Best Places to Paddle in Quebec: 10 Spots to Discover

Canada is a huge country with breathtaking views – more than wild mountains and wild moose. With 48 national parks, an abundance of peaceful lakes, and 3 great oceans to explore. This is a lot of opportunities for water sports, outdoor activities and magical adventures.

Open spaces are one of the best things in Canada. And trust us, as you navigate your paddleboard, there will be countless impressive moments.

Beginners and seasoned paddlers will have plenty of amazing places to explore. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your paddleboard and get out! Canada is waiting.

PADDLE QUEBEC

Quebec is part of Canada, but we can feel like we are in a whole world. And with over 130,000 rivers, it’s no wonder this province is great for inflatable paddleboard adventures.

MANICOUAGAN LAKE

• Experienced paddlers only
• Fishing spot

Lake Manicouagan is a natural reservoir that offers calm waters and stunning views. The lake is surrounded by rock formations dating back 200 million years!
This is off-grid territory, so despite the calm waters, we recommend experienced paddlers take this place only in case.
This lake is one of the best places for wild Atlantic salmon. Why not try paddleboarding? Catch and grill your fish for a truly wild experience. Make sure you get any fishing licenses for the area in advance.

HAVRE SAINT PIERRE, NORTH SHORE

• Paddle with whales
• Ideal for long shipments
Want to paddle in the same waters as whales and seals? Head to Havre Saint Pierre on Quebec’s north coast. Trust us, it’s really worth it.

BOUCHERVILLE ISLANDS, SOUTH SHORE

• Near Montreal
• Easily accessible
Maybe you want to keep from going too far from big cities. Discover the Boucherville Islands on the south shore of Montreal. This six-island national park is easily accessible from Highway 25, making it a great place to relax after work.

CHERRY RIVER MARSH

• Paddle with whales
• Ideal for long shipments
For a distance of about 7 km - between Mount Orford Park and Lake Memphremagog - you will paddle through this pretty marsh with shallow waters of the Cherry River. Created during the Ice Age, it gained ground thanks to the dams built in 1797 to meet the needs of the city of Magog. Throwing into Lake Memphremagog, it is an opportunity to continue exploring the surroundings. Depending on the distance, beginners and intermediates can paddle among the turtles.

ORLEANS ISLAND

• Paddle with whales
• Ideal for long shipments
Île d'Orléans is located downstream from Quebec City, in the estuary of the St. Lawrence River. It is surrounded by Royal Road, which connects its six municipalities. Home to only half a dozen heritage villages, Île d'Orléans is 22 miles (35 kilometres) long and six miles (nine kilometres) wide. Located in the St. Lawrence River, just downstream from Quebec City, this finger-shaped piece of island will charm you with its vast fertile farmland filled with vineyards, apple orchards and sweets. Soak up the summer scenery along the St. Lawrence River while paddling.

SAGUENAY-LAKE-SAINT-JEAN

• Paddle with whales
• Ideal for long shipments
Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean is a must for outdoor activities and therefore paddling. Renowned for its Saguenay River, its Lake Saint-Jean as vast as an inland sea and its majestic fjord, the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean tourist region is full of attractions and breathtaking panoramas. The Saguenay Fjord is deep enough to accommodate whales and other unique marine animals. The Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean tourism region is also known for its blueberries and tourtière.

RIVER OF THOUSAND PARK ISLANDS

• Lush wildlife
• Low wind, easy navigation
The water and vegetation labyrinth of the Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park and its 4 courses are the ideal place to learn to paddle or practice regularly. From the descent of the Laval docking station, you can connect the km between Boisbriand and Rosemère, using the park’s self-guided circuits. Stops are planned on the islands, where you will find interpretive panels and stations for bird watching and picnics. Do not miss the Cordeau marsh, populated by herons, ducks, beavers and turtles with which you will enjoy paddling.

BOUCHERVILLE ISLANDS PARK

• Paddle with ducks
• Ideal for long shipments
Easily accessible, the 8 km loop around the 5 small islands of the Parc des Îles-de-Boucherville is a must. Once you have passed the crowded canal and the exposed part of the river, you descend into a maze of marshes where ducks and herons hide. Soon, the only sounds you can hear are the song of the birds and the wind blowing through the tall grass. One of the best moments is the early evening to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

PADDLE NOVA SCOTIA AND BEYOND

Canada offers even more areas to paddle in the summer. The sea influences Nova Scotia’s wild coastline. It is best to venture to these coastal destinations during the summer months.

PEGGY’S COVE

• Iconic Lighthouse Backdrop
• Hiking trails to explore
Most adventures in Nova Scotia begin around Halifax Peggy’s Cove on the east shore. Here you can paddle along Nova Scotia’s most photographed lighthouse and soak up the rich maritime history.
There are hiking trails between Peggy’s Cove and West Dover that offer spectacular views from the cliffs.

SOUTH NAHANNI RIVER

• Waterfalls to explore
• Mecca Region of the Paddle
The South Nahanni River is one of the mecca of the paddling world. Crossing Canada’s deepest canyon, this river offers some of the most spectacular views and experiences possible.
As you paddle through Canada’s “Grand Canyon,” you’ll see the breathtaking Virginia Waterfall (twice the height of Niagara) cascading through the same waters. The breathtaking wildlife will leave you lost for words. Without a doubt, this territory of the far north is an experience of a lifetime.
Be sure to take some photos and tag Maxinn on Instagram and Facebook.