Government of Canada navigation bar

Symbol of the Government of Canada

Primary site navigation bar

Québec region

Previous Page | Next Page

The Province of Québec

The province of Québec has abundant sea kayaking possibilities for all levels of difficulty. These include closed inland lakes, from smaller lakes to huge reservoirs, certain longer and calmer stretches of rivers, as well as the maritime and coastal portions in Saguenay, the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf.

Zone 1

Inland lakes: small and medium-size lakes, rivers with low currents

The entire province is dotted with small lakes, the water of which is not cold in summer. The lake systems are linked by portage paths, allowing for longer excursions. Although these portage paths usually do not present major difficulties, we point out that sea kayaks are not designed to be carried or transported on one’s back over long distances.

Some rivers have longer calm sections and low currents such as the Ottawa, the Richelieu and the Saint-Maurice rivers. Lakes and parts of rivers may belong to regulated zones such as parks, wildlife reserves and Zones d’exploitation contrôlée, ZEC (controlled harvesting zones). Kayakers should thus get information about regulations and fees that may apply to their chosen area.

Zone 2

Great lakes and reservoirs, such as the Cabonga and Gouin Reservoirs, Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, Lake Saint-Jean

Great bodies of water, either natural lakes or artificially created reservoirs, are dispersed throughout the territory of Québec. With no tides and currents, with warmer water in summer, and strewn with a multitude of islands, these waters make for exceptional kayaking. They also lend themselves to multi-day excursions and have yet to be fully exploited to this effect. The many islands and deep bays, however, are bound to challenge your navigational skills. On the larger waters, long stretches without obstacles favour wind acceleration (fetch), which can create enormous waves within minutes, causing the kayak to drift very far from the shore.

Kayak. PARKS CANADA/JEAN AUDET

Large medium-current streams

The St. Lawrence River upstream from Québec and the Saguenay River-Fjord (with the exception of the river mouth).

The main difficulty in this region arises from high-traffic pleasure boating, especially during summer. Kayakers should know and follow the navigation regulations in effect. Many shores are private, reducing possibilities for landing and camping.

Zone 3

The reservoirs of the Manicouagan-Outarde ecological complex and Lake Mistassini. The river mouth of the Saguenay River, and the St. Lawrence River between Québec and Pointedes- Monts (north shore) and Québec and Matane (south shore)

This maritime region influenced by the tides corresponds to the St. Lawrence River downstream from the Québec Bridge, to Saguenay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Though it is the largest accessible area, it may also pose the greatest difficulties.

The apparent proximity of the banks often gives a false impression of security. An unexpected, forced swim in cold water or the sudden appearance of strong waves remind us that these spots are not meant for beginners. On the larger waters, long stretches without obstacles favour wind acceleration (fetch), which can create enormous waves within minutes, causing the kayak to drift very far from shore.

Zone 4

The North Shore from Pointe-des-Monts to Natashquan, the Gaspé Peninsula of Matane at the Chaleurs Bay, James Bay, Hudson Bay and the entire territory above the 51st parallel

The Gulf of St. Lawrence is known worldwide for its rigorous climate and its navigational challenges. Cold currents and tides prevail and warm and cold winds can collide to provoke storms that are as sudden as they are violent. Fog can arise at any moment and traffic of large tankers and vessels is also very intense.

General Information on Quebec Region

Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak
 1-514-252-3001 ou info@canot-kayak.qc.ca
www.canot-kayak.qc.ca

Guide book

Guide des parcours canotables, tomes I et II, pour les plans d’eau intérieurs et rivières.

Parcs Canada
 Information: 1-800-463-6769

Sépaq : parcs et réserves du Québec
 Information: 1-800-665-6527 or www.sepaq.com

Tourisme Quebec - Quebec Tourism Information
http://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca
Information: 1-877-266-5687

Weather

Environnement Canada
 Wetheradio: (162,475 Mhz, 162,55 Mhz or 162,40Mhz)
VHF Radio: Channels 21B (161,65 Mhz), 83B (161,775 Mhz) and 25B (161,85 Mhz)
www.qc.ec.gc.ca
Information: 1-800-463-4311

Transport Canada, Marine Safety
Office of Boating Safety: 1-418-648-5331
www.boatingsafety.gc.ca/

Canadian Coast Guard
Marine Pollution Reporting: 1-800-363- 4735

Marine/Air Search and Rescue (SAR)

1-800-463-4393 1-418-648-3599

Sûrete du Québec
 Inland Waters
Telephone: 911, cellular * 4141

Previous Page | Next Page

Date modified:
2010-01-19