Kayak Montreal Expedition: 8 Best Spots to Explore
Photo from Pixabay
Montreal is a perfect place for adventurers as it offers a blend of the bustle of a large city and an opportunity to go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. Thus, you will be fully engrossed in the natural environment while tasting the true spirit when you kayak Montreal, from lush Îles-de-Boucherville National Park to beautiful views of the Sorel Islands.
DISCLAIMER: Before traveling to a kayak location, ensure that the location still allows for kayaking and make yourself aware of any rules and regulations in place.
Is Montreal Worth Kayaking?
Absolutely! Montreal, located at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers, represents fabulous Montreal kayaking routes, whether you like wild whitewater rafting or flat water routes.
Top 4 Ideal Montreal Kayaking Destinations
Imagine yourself floating through clear waterways in the middle of the forest. These are the best four kayaking Montreal spots for your dream coming true.
1. Îles-de-Boucherville National Park
Located near the Old Port of Montreal, Îles-de-Boucherville National Park is considered to have the most relaxed and serene experience for you to kayak in Montreal. It is a charming national park with open water, home to vibrant wildlife and numerous shades of green flora.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Calm and safe waters
- Skill Levels: Suitable for paddlers of any skill level
- Launching Points: The Rental Center or the Grosbois Visitors Center
- Amenities: Picnic spots, camping grounds, and restrooms
- Unique Features: Opportunities to see beavers and deer. The camping alternatives allow for longer vacations.
2. Rivière aux cerises and Lac Memphrémagog
Rivière aux Cerises is a beautiful, very common natural space downtown in Magog, reputed for its large biodiversity both in vegetation and animals. Your route for kayaking Montreal can start from Rivière aux Cerises to Lac Memphrémagog.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Tranquil and clear water
- Skill Levels: Suitable for paddlers of any skill level
- Launching Points: Vie de plein air or The Club de Voile Memphrémagog
- Amenities: Café-boutiques for souvenirs, books, and local products
- Unique Features: Diverse wildlife and ecosystems
3. Milles Îles River
The Mille Îles River lies just north of Montreal and is known for its beautiful view. Called the "River of a Thousand Islands," this quiet spot presents a unique setting with countless tiny islands and thick vegetation to kayak a Montreal river.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Calm and island-filled waterways
- Skill Levels: Suitable for paddlers of any skill level
- Launching Points: Park de la Riviere-des-Mille-Îles or other nearby rental places
- Amenities: Self-guided paddling tours
- Unique Features: Opportunities to see turtles, blue herons, and various bird species
4. Oka National Park
Situated in Montreal along the coast of Lake of Two Mountains, Oka National Park is a well-liked urban getaway. The park offers the perfect setting to kayak Montreal, enjoy the beach, and see animals in their natural habitat.
Photo from Flickr
- Water Type: Calm waters
- Skill Levels: Suitable for paddlers of any skill level
- Launching Points: Main swimming beach or the La Crête boat ramp
- Amenities: Picnic areas and camping grounds
- Unique Features: Discover the park's historical and cultural heritage
4 Paradises for Kayaking Near Montreal
A world of blissful kayaking is only a short drive from the city. These four picturesque locations are ideal day outings to kayak near Montreal.
1. Sorel Islands
The Sorel Islands offer a diverse ecosystem and are famous among kayaking enthusiasts. These 103 islands on the St. Lawrence River are well known for their large wetland area and large heron site.
- Water Type: Shallow waters with minimal current
- Skill Levels: Suitable for paddlers of any skill level
- Launching Points: Two boat ramps provided by the Société d’Aménagement de la Baie Lavallière (SABL)
- Unique Features: Diverse wildlife animals
2. Chambly Canal
Just a short drive to Montreal's South Shore, you will reach the Chambly Canal for a tranquil kayaking experience. Built in 1843, this historic canal features 19 kilometers of lovely paths with charming bridges and manually controlled locks.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Calm waters with mild currents
- Skill Levels: Suitable for paddlers of any skill level
- Launching Points: Marked launching ramps along the canal
- Amenities: Picnic sites nearby
Notes: Kayaking is only allowed between bridges Nos. 9 and 10.
3. Mont Tremblant National Park
Less than two hours north of Montreal, the stunning Mont Tremblant National Park is well-known for its brilliant emerald-green slopes, lakes, and rivers with rapid flows. These beautiful sceneries host a number of experiences of kayaking near Montreal.
Photo from Pexels
- Water Type: Calm lakes and exciting rivers with rapids
- Skill Levels: Suitable for paddlers of any skill level
- Launching Points: Lac Monroe Visitors Centre or L'Assomption Visitors Centre
- Amenities: Picnic tables, playgrounds, and BBQ grills
4. Rivière Rouge
Rivière Rouge originates north of Mont Tremblant in the Laurentian Mountains. Its beautiful landscape and various opportunities for kayaking make this 200-kilometer-long river justly famous.
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
- Water Type: Flatwater to class II-III rapids
- Skill Levels: Suitable for paddlers of any skill level
- Launching Points: L'Ascension or Labelle villages
- Amenities: Camping grounds and wild camping on sandbars
- Unique Features: Ancient covered bridges and sandy beaches
Best Kayak Rental Montreal Options
Take a look at these premier businesses that not only rent kayak Montreal equipment but also foster a love for the water.
- KSF (Kayak Sans Frontieres)
KSF has different types of watercraft for rent including stand up paddle boards, sea kayaks, and whitewater kayaks. The basic charge is $20 for a half-hour single kayak.
- Parc De La Riviere-Des-Milles-Îles
It is the most extended kayak rental in Montreal, comprising 4 rental centers for SUPs, kayaks, and canoes at different rates, depending on the rental duration.
Photo from iROCKER
- Vie de Plein Air
Magog's Vie de Plein Air rents SUPs, pedal boats, and single and double kayaks starting at $21.74. For all rentals, a valid ID is required, and we strongly recommend reservations.
- Lachine Canal Nautical Centre
For $20, you can hire a 30-minute solo kayak online from H2O Adventures. They also rent inflatable SUP boards and canoes. Besides, the business provides guided excursions and walk-in bookings.
However, even when you have an SUP board and want to try a Montreal kayak excursion, your paddle board is easily turned into a kayak using the iROCKER SUP Kayak Conversion Kit.
Get the Hype With A Kayak Montreal Adventure!
Montreal invites you to discover its 8 amazing kayaking destinations with spectacular scenery and memorable experiences. Equip yourself to kayak Montreal with an inflatable kayak from iROCKER for your maximum comfort and convenience on the water.
FAQ
How many days in Montreal is enough?
2 or 3 days will be plenty to see the finest of the city.
What is the best time to visit Montreal?
June - September is the best time to visit Montreal.
