Best SUP Spots in Québec – Paddleboarding Adventures Guide
Calling all our SUP lovers! If you’re looking for your next SUP spots in Québec, we’ve got you covered. From tranquil lakes to rushing rivers, Québec boasts a diverse range of stunning waterways that are perfect for paddling adventures.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey to discover some of our best SUP spots in Québec. Whether you’re seeking serene nature escapes or urban paddling, there’s something for everyone on Quebec’s waters. So grab your board, put on some sunscreen, and get ready to explore the best SUP spots that Québec has to offer!
***Important : always have a life jacket when you’re paddling as well as a survival SUP kit.
Jacques-Cartier National Park holds a special place in our hearts. Just a 45-minute drive from Québec City, this park offers breathtaking views of the valley from the river’s edge. Surrounded by towering mountains, the scenery here is truly unforgettable. Remember to grab your entrance ticket before heading in!
Within the park, there are 3 fantastic options for SUP:
KM 3 : Rental center
Located near the park entrance, this stretch of the river features calm waters, perfect for families or a leisurely paddle. Rent a watercraft for an hour to explore the area, or opt for a whole afternoon. Note that rentals cannot be booked in advance.
KM 10 : Discovery and Services Centre
Situated in front of the Discovery and Services Centre, this spot offers a stunning view and convenient access to nearby campsites. Be aware that there’s more current here, so it may be less suitable for children.
KM 25 : OUR FAVORITE
While a bit further into the park, KM 25 (also called Ekwatek) is undoubtedly one of the best SUP spots in Québec. Here, you’ll find tranquil waters surrounded by majestic mountains, creating a serene and awe-inspiring experience. Though it’s distant from campsites, there are parking and restroom facilities available. Just be sure to bring all your essentials for this adventure!
It’s worth noting that these SUP spots in Jacques-Cartier National Park do not involve a river descent. You’ll enter and exit the river at the same location. For more information about these spots, visit Sepaq’s website or contact their customer service.
→ Want more information on what to do and where to stay in Jacques-Cartier National Park?Check our full post on our top campings in Québec for hiking!
Located about 3 hours from Montreal and just an hour from Québec City, Vallée Bras-du-Nord is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by outdoor enthusiasts. This nature paradise offers a stunning landscape similar to the Jacques-Cartier River, with breathtaking views of the winding river cutting through towering mountains and majestic cliffs. No wonder why it has to be in our top SUP spots in Québec!
However, unlike the Jacques-Cartier River, the Bras-du-Nord River allows for a thrilling river descent. While this adventure requires more preparation, Vallée Bras-du-Nord’s website provides ample information to help you plan your journey.
Starting from Shannahan campground, the descent covers approximately 17 km, with the option to make a stop at KM 2.5 to admire the magnificent Delaney waterfall. We highly recommend you take a break here to soak in the amazing sights and enjoy a picnic by the waterfall before continuing your adventure downstream.
Good to know
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- Lasts about 5-6h (July-October) to 4-5h (May-June).
- There are also only R1 which means the ride is easy
- They offer simple kayak, double kayak and canoe rentals
- They also offer a shuttle service to bring you back to your car, but only for people who rented a watercraft)
- If you want to do it on your own, you can’t rely on the shuttle service so you must either have 2 cars, or take a cab.
- Inflatable paddle boards are accepted.
For more information, check their website.
Vallée Bras-du-Nord is not just about river descents—it’s a hub for outdoor enthusiasts offering a wide range of activities. Whether you’re into hiking, biking, canoeing, via ferrata, or more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
And if you’re wondering where to stay, they offer 3 different campgrounds to choose from where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the area and make the most of your adventure.
Trust us, Vallée Bras-du-Nord is an experience you won’t soon forget—it’s a must-add to your summer bucket list!
Located just under 2 hours from Montreal in Mont-Tremblant National Park, Lake Monroe is one of the best SUP spots in Québec—and for good reason. Having visited multiple times ourselves, we can attest to its charm and beauty. What sets this SUP spot apart is not just its stunning scenery, but also the abundance of activities available in the area.
Besides paddleboarding, Lake Monroe offers a variety of other outdoor activities. From camping and hiking (trails like La Corniche, La Coulée, and La Roche are pretty close to the lake) to picnicking and relaxing on the beach, there’s no shortage of things to do. We often find ourselves mixing morning hikes with afternoon SUP sessions, taking advantage of the calm waters that make Lake Monroe perfect for families and beginners alike. And if you don’t have your own watercraft, rentals are available at La Crémaillère beach.
With its breathtaking mountain views and array of activities, Lake Monroe is ideal for weekend warriors like us who want to maximize their time outdoors. And if you’re camping nearby, be sure to catch the sunset over the water—it’s a sight you won’t want to miss.
→ Want more information on what to do and where to stay in Mont-Tremblant National Park? Check our full post on our top campings in Québec for hiking!
How could we forget the beauty of the Bonaventure River! Nestled in Gaspésie, we know it’s a bit of a drive, but trust us—it’s worth it. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, the Bonaventure River is a true gem of the Gaspesian region, and a must-add to your list of best SUP spots in Québec.
This river descent is best experienced with Cime Aventure, who not only operate a campground but also offer watercraft rentals and 3 different descent options. You can choose from the famous tour, the family tour, or the “have your own craft” tour. The famous tour, with its mix of R1 and R2 rapids, promises a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Be sure to book their shuttle service in advance during peak season to avoid any hassles. Don’t miss anything important and check their website for more information.
