Industry Data

Occupancy rates at Quebec campgrounds

In 2008, there were 865 campgrounds in Quebec, offering a total of 113,379 campsites. Over 40% of these sites are located in the regions around Montreal, i.e. Montérégie, the Eastern Townships and the Laurentians.

The occupancy rate rose from 62.8% to 65% between 1994 and 2008. This modest change is due to the massive increase in the number of sites – more than 20% since 1997. Proportionally speaking, this growth in the number of sites and occupancy points to a net increase in the number of campers.

Trends in campsite supply and occupancy rates (1995-2008)

More statistical data on occupancy rates at Quebec campgrounds are available on the Tourisme Québec Website

The typical camper (2004* data)

There are some 460,000 adult campers in Quebec: 91,000 seasonal campers and 369,000 travelling campers.

The typical camper is 25 to 44, with a college or university education, a household income of $60,000 or more in 44% of cases, and is most likely to live in Montérégie, Montreal or Quebec City. People go camping for different reasons, from relaxation to a love of nature, the social aspect, adventure tourism and freedom. On average, they camp 4 to 8 times a year, at 3 to 6 different campgrounds.

Economic spin-off from camping in Quebec (2004* data)

• Total spending on campsite fees: $238.9 million
• RV sales: Over $167.4 million (RVDA) survey, representing only part of the industry)
• Camping equipment and maintenance (excluding RV purchases): $92.3 million
• Total spending by Quebec campers: Close to $500 million
• Investment in Quebec campgrounds (construction and upgrading of infrastructures): $26.1 million
• Labour: 5,438 person-years
• Taxes: $173.4 million
• Benefits for the community: it is estimated that every dollar spent on a typical 150-site campground brings spin-off of $1.73 if the campground is located in the Gaspé, $1.91 if it is in Quebec City region, and $1.80 if it is in Montérégie. 

The RV industry*

There are over one million recreational vehicles on Canadian roads. RV sales in Canada added up to $1.2 billion in 2004, and there was considerable growth in RV sales in Quebec at that time.

Despite rising gas prices, RVers continue to travel. To limit their expenses they are taking shorter trips, logging fewer kilometres or remaining longer at the same campground.

Breakdown of travelling campers by most common type of equipment used (2004)

* These data are taken from La pratique du camping au Québec : portrait de la situation (2004)