This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Quebec is a canoe-camping paradise, whether on a lake or a river. It is the assurance of diving into remote regions and immersing yourself in the heart of grandiose landscapes.
Canoe-camping can be both contemplative and active. Spending one or more nights on site, in prolonged immersion, offers a total change of scenery in Quebec and the chance to observe wildlife as it progresses. But whoever chooses to practice canoe-camping independently must be made aware of the rules of Leave No Trace: we bring back all our waste and we make sure that other visitors will have an experience of the same quality as the one we want to have. Here are four destinations to discover Quebec’s hinterland from the water.
Opémican National Park, Abitibi-Témiscamingue
A jewel of the newest national park, the canoe-camping circuit to Île aux Fraises, on the border between Parc national d’Opémican and ZEC Kipawa, is quite simply exceptional. Departure from the Kipawa River sector for three days in the Témiscamingue hinterland. Here, the vast stretches of water are lined with tall red and white pines that stand between the hardwoods. A bewitching universe made to measure for canoe-camping. The proliferation of islands makes it possible to land for a picnic sheltered from the wind. The experience can be tricky because of the squalls that can rise over vast stretches of lake, such as Lake Kipawa, and make the boat’s progress difficult. To get to White Lake, you have to carry a portage over a distance of 200 meters (this is part of the trip !) on a wooden walkway. We carry our belongings – canoe, barrels and backpacks – to reach the maze of small lakes that follow one another. First camp on a designated site, transition point between White Lake and Lake Kipawa, 2000 km of shoreline and an area of 330 km2 ! The next day, head for Île aux Fraises, which you reach via McKenzie Island, one of the largest on the lake, where the Laurentian forest and the boreal forest alternate. The natural promontories, above the crystal clear water, make it a providential stopover. It is not uncommon for the circuit to end with the bewitching song of the loons in the background, a way to end the experience in style in Dorval Bay at Laniel’s reception.
Practical information : You can rent your canoe at the Pointe Opémican Visitors Center or at the Laniel Information Kiosk. The circuits are open from June 17.
Bonaventure River, Gaspesie
The purity of its waters is legendary. And the beauty of its wild banks is breathtaking. You are in the heart of Baie des Chaleurs, in one of the most beautiful places to canoe with the current. The renowned company Cime Aventures offers several canoe-camping packages, including La Populaire, a one-day self-guided descent on a magnificent section of the river. The 18-kilometre circuit includes a few small rapids (class I and II) that you can pass easily even if you are not a white water pro. Patrolmen roam the river to make sure everything is going well. Along the way, we discover salmon pits, refreshing waterfalls, and areas perfect for a swim and a picnic stop. Everything is taken care of by the company, including the shuttle that allows you to get to the launch. A magnificent experience, perfect for active families, before embarking on an expedition of a few days also offered on the Bonaventure.
Practical information : you can also go down the river in a single or double kayak. All equipment, including canoe, is provided. Other packages are available on site. Cime Aventures also offers the rental of campsites, ready-to-camp, cabins and yurts.
Jacques-Cartier National Park, Quebec region
Whether you choose a peaceful crossing in calm water or an exhilarating descent in white water, canoe-camping is the best way to admire the breathtaking landscapes of this exceptional glacial valley. The Jacques-Cartier is also the only river in Quebec to be included on the list of Canadian Heritage rivers. One more reason to discover it along the water. Slightly experienced canoeists can treat themselves to a two-day descent with overnight camping from the Jetty (kilometre 29) to the Discovery and Visitors Center (kilometre 10). This section of the Jacques-Cartier River is dotted with calm water and class I to III rapids, and allows you to capture all the beauty of the 500-meter-high cliffs that rise on either side in The valley. The R III, marked as dangerous on the SEPAQ map, is at kilometer 16; if you rent your boat at the park, you are not allowed to cross it by canoe. We can then easily make a portage for this portion on the shore. The park offers a shuttle service to get to the boat launch.
Practical information : you can find all the necessary equipment at the Nautical Rental Center located at kilometer 10 of the park. Also available: kayaks and mini-rafts. The activity is accessible from June 18.
Kiamika Regional Park, Laurentians
Feeling alone in the world in a remote region: this is often what canoe-camping enthusiasts are looking for. Head to the Hautes-Laurentides, northeast of Mont-Laurier, to discover this 60 km body of water2, dotted with around forty islands bordered by sandy beaches. Its vast landscapes and its ecosystem composed of exceptional forest stands, protected by a biodiversity reserve, make it a paradise for independent canoeists. Fifty-eight rustic campsites, with a capacity of one to five tents, allow you to compose an itinerary in one of the three sectors of the reservoir: Barrage sector (busiest), Montée-Miron and Kilby sector , more intimate. The Barrage and Kilby sectors also offer hiking trails.
Ipractical info: you can rent your boat on site, except at the Dam reception. Luggage transport service possible.
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.