Anne-Charlotte PasseraDriving along winding roads, the windows rolled down with the dogs leaning out breathing in the fresh air and their ears flapping with the wind, it’s the sound of a fun week-end road trip from the city.
As exciting as it sounds, it’s not easy to find lodging that is dog-friendly when you want to get away for the week-end.
Although the adoption of dogs has gone through the roof in the last year due to the Pandemic, it’s not the case when it comes to lodging.
There are plenty of day trips you can take with your dogs from Montreal, but sometimes we just want to extend the moment and wish we could spend the night. Right?
Here is a little guide of dog-friendly lodging you can getaway to with your dogs around Montreal. Some of them are a tad bit pricy for our budget but worth mentioning nonetheless. It’s also interesting to note that some places discriminate against dogs in terms of their weight or race. Before booking, call to make sure that your dogs fit the bill.
As a general rule, campgrounds allow most dogs and are the most affordable sleeping option.
Practical information for a dog-friendly week-end
Whether the flowers are in bloom or the ground is wrapped in a thick blanket of snow, sometimes we just need to hop in the car and get away from the city, dogs in tow.
Just like when you are traveling with kids, dogs need to stretch their legs. If your road trip is longer than 3 hours, you might want to consider making a little pit stop along the way.
Packing list
Before hopping in the car, here is a packing list to take into consideration for your week-end road trip with the dogs:
Towels and paper towels.
These will come in handy in case your dog gets car sick or decides to take a plunge into the river or lake. Muddy paws and drenched fur will leave a nasty smell and stains inside the car and lodging. Don’t forget to wipe them down before doing anything else.
Back seat cover
If your dog is a drooler, you might want to cover your back seat with a special cover or an old bed sheet to protect the upholstery.
Hiking water bottle, collapsible bowl, bowls
Don’t forget to bring water, treats and food on your road trip for the dogs. No need to bring the whole bag. Bring enough food to last a little over the length of your stay and put it in a ziplock bag or something similar.
You neither want to run out nor run the chance of not finding their food on the road. Switching foods out of the blue might give them the runs. You definitely don’t want that to happen if you are staying in a nice hotel.
Leash, poop bags, brush
On long walks or simply because they are spending more time outdoors, dogs might poop more than they usually do. Don’t forget to bring enough doodie bags. However, some parks provide FREE poop bags at the entrance in case you ran out.
A brush will come in handy to detangle their fur after sniffing out some bushes.
An extra leash might be practical if you want to tie him up at your campsite and give him a little more freedom. Yes, dogs generally need to stay on a leash at all times. Hey, I don’t make the rules.
Medicine and health
Before heading outside the city, it’s important to make sure that your dogs have all their shots, especially for ticks. For extra protection, you can try THIS RECIPE to make your own natural flea and tick repellent with coconut oil.
Also, ear and eye wipes might be useful as well.
Bedding and toys
If your dogs aren’t used to sleeping away from home, bring their bed, special blanket or toys for comfort. A toy can help prevent them from chewing furniture that isn’t yours.
Also, if your dogs have a tendency on sleeping on a sofa or with you on the bed, bring extra sheets or blankets to cover the furniture with to avoid potential damage or too much hair.
Despite the strict dogs rules applied in Quebec, places in nature do exist that are dog-friendly. There isn’t usually an extra fee to access such places with dogs, but you might want to double check just in case prior to heading over there.
Eastern Townships
The Eastern Townships are the place to take a road trip to, especially during the summer as there are less mosquitoes during that time compared to The Laurentians.
From swimming in the Lake Missisquoi (Venise-en-Québec) with your dogs to hiking the Mount Ham or PENNS, there is enough to make your little week-end get away with your dogs memorable.
Dog-friendly lodging in the Eastern Townships
Whether it’s camping or sleeping in rustic cabins, affordable dog-friendly lodging does exist in the Eastern Townships. But if it’s comfort you actually seek, here is a list of more high-end places to spend a night or two with your fur pals.
Le Vertendre – Zoobox
Sustainable modern chalets located within 1000 acres of forest on the southwest side of Mount-Orford.
The zoobox are 100% energy-independent and offer a unique adventure to allow you to connect with nature in style.
Wake up to a forest view with the sounds of the frogs calling and enjoy the many trails and private lake the site has to offer. At the end of the day, make your own popcorn with the popcorn machine that is provided with the oil and corn! The dogs are gonna love it!
Cost (minimum 2 nights required): $220 per night + $25 per dog.
Book your stay HERE
Lao Cabines
A cozy place to sleep immersed in nature. Live outside, inside!
LAÖ CABINES has 66 acres of land crisscrossed by streams, rocky headlands and 4 km of trails. You can walk, bike, fat bike, cross-country ski on these trails which are groomed and maintained year round.
LAÖ CABINES Website
The only dog-friendly cabin is the BLOK a du Piquant. Only one dog is allowed.
Cost per night: starting at $170
Book your stay HERE
Huttopia (1 dog)
I thought it would be worth mentioning this place despite it being a campground. It has received some great reviews especially for their cabins which aren’t accessible to dogs. Located in Sutton, on the mountain side, there are nice hikes to do there with dogs.
Cost per night: $46, only 1 dog per campsite
Book your stay HERE
La station de chêne rouge
A little house in the forest that accepts dogs.
Located close to Lake Massawipi and Magog, you can go on long walks or hikes, enjoy the beach, do some canoeing or paddle board in the company of your fur friends.
