Can I camp (bike packing trip) in a rest area ? (QC Ontario Ottawa)

Legally? Probably not. Low risk/safe? Definitely. I camped at some of the shelters along the P’tit Train du Nord and Route des Draveurs also – no problems. Just be discreet (set up camp late, leave camp early), no fires, no trace, etc. Some of the shelters are very close to private property – I’d avoid those.

Alternatively, you can go knocking on doors and ask for permission from the landowner to camp on their property.

Be careful with your food at night. I was woken up by raccoons twice trying to get into my panniers (food was hung, but the scent was still there). Black bears are also a risk, as are smaller rodents.

I did a loop of this last year, starting from Ottawa. Camped the first night in Pakenham behind the microbrewery. Second night at the campground in Pembroke. Third night for free at the muni campground in Shawville. Took the ferry back at Quyon and then cycled to Kanata and finally back to Ottawa on pathways.

Trails are in excellent condition. The PPJ trail was quite buff and had multiple places with bike workstands/tools. The covered bridge at Fort-Coulonge was cool.

If you have any other questions, just message me!