Dude!

July 7, 2008 9:14 AM

Where to go near Montreal for a "Bro Weekend"?

A friend and I (both dudes) want to get away from Montreal for the weekend and hang out. This is a bonding experience.

I am pretty sure we want to camp and I would like to go somewhere to experience rugged beauty. Or just something awesome.

This is not a pick-up weekend. We are leaving the significant others at home.

So any suggestions for where two late-twenties males should go near Montreal for the ultimate bonding experience? We will rent a car but not anything that is capable of off-roading.

posted by ouchitburns to travel & transportation (2 comments total)

Hm. Honestly, there aren't a lot of "rugged manly" camping experiences in the Eastern Townships, where I live; you'd be better off heading up to Trois-Rivières or even hella out to the Gaspé for that sort of thing.

Although -- and don't quote me on this -- if I recall correctly there are some sleepin' spots on to of Mount Orford, and you can hike up Orford, crash in the woods, and make an overnight of it. Even as a day trip, Orford's a pretty good time.
posted by Shepherd at 3:37 PM on July 7

Phone up La Mauricie National Park and see about getting one of the rustic camp spots along Lac Wapizagonke or Lac Edouard, then rent a canoe at the park and head out to your spot. Most of the spots include provided firewood, and since you're getting there by canoe you can carry a lot more stuff than you would if hiking in (i.e. a cooler full of suds).

The park is about 2 hours away, you head towards Trois-Rivieres on the 40 and then north to Shawinigan. If I remember correctly, the rustic camp sites are first come first serve for whoever asks at the main gates.

If La Mauricie is too booked, than I suggest Mont Mégantic in the Eastern-Townships near the US border a bit past Sherbrooke... probably a 3 hour drive from Montreal. This place is beautiful, a little valley surrounded by mountains, it has its own micro climate... you won't get much swimming done there but some excellent hiking up and down the mountains and there's an observatory if you want stargaze at night. There's a variety of campsites available there.
posted by furtive at 8:39 AM on July 8