5 river activities in Gaspésie

Go on an adventure in the limpid rivers of Gaspésie! Here are 5 ways to take full advantage of it by canoe, kayak or paddle board, canyoning, rafting, diving or swimming.

Descent of rivers and canoe-camping

Cime Aventures offers a wide variety of activities on the crystalline Bonaventure River, with its turquoise reflections. The clarity of the waters will give you the illusion that the boats are floating in the air! At Cime, canoes, kayaks, rabaskas, paddle boards and inflatable rafts are available for rental.

Depending on your experience and the desired duration, different routes are offered, varying from one hour to a few days (canoe-camping). You will find various types of accommodation on site (camping, cabins, ecolodge on stilts, tipis, yurts) and a terrace by the river.

Nature Aventure, in Matapédia, offers you the embarrassment of choice with excursions on seven clear rivers. You have to see the magnificent landscapes of mountains and rivers in this sector, which deserves to be known! Depending on your experience and your time, the company will recommend the Matapédia, Restigouche, Patapédia, Assemetquagan, Kedgwick, Upsalquitch or Causapscal rivers. You have a good chance of observing salmon there, since they are found in the majority of these waterways.

You can rent canoes, kayaks or paddle boards, then set off on an adventure, independently or with a guide. In terms of accommodation, the on-site campsite has around ten pitches. Canoe or kayak and wilderness camping packages are also available.

At Valmont Plein air, you can learn to kayak or take a family outing 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.

Valmont Plein air also has a restaurant with regional flavors overlooking the river, and six superb chalets with colorful exteriors, overlooking the St. Lawrence and the Chic-Chocs.

Canyonisme in the heart of the Chic-Chocs

In the hollow of the Chic-Chocs and the coastal mountains of Gaspésie are magnificent canyons. The highly qualified instructors of Eskamer Aventure, in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, will teach you how to practice canyoning. On the program: abseiling down waterfalls, jumping into large deep pools and sliding in clear water. You can fly over the valley of the Castor Canyon over 330 m on a zip line… and end the day on the terrace with spa!

On the side of Griffon Aventure, in L’Anse-au-Griffon, you will be able to observe magnificent falls and explore a rugged waterway in many ways. If you are adventurous, you will enjoy exploring the walls and jumping into the emerald green pits. If you’re more of a laid-back nature, you’ll probably opt for hiking, swimming and natural waterslides. Canyoning is a great family activity (even teenagers will be delighted!) and the equipment is provided. After a busy day, you can reward yourself with a good meal at the on-site bistro, then regain your strength in the accommodation facilities (camping, prospector tents, rustic cabins, rooms, dormitory).

Rafting in Murdochville

In Murdochville, Le Chic-Chac invites you to take on the rapids of the Madeleine River by rafting. Passable from the spring flood until the end of June, it is divided into 3 parts and the section explored is chosen according to the flow of the river. The first runs from Lake Madeleine to the Route 198 bridge. The second, family-friendly, has class R1 to R3 rapids, and runs from the bridge to a small farm. The third, the white rapid, is very sporty, with class R1 to R5 rapids! Also offered: the Doubled package, ie 2 days of rafting including 2 descents (on the York or Madeleine rivers, depending on the flow), 6 meals and one night at the Auberge Chic-Chac in a warm chalet atmosphere. The Chic-Chac also offers a restaurant with a gourmet menu and a variety of accommodation units.

Snorkeling in the river

In Matapédia, Nature Aventure offers guided snorkeling packages to swim with salmon in the rivers around Matapédia. Your journey in the clear waters of these rivers will not only allow you to observe Atlantic salmon, but also to learn about the aquatic environment, fauna and flora, etc. The packages include all the equipment (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, life jacket, etc.).

Bathing in the river

Le Malin de la rivière Bonaventure is the site of a rapid of force R2. You can stop there during a descent of the river by canoe or you can go there directly by car. Consisting of a pebble beach and two sandy beaches, it is the place to meet on hot summer days! Given the presence of current, life jackets are strongly recommended. If you have sensitive feet, you will be more comfortable wearing water shoes to move around on the pebbles. To get to the site: west of the town of Bonaventure, take Route Forest and continue for 6 km. Then follow the signs to the parking lot. Anticipate that there is an entry cost.

Other fresh or salt water activities

The Gaspésie is also a paradise for nautical activities at sea, and fishing in the rivers, lakes and seas! For inspiration, go to the “Fishing” section of our website and read the article “5 activities at sea in Gaspésie” on our blog.

Try the amazing variety of water sports offered by the clear waters of the Gaspé rivers! To savor every moment, plan your stay at tourism-gaspesie.com. #gaspesie