Rivière Bonaventure © Dylan Page
River Activities in Gaspésie
Set off on an adventure on the crystal-clear rivers of Gaspésie! Here are five ways to enjoy yourself to the fullest while canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, canyoning, rafting, snorkelling or swimming in our region!
Paddle sports (including canoe camping)
Cime Aventure (Bonaventure) offers a wide variety of activities on the sparkling turquoise waters of the Bonaventure River. This river is so clear you can watch salmon swim by as you glide over them—and your vessel will appear to be floating on air! This company also offers canoes (including rabaska canoes), kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and rafts for rent. Depending on your level of experience and how much time you have, various itineraries are available, varying in length from one hour to several days (canoe camping). You can also stay on site in the campground or rent a ready-to-camp.
Nature Aventure (Matapédia) offers lots of options, with excursions on seven crystal-clear rivers. The landscapes of mountains and rivers in this area are worth seeing! Depending on your level of experience and how much time you have, you can explore the Matapédia, Restigouche, Patapédia, Assemetquagan, Kedgwick, Upsalquitch or Causapscal. You’re very likely to see salmon during your excursion since they’re found in most of these rivers. You can rent a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board, then set off on an adventure on your own or with a guide. The campground on site offers a dozen campsites. You can also go wilderness camping during a canoeing or kayaking trip that lasts several days.
At Valmont Plein Air (Cap-Chat), you can try kayaking or take a family trip on the Cap-Chat River. The descents are not guided, but the staff will take the time to give you safety instructions and explain basic kayak maneuvers. Révolution Plein Air (Price) lets you discover the Mitis River and its diverse fauna and flora by kayak, canoe or paddle board. Boat, accessories and transportation service included.
Photo: Nature Aventure
Canyoning in the Chic-Chocs
Magnificent canyons are found in the heart of the Chic-Chocs as well as in the region’s coastal mountains. The highly qualified instructors at Eskamer Aventure (Sainte-Anne-des-Monts) will be happy to introduce you to canyoning (also called canyoneering). Enjoy rappelling down rapids, ziplining, leaping into deep basins and sliding down crystal-clear natural waterslides! You can also soar over Castor Canyon on a 330-metre zipline… and end your day in the spa on the rooftop patio!
At Griffon Aventure (L’Anse-au-Griffon), you can observe stunning waterfalls and explore a steep watercourse in several different ways. The more adventurous can climb cliff walls and jump into emerald-green pools. Alternatively, you can also hike, swim and slide in natural waterslides here. Canyoning is a fun activity for the whole family (even teens!). All the gear required is provided. After a full day, enjoy a tasty meal at the bistro and get a good night’s sleep at a campsite or in a prospector’s tent, rustic cabin, dorm room or private room in the hostel on site.
Canyoning. Photo: CHOK Images
Rafting in Murdochville
During the spring melt from early May to mid-June, Chic-Chac (Murdochville) invites you to go rafting down the York, one of the most beautiful rivers in Gaspésie. Several packages are available that include lodging and meals. Some evenings, you can also enjoy a free show!
Rafting. Photo: La Semelle Verte
River snorkelling
Nature Aventure (Matapédia) offers several guided snorkelling packages to swim with salmon in the crystal-clear waters of various rivers in this area. Your adventure will give you the opportunity to not only observe Atlantic salmon up close, but also find out more about local marine life and the marine environment. Every package includes all the gear required (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, life jacket, etc.).
Other fresh or saltwater activities
Gaspésie is also a great place to enjoy sea activities as well as fishing in rivers, lakes and the sea! To find out more, visit our “Fishing” and “Cruises and Sea Kayaking” pages.
Enjoy an amazing variety of water sports on or in the crystal-clear rivers of Gaspésie!
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