Ever dreamed of effortlessly gliding across the water, feeling the wind on your face, and exploring nature from a whole new angle? Our kayaking experience is just what you need! Join us for a memorable adventure where our experienced instructors will teach you the fundamentals of kayaking. Eager to discover a fresh way to navigate the water in the heart of the city? Our paddleboarding introduction is the perfect way to get started in this exciting sport! Come along for a fulfilling experience where our qualified instructors will guide you through the basics of paddleboarding. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned paddler, our canoeing initiation offers the ideal chance to dive into this thrilling sport. Join us for an immersive experience where you'll learn the essentials of canoeing with the help of our expert guides. The rabaska, or great canoe, is a powerful symbol of tradition and exploration. Its large size and ability to accommodate multiple paddlers provide a unique and adventurous group experience. This activity, rich in history, will take you back in time to explore the vital role the rabaska played as the go-to vessel for fur traders in the 17th and 18th centuries. You'll also be invited to visit the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site to learn even more.
It’s no surprise that a city surrounded by water like Montreal offers an
abundance of fantastic opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.
Situated at the meeting point of two powerful rivers—the St. Lawrence
and the Ottawa—Montreal enjoys a prime location where these rivers
converge just west of the city at Lake of Two Mountains. The combined
flow of these rivers splits around the islands of Montreal and Laval,
forming the Riviere des Prairies, the Riviere-des-Mille-Îles, and the
famous Lachine Rapids on the St. Lawrence. Venture just an hour outside
the city, and you’ll quickly find even more dynamic rivers and beautiful
mountain lakes. With such a diverse range of waterways, kayaking in
Montreal offers everything from peaceful paddles through bird-filled
wetlands to kayak surfing on the St. Lawrence and thrilling whitewater
descents on the region’s exciting rivers. Start planning your paddling
adventure today with these top spots for kayaking in Montreal.
For a unique view of the city, pair a relaxing kayaking trip along the historic Lachine Canal with the rich food, culture, and architecture of Old Montreal. Opened in 1825, the canal allowed 19th-century merchants to bypass the dangerous Lachine Rapids on the St. Lawrence, transforming Montreal into a major hub of North American trade. At its peak, nearly 15,000 ships passed through the narrow canal each year. However, with the completion of the much larger St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959, the Lachine Canal fell out of use. Today, it’s managed by Parks Canada as a national historic site, offering kayakers and other boaters the chance to navigate 14 kilometers from Montreal's Old Port to Lake Saint-Louis. The canal is marked by five restored locks, and a linear park runs along its banks, providing convenient spots to rest, picnic, or shorten your trip.
Other places to Kayak or Canoe in Montreal
- Rouge River : Just an hour's drive west along the Ottawa River from Montreal, the fast-flowing Riviere Rouge is famous for its exhilarating whitewater kayaking and rafting. In its last 10 kilometers, the river plunges into a canyon, creating a dramatic series of rapids and waterfalls that make the Rouge one of Quebec’s most popular whitewater destinations. With rapids ranging from moderate class II-III to intense class III-IV, the Rouge appeals to both novice and expert kayakers. Early in the season, you can tackle the high waters of Harrington Canyon, while summer offers the challenging descent of the lively Seven Sisters section. The stunning scenery, sandy beaches, and surf waves make this a must-visit kayaking spot. If you’re new to the river, consider booking a lesson with ABV Kayak, a local paddling school in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge. They offer beginner to advanced courses, one- and two-day packages, equipment rentals, and riverside camping. Flowing over 200 kilometers from the Laurentian Mountains north of Mont Tremblant to the Ottawa River, the Riviere Rouge has many different moods. At times, it gently winds through peaceful rural landscapes, while at others, it races violently through dense forests and steep-walled valleys. Where the current is calm, shallow sandbars and expansive shoreline beaches invite relaxing paddle-swim-picnic outings. Classic flatwater kayaking routes start in the villages of L’Ascension or Labelle—two hours north of Montreal—and end in L’Annonciation (Riviere-Rouge) or La Conception. Along this stretch, the Rouge River offers serene paddling, warm waters, beautiful sandy beaches, cliffs, and even a historic covered bridge. Most kayakers plan downriver trips of 6 to 30 kilometers, with plenty of convenient take-out points to shorten the journey. Depending on the distance, plan for a half to full day on the water for either section.
- Mont Tremblant National Park : It’s astonishing how such a vast national park is so close to the city. Located less than two hours north of Montreal, Parc National du Mont Tremblant features forested mountains, shimmering lakes, and fast-flowing rivers, offering some of the best kayaking near Montreal along with a wide range of other outdoor activities. In the park, kayaking experiences vary from gentle paddles on mountain lakes and camping at scenic backcountry spots to thrilling whitewater runs on the Diable and L’Assomption Rivers. Portage trails let kayakers bypass the rapids, making these one- to two-day river trips accessible to intermediate paddlers. Kayak rentals are available at the park.
- Riviere du Nord, Val-David : Nestled in a scenic valley in the Laurentian Mountains just an hour north of Montreal, the quaint village of Val-David appears designed for outdoor lovers. The Riviere du Nord meanders gently for 7 kilometers through the village before flowing into Lac Raymond, with the P’tit Train du Nord bike path running alongside its lush banks. For a completely relaxing half-day adventure, kayakers can paddle downstream to the lake and then either bike or hike back to their starting point.
