You don't even have to leave the city to do some serious paddling. The Lachine Rapids are the most easily accessible white water in the Montreal area. Located just off the southern shores of Lasalle, west of Nun's Island, .at Rapids Park (the park is also designated as an Important Birding Area - IMB). There are also a few play holes around the island, which we'll leave you to find. Drop into the local shops for some clues.  
 

Just to the northwest of the island is one of North America's best white water rivers, the Rouge. The river has a total length of 220km. and runs etween the Rouge-Matawin wildlife refuge and the Ottawa River. On route you'll find dozens of rapids ranging from Class I to VI, with a wide variety of characteristics (Note: There are serious falls and completely unrunnable sections). The river is easily accessible, it can be run at any time of the paddling season and it's relatively warm, particularly when compared to it's glacier fed cousins in Canada's western provinces.

Surrounding Regions

Rouge River - Riviere Rouge

220km. One of North America's premier whitewater rivers. It originates in the Reserve Faunique Rouge-Matawin, north of Mont Tremblant Park and follows a winding course that eventually sees it empty into the Ottawa River... More Laurentians

La Douce Adventure - Canoe and Kayak Trips on the Rouge


Diable

You can run whitewater in the park in the early spring but the main white water challenge is below the park, to the north and south of the confluence of the Riviere Archambault... More Laurentians


Doncaster

The Doncaster attracts a lot of white water kayakers in the spring. The action is dependant on the winters snow levels and how quickly the snow melts... More Laurentians


Maskinonge

42km. With its headwaters in Lac Labelle, outside of Labelle, the river connects several lakes as it flows south to join the Rouge... More Laurentians


Riviere Simon

The river is often run by white water kayakers in April and early May. Like a lot of the rivers at this time the paddling is unpredictable... More Laurentians
 
    Rafting If your looking for something wild without having to leave the city, take a rafting trip down the Lachine Rapids just off the southern shores of Lasalle. More traditional rafting can be had not far from the city on the Rouge River just to the northwest of the city. Float trips are available on the Riviere du Nord in the Laurentians Further afield there is rafting above Quebec City on the Jacques Cartier River and to the north of Ottawa near Beachburg.  

Rouge River The Laurentians is home to one of the best rafting rivers in eastern North America, the Rouge. The lower section has several companies which have guided trips. Some include resort like facilities... More Laurentians


Riviere du Nord, the namesake for the beautiful park outside of St Jerome, the river meanders through the Laurentians, changing it's course from north/south to east/west until it feeds into the Ottawa River at Saint Andre Est... More Laurentians

Rafting Montreal.com - Rafting trips down the Lachine Rapids

 

White water paddling is inherently dangerous. Make sure you have the proper training, knowledge and equipment before you attempt any river or rapid. Take advantage of guides and instructors and hone your skills on easier runs to ensure your abilities are up to snuff. Never paddle alone.

Note: These listings are to be used only as a reference and in no way constitute a guide to white water paddling in the areas described. Check with the local schools and outdoor shops regarding rivers and conditions before you set out, but remember conditions can change in the blink of an eye. For more information contact the Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak (French) - Quebec Canoeing Federation

 
 

Resources

Montreal

 
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