It’s a similar experience to Au Diable Vert in terms of amenities, there aren’t any except a bed, table and chairs and wood burning stove. It’s what we call rustic camping.
Cost per night: $105 and up
Book your stay HERE
The Laurentians
Fall and Spring are a wonderful time to go to the Laurentians for the colours and comfortable temperatures. It’s hard to find a place to hike with the dogs there without having to spend money for it but they do exist. In our article on The Laurentians, we tell you about affordable places to sleep with dogs and where to hike for FREE.
The Mont-Tremblant National Park does allow access to dogs but not necessarily on every trail. You can camp there with dogs, but access is denied to them in the more comfortable options. More information HERE.
Dog-friendly lodging in The Laurentians
Terra Perma
Reconnect with yourself and your dogs by walking through 30km of forest trails spanning across the 200 acres of Terra Perma.
In the summer, canoe or paddle on the pristine and private Lake Besançon.
Different lodging options are available for you to stay with your dogs from a yurt to a wood cabin.
Cost per night: $100 and up
Book your stay HERE
Les Toits du Monde
Unusual and ecological accommodations, available year round, affordable, surrounded by nature and that accept dogs? We like that!
Located in the Upper Laurentians, on the shores of a lake, is the domain of Les Toits du Monde.
Various types of unique and ecological lodgings are available:
- Tree house
- Teepee
- A hobbit’s house
- Yurt
- A mini house that looks like a gypsy caravan
It’s a bit of a rustic experience with compost or dry toilets outside and solar panel lighting for some. We haven’t experienced it yet, but in my opinion, it’s worth a look.
Cost per night: $95 to $150, no extra charge for the dog.
There are trails on site to walk with your dog in peace. Outdoor activities are available in summer and winter, but you won’t be able to do them all with your four-legged friend.
Find out more about these activities HERE.
Le Domaine Summum
For a more “luxurious” experience, head on over to the boutique dog-friendly lodging of Le Domaine Summum.
A night there doesn’t come cheap but if you are looking for a place to stay where your dogs can have complete freedom, this would be it.
A clear water lake, long forest trails, and comfortable rooms to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They even have dog-sitters if you want some alone time.
Cost per night: $242 and up
Book your stay HERE
Les Petits Chalets
Les Petits Chalets have just opened (December 2021) and dogs are allowed. Located in Val des Lacs, not far from Mont-Tremblant, you can stay with your dog in peace, if your wallet allows it.
Each unit comes with a spa and a private terrace.
Cost per night: 350$ + taxes
Book your stay HERE.
Lanaudière
We are not that familiar with the Lanaudière area aside from Lake Taureau and the Parc des 7 chutes.
The Park des 7 Chutes is a decent hike with high views of the area and some waterfalls. Parking is FREE and access is about $7 per person.
Auberge du Lac Taureau
We actually considered having our wedding at the Auberge du Lac Taureau. For logistical reasons, it didn’t happen. However, it’s a gorgeous hotel located in a natural setting by the lake with its own private beach.
Dogs are allowed there if they weigh less than 50lbs and it’s only one per room. Obviously, that doesn’t work for our dogs.
Cost per night: $240 and up. They often have deals to make your stay a little more budget-friendly.
Book your stay HERE.
Beside Habitat
Minimalist cottages but with all the necessary amenities to spend a pleasant stay in the heart of a forest. This is what Beside Habitat offers.
Each cottage has a unique style on a varied topography and comes with its own sauna.
There are several trails for walking your dog and also the possibility to rent a canoe or a paddle board.
Cost per night: 350$ to 425$. Additional fee of 50$ per dog per stay.
Reserve your stay HERE.
Mauricie
The National Park of la Mauricie is gorgeous. Unfortunately, dogs are only allowed on the campsites, not the trails. What is the point of that?
Instead, camp at Parc de la rivière Batiscan. A river runs through it, it has easy walking trails and beach areas spread out enough for the dogs to enjoy. If you have kids as well, family activities are offered during the summer months.
Ontario
Ontario might seem a bit far for a short week-end road trip with the dogs, but if you have the extra time, the following two places we’ve been to are definitely worth discovering.
Sandbanks Provincial Park (4h)
Sleep by the beach with your canine friends in a tent.
Two beaches are dog-friendly and big enough for them to run around. The lake is so big that you’ll feel like you’re staying on the Atlantic Ocean shores. Yes, there are waves!
As it’s a popular summer destination, consider booking a few months ahead of time.
More information HERE.
If the campsite if full, try a stay at Quinte’s Isle Campark, only 15 minutes away from Sandbanks Provincial Park. Dogs are allowed, and there is a long easy walk to the lakeshore where you can easily find a spot to play with your dog without disturbing other campers.
Algonquin Provincial Park (5h)
If you’re more of the adventurous type, try your survival skills with some Canoe-camping in the gorgeous Algonquin Park enveloped with white pine trees.
Sleep on deserted lands with your own private access to a beach where you’ll wake to a moose sipping his morning drink in the lake.
You can bring your own canoe or kayak or rent them in order to access your campsite.
Visit the very informative outdoor logging museum, enjoy a concert at the outdoor amphitheater or go on a hike on one of the many trails the park has to offer; all this in the company of your dogs.
More information HERE.
Do you know of any other relatively affordable dog-friendly lodging outside Montreal? Drop your recommendation in the comment box below.
