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Quebec White Water Rafting: Best in the Province

There are tons of places to go white water rafting in Quebec’s amazing province. No matter where you are in the province, you’re close to a river that will give you the ride of your life. The most accessible excursion is along the River Rouge at Mont Tremblant. It’s not far from the city and is excellent for beginners and experienced rafters.

With so many things to do in Quebec, white water rafting often gets overlooked. Don’t miss out on this experience, as Quebec has rapids that will rival any river in the world. Check your Quebec itinerary and add one of these trips; you won’t regret it.

People Rafting Down Rapids - Jackalope West - From Unsplash
Photo: Jackalope West from Unsplash

Mont Tremblant – Laurentians

Nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Laurentian mountains,  is blessed with swift, crystal-clear rivers surrounded by lush forests and rugged terrain.

In spring, melting snow heightens the river’s intensity, creating Class III to IV rapids that challenge even seasoned rafters. Summer offers slightly calmer waters, perfect for beginners seeking adventure without overwhelming fear.

Here are some of the outfitters that can get you out there:

Amidst your river rafting in Quebec, remember to look around. The surrounding landscape is postcard-worthy, dotted with towering pines and giving the occasional glimpse of wildlife like deer and eagles. Pausing on a riverbank for a picnic or cliff jump into the water adds to the memorable experience. And did I mention beaches?

Tourist Village of Mont-Tremblant - in Quebec - Naz Israyelyan - From Unsplash
Photo: Naz Israyelyan from Unsplash

The Bonnet Rouge Rafting – North Gatineau

For those looking to set sail in the middle of the wilderness, head deep into Quebec’s backcountry and hop on a raft with the Bonnet Rouge Rafting company. The Gatineau River has been a staple of the province’s nature and continues to be a huge part of what makes this part of the province so special. 

As you navigate the river’s twists and turns, expect an exhilarating ride through churning waves and around imposing boulders. Each rapid brings its own unique challenge, ensuring the adventure never wanes.

During this Quebec river rafting trip, Bonnet Rouge gives you plenty of chances for relaxing breaks. You might find yourself smack dab in the middle of the forest, enjoying the sounds of nature with a light lunch and some refreshments.

What to Do in Outaouais and How to Organize Your Trip

Curious about how to spend your day in the Outaouais region? Here’s a list of the top activities to consider adding to your plans:

Preparing For Your Trip

When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at ViatorGetYourGuideManawaCivitatis and sometimes even Expedia.

It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.

Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11th free night) as well as Expedia. When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and need to contact them directly.

Looking for a cheap flight to the Outaouais through Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair  or Skyscanner  I use regularly.

Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with DiscoverCars, AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud.

Matawin – Trois-Rivières

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled experience on the beautiful Matawin River, book a whitewater rafting trip with Matawin Adventure Centre. From start to finish, this experience is nothing short of amazing.

The whitewater rapids here offer the most choice when it comes to skill level. You can do the easy routes on day one and then move up to the more difficult rapids once you’re comfortable. The guides are experts at maneuvering the raft and ensuring everyone is safe and having a great time.

They also have the most vacation package options. You can book a trip as short as an afternoon or stay the week in their chalets or campground. This will best suit whitewater rafters who love the activity and are ready for some real action.

People Rafting on a Quebec River - Rune Haugseng - From Unsplash
Photo: Rune Haugseng from Unsplash

Whitewater Rafting Jacques-Cartier Quebec City

Located just a 35-minute drive from the city, this 22-kilometre stretch of the river provides a thrilling ride through the gorgeous Canadian wilderness. Visitors can expect a unique and unforgettable adventure, with rapids ranging from Class II to Class III, making it a perfect trip for both beginners and experienced rafters.

One of the standout features of the Jacques-Cartier River trip is its stunning scenery. The peacefulness of the surroundings is truly breathtaking and adds to the overall experience. Compared to other white water rafting in Quebec, the Jacques-Cartier River stands out for its untouched natural beauty while still being close to a major city.

In addition to the picturesque views and safety measures, the Jacques-Cartier River trip offers a wide range of options to cater to different preferences and skill levels. From half-day trips to full-day tours, visitors can choose the trip that best fits their schedule and level of expertise.

Book your descent of the Jacques-Cartier River now!

Rafting Momentum – Ottawa

For those travelling from the south, there’s no better place to experience white water rafting in Quebec than on the Ottawa River, located near the bustling city of Ottawa, Ontario, just on the border. This still counts as a white water rafting excursion in the province of Quebec, because a trip on the Ottawa River offers travellers a unique and unforgettable experience, and it’s still within Quebec.

Firstly, the Ottawa River boasts an impressive variety of rafting levels, ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced. The guides are highly experienced and knowledgeable, making sure to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

The Ottawa River presents more variety and longer routes than other rafting trips in Quebec. Visitors can choose from half-day or full-day trips, giving them the chance to explore more of the river’s rapids and enjoy a longer excursion.

The river also has plenty of rest stops and picnic areas along the way, allowing adventurers to take a break and bask in the natural beauty of their surroundings.

For more adventures on the Ottawa river, you might love to book this White Water Rafting tour which includes a BBQ Lunch.

River in Quebec for Water Sports - Kyle Mesdag - From Unsplash
Photo: Kyle Mesdag from Unsplash

Explore Quebec’s Waters More

Quebec is a fantastic place for people who enjoy the outdoors. No matter the time of year, get out there and explore. Few places in the world have this kind of landscape and accessibility and even a touch of remoteness, depending on where you go!

Ready to plan? Find affordable accommodations here.

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Laurentians / Mauricie / Outaouais / Quebec City / Quebec Destinations / Trip Planner / What to See and Do
About Author

Passionate about travel and food, Jennifer Doré Dallas is a freelance travel writer, author and creator since 2010. On top of this amazing Chasing Poutine blog, she also founded Moi, mes souliers in 2010 and she is the author/co-author of around two dozen Lonely Planet, Ulysse and Parfum d'encre travel guidebooks, in addition to having contributed to other books and hundreds of tourism and Web platforms, magazines, DMOs and Websites over the years. As a lecturer in Web writing and SEO for a Quebec college and consultant for various companies and DMOs, she loves combining technological advances with the classic beauty of words, and is a member of TMAC, SATW, NATJA and IFTWTA!

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