Where to go to paddle this summer in and around Montreal

Attractions to discover, April 25, 2022 2022-04-25
quebecvacances.com
quebecvacances.com
Kayaking at the Canal-de-Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue © Lieu historique national du Canal-de-Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue

Content produced in partnership with Pelican

Dreaming of a day spent with your canoe, kayak or paddleboard under the sun? If your starting point is Montreal, paddle sports and water sports are surprisingly accessible since you can bring your own equipment to several urban parks and bodies of water. Find out where you can paddle just around the corner!

Discover all that Pelican has to offer!

Is there a better way to enjoy Quebec’s nature than by exploring parks on a Pelican kayak, canoe or paddleboard (SUP)? This family-owned company has been operating in Laval for over 50 years and offers a wide range of products for water sports enthusiasts that suit all ages, tastes and budgets. Pelican International is a world leader in the industry, recognized for its innovative, durable and superior-quality products, designed and manufactured in environmentally friendly ways. And thanks to the Pelican online store, you can easily shop for your boat and accessories and then confidently head out on the water.

Jean-Doré Beach at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Jean-Doré Beach at Parc Jean-Drapeau ©Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

Where to paddle near the city

Jean-Doré Beach at Parc Jean-Drapeau

Five minutes from downtown Montreal, Jean-Doré Beach at Parc Jean-Drapeau is the perfect place to bring your kayak or paddleboard and enjoy a memorable, and affordable, nature experience. This city park can accommodate athletes looking for a more advanced training, thanks to its famous Olympic Basin, as well as those looking for a quiet paddle around. From the beach, paddlers can make their way to the Casino de Montréal or to discover the central part of Île Notre-Dame Island and the Floralies Gardens by following the big loop of the lagoons.

Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles in Laval is accessible from the north shore (Rosemère, Bois-des-Filion, Boisbriand and Saint-Eustache) or south shore (Berge du Garrot in Laval). On this peaceful river, you can use your own non-motorized boat, for a small fee, and go canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding on your own, with family or with friends. Five self-guided tours with evocative names are suggested for your paddling activity. By choosing this park, you will also be supporting the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles in its mission to protect and conserve the river.

Parc Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
Parc Rivière-des-Mille-Îles ©André Chevrier
Get to the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal from the Paddle Mac dock
Get to the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal from the Paddle Mac dock

The Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal

On the western tip of the island of Montreal is the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site: a must-see in the summer! Enjoy a nice paddle along the waterfront and then stop by any of the restaurants, ice cream shops or stores on Sainte-Anne Street, which features a charming small-town atmosphere. It's a favorite spot for boaters who dock there to stock up on supplies or meet friends. Kayakers can launch upstream (Lake des Deux-Montagnes) or downstream (Lake Saint-Louis) of the canal.

You can also access the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal by launching your own kayak or canoe at the Paddle Mac dock on the Macdonald campus of McGill University. This water sports centre welcomes novices and experts alike and offers daily or seasonal rates depending on your needs.

The beach at Parc national d’Oka

Located near the metropolitan area, this park of the Sépaq network sets itself apart with rich historical and natural heritage as well as exceptional flora and fauna. Hundreds of visitors discover the beach at Parc national d’Oka for the first time every year. Launch your SUP or personal kayak from the la Crête sector using the boat ramp, or from the main beach at either edge of the swimming areas. It's the perfect way to see the park and the water in a whole new light!

plage d'Oka
The beach at Parc national d’Oka ©Beside Media
Explorez le Canal de Beauharnois à Valleyfield
Explore the Beauharnois Canal ©MRC Beauharnois-Salaberry

The Old Beauharnois Canal

In the heart of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, the Vieux Canal de Beauharnois (Old Beauharnois Canal) welcomes you for canoeing or kayaking. Nautical tourism is a major part of tourism in this region. Boaters can head from the Canal to Baie St-François and the Bellerive district. After a refreshing trip, kayakers, canoers and paddleboarders will love a stroll around the historical district of Valleyfield and Sauvé Park as well as Victoria Street, adjacent to the Canal. It's a great place to take a break or have a good meal at one of the restaurants or microbreweries or at the La Cale bar-terrace.

So, are you ready to take the plunge and get your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard? Check out the Pelican online store and start dreaming of your next paddling adventures!

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