by Mariepier Bastien
10 Best Paddleboarding Spots in Quebec
In Quebec, there's no shortage of places to Paddle board (SUP). Not even close! With 130,000 rivers (yes, THAT many), it isn’t hard to believe that Quebec holds 2% of the world's fresh water. But because there are SO many, it’s sometimes a little challenging to pick and choose which location is the best to paddle board. Below we've listed 10 of our favourite paddle board spots in Quebec.
10. LAC DES 31 MILLES, LAURENTIANS
Located between the Outaouais and Laurentides regions, Lac 31 Milles is a fresh body of water well-recognized by paddle board enthusiasts. The water is turquoise, the lake is calm and it has several beaches for you to park your board y for a nice cold drink. Scattered with islands and crystal clear waters, it’s easy to understand why the Lac 31 Milles Regional Park is one of our Top 10.
Photo : Paul Mackay photography
9. LAC MEECH, OUTAOUAIS
In Outaouais, Meech Lake has it going on! Located less than 30 minutes from Ottawa or downtown Hull, Meech Lake offers the most beautiful sunset in the region. With two beaches that allow easy and safe launching (O'Brien and Blanchet) and a ban on motorized boats, this lake located in Gatineau Park is worth more than a detour.
Photo : Dominic Faucher
8. ROCHER PERCÉ, GASPESIA
Paddling around one of Quebec’s most popular rocky islands? Yes please! Depending on the tides, you can even paddle up close to Percé Rock. Our one piece of advice: take a look at the conditions before taking the plunge. The Bay of Percé Rock can be windy and the water can be turbulent. If you’d like to venture out there, we strongly recommend you head out in the morning when the water is calm. You can also visit our friends at campdebasegaspesie.com, they know best how to enjoy this paradise.
Photo : Erika Williamson
7. BASSIN DE KSF, MONTREAL
Do you seek variety? Here it is! Whether you’re looking for waves, a fun, class 1 rapids or calm water, Kayak Sans Frontière (KSF) is the place to go! Located in LaSalle, on the St. Lawrence River, KSF has the complete fleet of TAIGA paddle boards and is the standard in terms of paddle board in Quebec. After work, in the morning or on the weekend, you will always find another SUP enthusiast to chat with.
Photo : Mike Hitelman
6. ILES-DE-BOUCHERVILLE, RIVE-SUD
Paddle board between various channels? Why not coconut! Located on the south shore of Montreal, the Iles-de-Boucherville National Park has 6 islands and is accessible by highway 25. An incredibly nice place to take out your paddle board after a long day at the office.
Photo : Sophie Corriveau
5. RIVIÈRE ROUGE, LAURENTIANS
We adore the Rivière Rouge. In addition to being able to explore the Laurentians park, we’re able to park our board all along the river because of its many sandy beaches. With a stretch of 161 km, it's greatest is that the current is weak, and the water will never go above past your waist, making it a very safe place for families who want to venture out together.
Photo : Dominic Faucher
4. CAPE-AUX-MEULES, MAGDALEN ISLANDS
Ah, the Islands! With its sandy beaches, green hills, orange cliffs and multi-colored houses, it's not hard to believe that Cape-aux-Meules has earned a spot in our Top 10. To SUP along the steep and ochre cliffs, you have to go near Fatima. Exposed to the northern winds and the waves of the St. Lawrence Gulf, the coastline is decorated with the most beautiful cliffs – watch out, Portugal!
* To rent your TAIGA SUP, go to Cindy Hook.
Photo : Phil Émond
3. POISSON BLANC REGIONAL PARK, LAURENTIANS
Located less than two hours from Montreal, the Poisson Blanc Regional Park revolves around a body of water of 85 km2 scattered with a hundred islands on which wilderness camping sites are available for you to book online. Those who have already been, come back year after year. A real playground for paddle board lovers.
Photo : Le Hacher
2. BONAVENTURE, GASPESIA
Paddleboarding on turquoise waters similar to the most beautiful Caribbean beaches, Gaspé is a close second and one of the few places you can do that. For this reason, the Bonaventure River, one of the clearest rivers in the world, takes 2nd place for the most beautiful SUP spots in Quebec. As the coastal river flows into Chaleur Bay, it provides just enough action for wave lovers with its class 1 and 2 rapids.
* To rent your TAIGA SUP, go to Tula Yoga.
Photo : Phil Émond
1. HAVRE-SAINT-PIERRE, CÔTE-NORD
Our number one, long-time favorite, is Havre-Saint-Pierre. SUP with whales and seals, it can’t be beat; the excitement of seeing wildlife all around you. Despite the lengthy trip (11 hours from Montreal), everyone who has the chance, should go at least once in his, her, or their life. For those who cannot transport their board over long distances, our friends at Les Vagues has a selection of boards for you to rent from.
Photo : Dominic Faucher