- Chambly Canal : Just across the St. Lawrence on Montreal’s South Shore, the historic Chambly Canal offers kayakers a chance to step back in time while enjoying a serene natural setting, only 35 minutes from the city. Established in 1843 to navigate around the powerful rapids of the lower Richelieu River and connect the St. Lawrence River with Lake Champlain, the 19-kilometer Chambly Canal National Historic Site is now managed by Parks Canada as a recreational waterway. The canal features nine locks, eight of which are still manually operated with hand cranks, along with swing, rolling, and lift bridges, guiding your kayaking journey. The natural, grassy banks and towpaths provide easy access for launching and landing, allowing you to enjoy a picnic or stretch your legs.
- Sorel Islands : The Sorel Islands–Lac Saint-Pierre Biosphere is one of the most ecologically rich kayaking destinations near Montreal. Located less than an hour down the St. Lawrence River from the city, this dense archipelago of 103 islands spans across the river at the western end of Lac Saint-Pierre. As the largest archipelago in the St. Lawrence, the Sorel Islands contain half of the river’s wetlands, making it a key international site for waterfowl. The islands are a bird-watcher’s haven, being North America’s largest heron nesting area. Managed by the Société d’Aménagement de la Baie Lavallière (SABL), which oversees the largest managed marsh in North America, the area features two boat ramps for kayakers to explore Baie de Lavallière and the Sorel Islands' extensive network of hidden channels, maple swamps, and wild wetlands. The eastern islands remain untouched and natural, featuring bird-filled marshes and narrow passages perfect for kayaks.
- Riviere des Prairies : Flowing between the islands of Montreal and Laval, the Riviere des Prairies offers a serene urban kayaking experience right in the heart of the metropolitan area. You can enjoy natural stretches of shoreline and get a close-up view of the city’s most attractive waterfront homes. The steady current and occasional swift sections make this river ideal for downstream kayaking. Take advantage of two convenient launch sites and a shuttle service along the Gouin Route to plan a one-way trip from Beausejour Park to the Sophie-Barat Nautical Site. With easy access, on-site kayak rentals, and a nearby bike path for a unique bike-back option, it’s a fun and straightforward way to spend a day kayaking around Montreal.
- Oka National Park : Located on the mainland shore of Lake of Two Mountains just west of Montreal, Parc National d’Oka is a popular retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing day at the beach, with 7 kilometers of sandy shoreline to paddle along, or for exploring the expansive marsh at Grande Baie teeming with wildlife. Oka also offers camping, hiking trails, historic buildings, and a rich cultural heritage. Kayaks, canoes, and SUPs can be rented by the hour, half-day, or full day within the park. If you bring your own gear, you can launch at the La Crête boat ramp or from the main swimming beach.
- Riviere-des-Milles-Îles : The "River of a Thousand Islands" meanders gently across the top of Laval, creating an island-dotted waterway ideal for relaxed kayaking adventures. In the Laval borough of Saint-Rose, you can launch from Parc de la Riviere-des-Mille-Îles, which features around 20 islands spread across the largest protected wildlife area in the metropolitan region—a charming maze of water and greenery just 30 minutes from downtown Montreal. The lush wetlands, shady forest canopy, and diverse wildlife, including elegant blue herons, sunbathing turtles, and flocks of geese and ducks, give the river a bayou-like atmosphere rather than a city paddling experience. Kayaks, canoes, and SUPs can be rented by the hour or day, and four self-guided paddling routes make navigation easy.
- Îles-de-Boucherville National Park : For some of the best sea kayaking near Montreal, visit this stunning national park located just a few kilometers from the city's Old Port. Parc National des Îles-de-Boucherville, situated in the heart of the St. Lawrence River, consists of five interconnected, vehicle-free islands. It offers a serene retreat from city noise, with its green spaces and leafy channels full of birds and aquatic life. Paddle through the expansive marshes of Chenal du Courant, where you might spot busy beavers and abundant deer. Two designated water trails help kayakers navigate the different channels. Kayaks, canoes, and SUPs are available for rent at Grosbois Visitors Centre or the park Rental Centre. If you bring your own gear, you can launch from the Rental Centre. If a single day isn’t enough, there are campsites and Ready-to-Camp tents on Îles Grosbois, allowing kayak campers to extend their stay.
In conclusion, Montreal offers an exceptional array of kayaking and canoeing experiences, making it a prime destination for both novice and seasoned paddlers. The Lachine Canal stands out as a historic and scenic waterway, providing opportunities for leisurely exploration and immersion in the city’s rich heritage. With various launch points, rental options, and nearby attractions, it’s an ideal spot to discover the beauty of Montreal from the water. Beyond the Lachine Canal, the city's diverse waterways, from the tranquil Riviere des Prairies to the thrilling whitewater of the Riviere Rouge, further enhance Montreal’s appeal as a paddling paradise. Whether you're looking to rent equipment, buy your own, or simply enjoy a relaxing day on the water, Montreal's waterways offer something for everyone.
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