Sea and river kayakers will be smitten with the majesty and importance of the St. Lawrence River in the Charlevoix region. Here where the middle estuary unfurls, sea kayaking is a prime way of enjoying the grandiose seaway and the richness and diversity of its aquatic fauna, while discovering the astonishing beauty of the Charlevoix coastline from atop the waves.

Several river access points are indicated on the Charlevoix Water Trail.  This "road that walks" as it was once referred to by First Nations tribes provides locations for kayakers to access the river in complete safety. Several inlets and bays are also open to canoe kayakers in the sectors of Baie-des-Rochers, Saint-Siméon and Baie-Sainte-Catherine. The play of the tides offers astonishing sea- and landscapes along the Charlevoix’s rocky strands, particularly in the middle of the bay where grey and Atlantic seals loll about the rocks. It is not at all unusual to spot certain protected species, like the Barrow’s goldeneye. 

In this part of the world where the natural kingdom’s richness prevails, kayak camping is highly recommended to those who wish to prolong their getaway in the great outdoors. At dawn, at certain coastal campsites whale song can be heard from one’s tent.

The Charlevoix is one of the most coveted sea kayak destinations in North America. Some of the top sea kayak outfitters hail from the region and are equipped to meet the very highest of safety standards. Guaranteed fun in complete tranquillity, sea kayaking is a sport that can be appreciated by everyone, no matter the level of experience or fitness. Inquiries can be made with the region’s many guides.

Among kayakers, certain towns and villages are particularly coveted destinations, like Baie-Saint-Paul, Saint-Irénée, Cap-à-l’Aigle and Baie-des-Rochers. Sea kayaking on the St. Lawrence River is one of the top ways to whale watch. Not only is this green means of transportation practised in a unique wilderness setting, but it also offers visitors a very real chance of seeing mythical belugas up close, those small white whales so often spotted frolicking in Charlevoix waters.

Following the Whale Route by sea kayak is an adventure along the region’s marine mammal highway. Never do visitors come so close to fin whales, blue whales, humpback whales, black right whales, belugas, seals and dolphins. Offshore in their kayak, they gently ride the river’s waters along the Charlevoix’s capes until the moment when, right before their eyes, a whale’s blow spout fills the deep silence.

Canoeing & Canoe Camping

Canoeists will be thoroughly inspired by their encounter with the Charlevoix’s great outdoors. Canoe trips down Rivière du Gouffre and Rivière Malbaie treat visitors to breathtaking scenery. Climb aboard a big rabaska canoe here in Menaud country, or paddle your way up Rivière Malbaie and back in time, in Les Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park. By canoe, come discover Québec’s tallest rocky cliffs, surprising glacial formations and terrain presenting impressive vertical. Or why not paddle down Rivière Noire, in Saint-Siméon - yet another way of exploring landscapes fashioned by the last Ice Age?

The Charlevoix is a place of stunning heights, where the immensity of the landscape takes on new dimensions from a canoe. Canoe or canoe camping excursions offer the very best the Charlevoix has to offer. Paired with a peaceful stay in one of the region’s various national parks, it is an invitation for visitors to experience some of Québec’s most enchanting wilderness locations. Whether solo, as a family or among friends, paddling the Charlevoix is a must-do ecotourism adventure.

The Charlevoix territory is also dotted with lakes that offer the pleasure and leisure of a canoe and/or canoe camping trip too. Many outfitters and ZECS with onsite canoe rentals are very popular among avid paddlers.