Quebec is known for its beautiful places to go kayaking and its natural spaces to practice many nautical activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding.
With thousands of lakes, gentle rivers, calm waters and spectacular landscapes, Quebec offers unforgettable experiences for sports enthusiasts and families looking for nature getaways.
In this article, we will explore the best places to kayak in Quebec.
The St. Lawrence River is one of Quebec’s main tourist attractions, offering a multitude of water activities, including kayaking. Watercraft and equipment rentals are readily available at rental centers, and boat ramps along the river make the St. Lawrence River a must-see kayaking spot.
Calm waters allow beginners to fully enjoy the experience, while experienced kayakers can explore campsites and small beaches along the shore.
2. Thousand Islands River Park
The Parc de la Rivière des Mille-Îles is another place to go kayaking and a favorite spot for lovers of nautical activities. With a variety of bodies of water, including the Rivière des Mille-Îles and Lac Saint-Pierre, kayakers can explore the crystal clear waters and enchanting landscapes while enjoying a day of family activities. The park also offers an equipment rental service where you can rent paddle boards, canoes and single kayaks.
3. The Lac Taureau Regional Park
Mont-Tremblant National Park is a must-see destination for kayakers looking to venture into wild landscapes. With lakes and rivers surrounded by high walls, the park offers spectacular views and playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts.
Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are available at the park’s rental center, along with fishing guides for experienced anglers.
4. Hautes-Gorges National Park
The Hautes-Gorges National Park is also a favorite spot for kayakers looking for adventures in nature. The emerald waters of the Malbaie River and the landscapes that surround it offer spectacular views. The park also offers rustic and wilderness campgrounds, as well as watercraft rentals.
5. Portneuf Regional Nature Park
The Portneuf Regional Nature Park also offers opportunities for kayakers in search of rural landscapes and enchanted valleys. Bodies of water in the area include Lake Edward and the Bonaventure River, both of which offer unforgettable kayaking experiences. Kayakers can rent equipment and watercraft from rental centers in the area.
6. Jacques-Cartier National Park
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is a wildlife reserve located in the Bras-du-Nord valley, offering opportunities for kayaking through wild landscapes. Kayakers can explore the calm waters and enjoy the spectacular views of the wild landscapes
7. Gaspesie National Park
Parc national de la Gaspésie is a spectacular place to kayak with breathtaking scenery. You can paddle there on the crystalline lakes, in the rivers with calm waters or in the estuaries where you can observe an abundant fauna. The park also offers hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
8. Sea kayaking in the Magdalen Islands
The Magdalen Islands are a magnificent archipelago located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You can go sea kayaking here and admire the spectacular landscapes of the region, with its cliffs, dunes and white sand beaches. You can also observe a wide variety of mammals and seabirds.
9. Ouareau Forest Regional Park
The Ouareau Forest Regional Park is an ideal place for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Here you can kayak on the lakes and rivers in the area, as well as hiking, mountain biking and camping activities. The rural landscapes of the region will amaze you.
10. Saguenay National Park
Parc national du Saguenay is a legendary place for kayaking, with its high rock walls and gentle rivers. You can paddle on the Saguenay Fjord and admire the spectacular landscapes of the region. You can also observe whales and seals which often come to feed in the emerald waters of the fjord.
11. Sea kayaking in Tadoussac
Tadoussac is a wonderful place for sea kayaking, with its crystal clear waters and wild landscapes. You can observe whales, seals and dolphins that often come to feed in the waters of the St. Lawrence River. You can also visit the village of Tadoussac and admire its log homes that recall the era of the coureurs des bois.
12. Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park
Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay is an unforgettable place to go sea kayaking, with its spectacular fjord and mountain landscapes. Here you can paddle on the calm waters of the fjord and admire the high rock walls that rise up in front of you. You can also observe whales, seals and dolphins which often come to feed in the waters of the fjord.
In conclusion
In conclusion, Quebec is full of magnificent places for kayaking and nautical activities in general. Whether it’s for a day of family activities, a camping weekend or a getaway in nature, there is always a perfect place for you. Don’t forget to rent the right equipment, like a life jacket, choose the right type of watercraft