15 Best Places To Paddle Board In Quebec

Abi Leach
2023-05-23T14:23:00-07:00

Discover the hottest places to stand up paddle board in Quebec

Step into Quebec and discover a vast wilderness and a passion for everything, from winter snow to fun under the sun. With over 130,000 rivers and more than 500,000 lakes, it is safe to say there are heaps of amazing places to stand up paddle board in Quebec!

Both Montreal and Quebec City offer bustling centers in the south that are perfect to explore by stand up paddle board. As you venture further north, the playfulness of the city transforms into the mystery and wonder of endless landscapes.

From rivers and lakes to coastlines and National Park escapes, we have pulled together the best of the best places to paddle board in Quebec. Here is your chance to get inspiration and plan your next adventure! What’s stopping you from discovering the beauty of Quebec by paddle board?

Table of Contents

Lakes: Paddle Board In Quebec

Lac Des Trente et Un Milles

Lac Meech

Manicouagan Lake

Rivers: Paddle Board In Quebec

St Lawrence River, Montreal

Bonaventure River

Red River

Bostonnais River

Valin River

Vague à Guy

Coastal: Paddle Board In Quebec

Îles de la Madeleine

Marteau Islands

Gaspe Peninsula

National Parks: Paddle Board In Quebec

Poisson Blanc Regional Park

Mont Tremblant National Park

Jacques-Cartier National Park

Interactive Map

FAQs

Lakes: Paddle Board In Quebec

With over 500,000 lakes in the province, trust us when we say you can find a beautiful flatwater lake to glide over on an inflatable paddle board. Beginners and advanced paddlers will all enjoy these beautiful destinations.

Lac Des Trente et Un Milles

Lac des Trente et Un Milles, or 31 Mile Lake in English, is one of Canada's most popular paddle boarding spots! The name is slightly misleading as the lake is only 29 km, 18 miles. But that still gives you plenty of space to explore and enjoy a whole day out on the water.

This lake offers crystal clear turquoise waters that are perfect for beginners to dip a paddle in and try balancing on a stand up paddle board for the first time. There are plenty of beaches to launch from along the shoreline so you can find your own paradise in Quebec!

Lac Meech

Lac Meech is one of the most serene and peaceful places to escape in Quebec. This perfect hideaway is good for swimming, gentle stand up paddle boarding, and stepping into nature. There are several trails in the surrounding woodland that you could explore while your SUPs are drying off.

Head to one of the two main beaches to launch from, both have parking nearby:

O'Brien Beach

Blanchet Beach

Manicouagan Lake

Manicouagan Reservoir is more than just a fantastic place to take your stand up paddle board. This unusual circular lake was created 214 million years ago by the impact of a meteorite 5 km in diameter.

You can explore the inner ring by paddle board and feel as if you are stepping into Jurassic Park. The water circles René-Levasseur Island which is also a fascinating nature reserve.

Rivers: Paddle Board In Quebec

Up for some challenges with your touring paddle board? Why not check out some of Quebec’s rivers? Ranging from slow and meandering to white water rapids, there is something for everyone.

St Lawrence River, Montreal

Montreal is one of the most vibrant places in Quebec to hang out both in and out of the water. St Lawrence River flows through the heart of the city and offers many places for you to explore by paddle board.

For a relaxing experience with the best paddle boards for rivers, head over to Boucherville on the outskirts of the city. The water here is calm and gentle, making it beginner-friendly and suitable for all. Launch from the sandy beaches, riverbanks, or marina for safe and easy access.

Bonaventure River

Bonaventure River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Canada and a dream destination for paddle boarders. The emerald waters are crystal clear and on good days it is as if you are gliding through the air.

There is a 20-kilometer stretch of the Bonaventure River where you will encounter a few mild rapids along the way. Always check water levels here before you head out on inflatable paddle boards. Some sections can get super shallow and you may have to disembark to carry your SUP over pebbles.

Red River

Red River, or Rivière-Rouge as it is known by Quebec locals, courses through the province stretching over 160 km. This gives you so many possibilities of points to dip your paddle in the water!

The stretch located in the heart of Labelle is the perfect place to learn how to paddle board. It is also great for the family because it is shallow and slow-moving, giving you a chance to find your balance and master basic skills.

Bostonnais River

Head north from Montreal and you will stumble across the Bostonnais River near La Tuque. This gentle river is lined with inviting white beaches to launch from, or you can enter the water from the marina. You can find plenty of calm sections to this river, making it perfect for beginners and newcomers alike.

Valin River

Escape into nature and set off for an adventure on the Valin River from the Parc National des Monts-Valin in the Saguenay region. The snow-dusted trees and imposing mountains surrounding the valley is sure enough to take your breath away. And then there is the winding river, gently carving through the landscape and offering a tranquil ride for those seeking peace.

If you visit this beautiful destination, take advantage of the free guidance brochure at the Discovery and Service center to help you find your way around. Pop this in your dry bag as you glide on either your inflatable or hard paddle board, discovering all the beauty and wonders.

Vague à Guy

Up for more of a challenge? Check out Montreal’s coolest surf spot on the banks of the St Lawrence River! Vague à Guy is a small standing wave near downtown Montreal that is great for getting that surf fix without heading to the ocean.

