An overnight stay at the Halte GO-VAN at Mont Adstock

To introduce you to this lifestyle, there’s nothing better than reserving your place at the new Halte GO-VAN at Mont Adstock. This place is a gathering place for vanlife enthusiasts from all over the world!

If you’re wondering what a “Halte” is? The concept is simple: it’s a place to camp with vans or recreational vehicles under 25 feet long (Westfalias, Sprinter, Ford Transit, etc.). Your reservation gives you access to the main chalet’s wifi, toilets and showers. The outdoor gathering area with campfire will allow you to connect with other travelers, and logs are even included!

5ᵉ stop: Parc de la Chute Ste-Agathe

Take Route 267 and discover a pretty covered bridge. Be sure to check the height of your vehicle before driving under it. You’ll arrive at the Parc de la Chute Ste-Agathe.

This diverse, well-developed area lets you walk the trails, take a suspended footbridge, observe the impressive power of the waterfalls or sunbathe along the river.

6ᵉ stop: Halte camping Lotbinière

Directly on the riverbank, reserve one of the 25 spaces at Halte camping Lotbinière. Each space has a picnic table and a place to build a fire in the evening. There are also dry toilets on site. It’s the kind of place that really lets you get away from it all. Breathing in the river air will help you relax completely.

Note that the Lobtinière municipal garage offers a free service for emptying your camper’s wastewater!

7ᵉ stop: Le Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière

To complete your campervan adventure, make a stop at Domaine Joly-De Lobtinière.

Discover one of the 150 most beautiful gardens in the world! You’ll be able to picnic and take lots of photos of these plant beauties.

Now it’s your turn for your first campervan experience!

Don’t hesitate to recreate this itinerary for your next getaway.

When renting a campervan, don’t forget to check the rental vehicle’s insurance. Choose a campervan with low fuel consumption. For example, we rented a 1991 Westfalia that consumes 15 liters / 100 kilometers, the equivalent of an SUV. Reserve your campsites or rest stops (including GO-VAN rest stops) in advance.

And most important of all: download a good roadtrip playlist!

Photos: Nomad Junkies

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