While paddleboarding on the Bonaventure River is an option, be mindful of your fins as there are plenty of large rocks to navigate. Some recommend removing them, but if like me, yours are non-removable, it’s manageable. Just keep an eye out for rocks and proceed with caution. Personally, I found that having fins made the paddleboard more stable, but it’s ultimately up to your preference and comfort level.
Bonaventure River offers a more adventurous SUP experience compared to others on our list, but trust us when we say the thrill is worth it. It’s an adventure you won’t soon forget, and definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list.
→ Want more information on what to do and where to stay in Gaspésie? Check our full post on our road trip in Gaspésie!
Not as far as the Bonaventure River but certainly worth the journey, Bic National Park earns its spot on our list of best SUP spots in Québec. Situated near Rimouski, this park treats visitors to breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River along the coastline.
The SUP spot is nestled at Baie des Cochons (Pig’s Bay), a picturesque bay with a sandy beach—perfect for a leisurely picnic before hitting the water. However, it’s important to note that SUP is only possible during high tide. Learn from our mistake and don’t find yourself waiting on your paddleboard for the right moment! The view of the bay and surrounding mountains provides a glimpse of the beauty of Gaspésie, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of seals!
While Bic National Park offers other water spots like Baie du Ha! Ha! and Havre du Bic, park employees recommend exploring these areas by kayak or canoe due to stronger currents. These spots offer a higher chance of seal sightings but require extra caution, so always wear your life jacket.
Beyond offering one of Québec’s top SUP spots, Bic National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. From hiking to biking and camping, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy, making it an ideal destination for family adventures.
→ Planning your stay at Bic National Park? Check out our post on our road trip in Gaspésie for more! From tips for campings to hiking ideas, you’ll find everything you need!
*** Important: While the spots we’ve highlighted above offer a complete nature experience within national parks, the ones below are not entirely within park boundaries. That means you may encounter more boat traffic on the water who could be more agitated. However, if you’re based in or near Montreal, these locations are more accessible for a quick getaway. Consider visiting during sunset for a quieter experience.
Rivière Rouge (Laurentians)
Nestled in the picturesque Laurentians, Rivière Rouge lives up to its name because of the red pigmentation of its water which has iron oxides in it. About 161 km long, the most popular section for descents is considered easy-going since there’s no rapids. Over the years, the Rivière Rouge descent has become a beloved activity in the region, attracting increasing numbers of visitors.
Given its popularity, we recommend hitting the river early in the morning to avoid crowds. While many opt for tube descents, we’ve found paddleboarding to be a preferable option. Not only does it allow for easier navigation, but you can also paddle forward if the river’s flow is too slow. For a better experience during the descent, consider bringing along a seat.
If you don’t have your own watercraft, numerous companies in the area offer rentals for kayaks, SUPs, and canoes, ensuring you can enjoy this memorable experience. Here’s a list of some of the companies:
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- Descente de la Rouge
- Rivière sur tube (tubes only)
- Pause Plein Air
- Kayak Cabana
- Le Centre d’activités Mont-Tremblant
- And others…
That said, if you have your own watercraft you can do the river descent on your own. However, keep in mind that this activity is popular, especially during peak times, which can lead to parking struggles if you arrive late. Parking now requires payment and street parkings can run low. We recommend bringing cash as many residents in the area offer parking in their driveways for a fee. Additionally, ensure you have two cars and don’t forget the keys!
Despite these logistical considerations, the Rivière Rouge descent remains one of the best SUP spots in Québec for soaking up sunny days with friends. Along the way, you’ll find beaches (just be mindful to avoid private ones) where you can play games like Spikeball or volleyball, or simply enjoy a leisurely picnic. No doubt Rivière Rouge’s going to make your day memorable.
Located just an hour from Montreal, Saint-Placide boasts one of the best SUP spots in Québec which is Lac des Deux Montagnes that’s both free and open to the public. Easily accessible, you can pinpoint the location using the GoPaddling app, a handy tool for finding SUP locations with essential details like parking and amenities. We highly recommend downloading it for your next adventures!
At this spot, you’ll find a public deck for launching your paddle board, as well as free parking available at the nearby church and public restrooms. Keep in mind that since this isn’t a national park, boat traffic may vary depending on the time of day. For a more tranquil experience, consider heading out at sunset, when the water is calmer and the atmosphere is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the moment.
About an hour from Montreal, near Vaudreuil-Soulanges, lies Lake St-François, a well-known gem in the area. Since Olivier is from this region, we already knew this SUP spot, but you can find it on the GoPaddling app or click on this link to open it in Google map. What sets this place apart is the striking turquoise color of the lake—a rarity among many lakes in Québec.
Situated in Thomas-Monro Park, this SUP spot offers free parking and seasonal restrooms. As it’s located in a canal, the water tends to be calm, making it ideal for beginners. While you can venture out of the canal, be mindful that the larger lake may have more waves and boat traffic.
When we visit, our favorite activity is simply relaxing on the water. We drop anchor, enjoy a picnic, and soak up the sunny weather. If you’re seeking a tranquil spot to unwind on your paddleboard, Lake St-François is definitely one the best SUP spots in Québec not far from Montreal.
This Sepaq park is renowned for its large sandy beach, which can become quite crowded during the summer months. While it’s undeniably a beautiful spot, we suggest visiting early in the morning or during sunset for a more tranquil experience. This recommendation also applies to the lake itself, as fewer boats typically mean calmer waters—perfect for a more enjoyable paddleboarding session.
Like our spot at Saint-Placide, Oka National Park overlooks the lake des Deux Montagnes. If you don’t have your own SUP, you can rent one at the park’s rental center. Just remember that since it’s a national park, you’ll need to purchase both your entrance and parking ticket (parking fees are separate from entrance fees and are required to access the beach area).
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