You can take surf paddle boards here to navigate the gentle waves and have some fun. Remember to always use a SUP leash and wear a PFD as wipeouts are inevitable!

Coastal: Paddle Board In Quebec

Quebec’s coastline offers salty waters that feed the main rivers carving through the Province. Discover Québec by sea is an amazing travel experience. So grab your all around paddle board, feel the sea breeze in your hair, and discover a maritime way of life.

Îles de la Madeleine

Prepare for an adventure as you hop on the ferry to Îles de la Madeleine, a chain of islands located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. There are some suppliers and tour operators around, but taking your own super portable inflatable paddle board is a great idea.

Surrounded by the ocean, this place is perfect for an off-the-grid paddle boarding adventure. There are lots of options to choose from:

Grande Échouerie (Old Harry) Beach – half day paddling on a 5-mile beach

South Dune Beach – a full day paddling exploring 13 miles of coastline

Havre Aubert Island – weekend paddling with loads of beaches and sheltered bays

If you have the time, plan a multi-day island-hopping adventure around Îles de la Madeleine for a magical trip of a lifetime.

Marteau Islands

The Marteau Islands are in the Gulf of St Lawrence, just off the coast of mainland Quebec. Head out on the ferry from Havre-Saint-Pierre to reach the islands and explore all the nooks and crannies of both islands: Grosse île au Marteau and Petit île au Marteau.

We highly recommend taking a waterproof camera and bag along for the adventure. There are high chances of encounters with whales, porpoises, seals, and other marine animals!

Gaspe Peninsula

Explore the coastline at Gaspe Peninsula and paddle around the incredible Percé Rock, maybe even taking your four-legged friend out on a dog paddle board for the adventure. Get the tide times right to get up close and personal with Quebec’s famous rocky island!

As always, check the conditions before taking the plunge here. The Bay of Percé Rock does get windy and the water can be tricky to navigate. The best time to venture out here is in the morning when the water is typically calm.

National Parks: Paddle Board In Quebec

Of course, Canada is well known for its National Parks and nature reserves. So why not join in with the fun and take your stand up paddle board for an exploration? Here is just a small selection of the best National Parks in Quebec that offer great paddling opportunities.

Poisson Blanc Regional Park

The lake in Poisson Blanc Regional Park is popular among the paddling community. Kayakers and paddle boarders alike flock to this spot when the sun is shining and summer is in the air. It is also less than a 2-hour drive from Montreal, making it super accessible for many.

Poisson Blanc Regional Park revolves around 85 square km of water, scattered with a hundred islands. Wilderness camping is available for anyone who wants to escape for a weekend truly. But let us warn you, anyone who goes will want to return, year after year. This is a real playground for paddle board enthusiasts.

Mont Tremblant National Park

Take your time to discover the stunning scenery around the Mont Tremblant National Park. The 1,510 km2 haven of peace offers protected lakes, rivers, and forests for you to lose yourself in. You can spend days here exploring the park with your stand up paddle board, finding more and more incredible places.

One of the most popular routes to paddle here is a 12-km self-guided stretch down on the meandering Diable River. This sandy bottom river is safe and inviting for every level of paddler.

Jacques-Cartier National Park

From fantastic valley views to whitewater rapids to test your balance, paddle boarding Jacques-Cartier National Park is a must for any outdoor enthusiast. This large national park is on the outskirts of Quebec City making it great for day trips or weekend getaways.

This is a great place to take the family for some watersports fun and discover the beauty of Canada’s outdoors. If you are keen on stand up paddle boarding, then this destination should be high on your list!

Interactive Map

FAQ’S

🏆 Do you need a life jacket to paddle board in Quebec?

Yes, wearing a life jacket is not only recommended while paddle boarding in Quebec, but also required by law. A life jacket is essential safety equipment that will keep you afloat and protect you in case of an emergency, such as if you fall into the water or encounter unexpected weather conditions. Canadian boating regulations state that all paddle boarders wear a personal flotation device (PFD), which is a type of life jacket that is designed to provide buoyancy and keep your head above water.

👍 Where can I SUP in Montreal?

Montreal is a great place to go stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and offers several locations where you can enjoy this water sport. Some of the best places to SUP in Montreal include the Lachine Canal, Parc Jean-Drapeau, Old Port of Montreal, Bois-de-Liesse Nature Park, and Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park.

Read more about where to paddle board in Montreal in our detailed guide.

🏝️ When is the best time to go paddle boarding in Quebec?

The best time to go paddle boarding in Quebec is during the summer months, from June to September. During this time, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) in most parts of the province. In addition to the warm weather, the waters in many of Quebec's lakes, rivers, and coastal areas are also calm and ideal for paddle boarding during the summer months.

❓ Where is the best place for beginners to paddle board in Quebec?

There are loads of fantastic places in Quebec for beginners to learn how to paddle board. We highlight several in this guide including Lac Des Trente et Un Milles, Boucherville, and the Bostonnais River. However, many of the lakes offer calm conditions that are perfect for newbies to master the skills of paddle boarding.

📦 Do I need to bring my own paddle board to Quebec?

It depends on the place you choose to go paddle boarding in Quebec as to whether you need your own gear. Some places may have rental services and tour operators nearby so you do not have to worry. While other more remote destinations may require you to bring your own paddle board. These places are arguably the best places to paddle because they are away from the crowds and offer a paddle boarding escape into nature.