Boating in Quebec: Top Spots for Hitting the Water

Going boating in Quebec? As Canada’s largest province, it’s no surprise that Québec is home to countless waterways that are perfect for boating and paddle trips. The St. Lawrence River, Charlevoix Québec, Ungava Bay, and James Bay are home to Quebec. Do you have a few beach lovers on board? Cruise them to Grand Lac Saint-Francois or Lac-Aux-Sables to feel the warm summer breeze with sand between your toes!

Wherever you decide to go boating in Québec, you won’t be limited by boat launch locations, that’s for sure! Thinking about going fishing? You should be — the fishing is awesome in Québec! Just be sure to learn about how to get your Québec fishing license and get familiar with the rules and regulations. There are Québec’s 29 fishing zones to cast your line!

So, where should you hit the water in Quebec? Keep reading for a few of our favorite spots. 

Lake Tremblant is a lake in the Laurentides region of Quebec found at the foot of Mont Tremblant. The city of Mont-Tremblant is located south of the lake. The municipality of Lac-Tremblant-Nord borders on the western and northern sides of the lake.

The Lake is found between mountainous ridges and is a long and narrow lake with seven islands and five large bays. The lake is surrounded by woodland and is situated amongst deciduous and boreal forests.

The forests around Lake Tremblant were first logged in the late 19th century. The lake was used to transport the logs down the Devils River and the Rouge River to the Hamilton Brothers Mill in Hawkesbury, Ontario. This was until the 1890s when the railroad reached the area. At that time, the forests became reserves, namely Mont-Tremblant National Park. The early 20th century saw the beginnings of tourism, and cottages began popping up around the lake.

The marinas are on the Lac-Tremblant-Nord territory and are administered by Preservation Lac Tremblant Nord. This is a non-profit organization created and managed by volunteer members of the community. They aim to maintain the environmental integrity of the area for future generations.

The St. Lawrence River and 1000 Islands region is a hotspot for boaters in both Ontario and Quebec. This is due to its beautiful scattered islands, many anchorages, historic tourism, and shore-side communities. 

This river, approximately 800 miles long, extends from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic in three large sections. The freshwater stretch extends from Lake Ontario to the city of Quebec, the St. Lawrence estuary, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence that leads into the Atlantic Ocean.

Extend your trip to the St. Lawrence Seaway. It includes a system of locks, canals, and channels in Canada and the United States. The Seaway permits ocean-going vessels to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, as far inland as the western end of Lake Superior.

It’s named for the St. Lawrence River, which flows from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Ocean. Legally, the seaway extends from Montreal, Quebec, to Lake Erie and includes the Welland Canal.

At Tadoussac, Quebec, you can spot Minke, Baluga, Great Fin, and Humpback whales, as well as seals who may swim alongside your boat!

Magog is a city in southeastern Quebec, around 120 kilometres from Montreal. It is situated beside Lake Memphremagog.

The lake is 51 kilometres (32 miles) long with pristine water. It has a beautiful shoreline surrounded by rolling hills. It also boasts clean waters with a few very marshy shores.

Although the harbours are filled with boats, the vast size of the lake means that the waters never seem too crowded. Water skiers and jet skiers can be found dotted around the lake, as well as paddle boarders. The lake is also very popular with sailors and kayakers, making it a top destination for boating in Quebec.

Advice to those sailing: the weather on the lake can change frequently, so it’s best to check the weather station before heading out. Generally, there is a great wind on the lake that fills those sails.

Wildlife at Lake Memphremagog

Be sure to look out for the majestic bald eagles flying overhead every day, loons crying, and sunsets so beautiful you’ll never want to leave.

Be sure to visit Magog, which offers lots of good restaurants and is more lively. There are many great cottages around for rental, too.

Oh, and legend has it that Lake Memphremagog contains an amphibious monster named Memphré. It has received sightings since the 18th century and continues in the folklore of the area. To date, more than 215 sightings have been reported and documented with great care.

Have Fun and Stay Safe When Boating in Quebec

We hope you’re excited to try some of these top spots for boating in Quebec! While you enjoy the water, make sure you’re also putting safety first. 

Before hitting the water, make sure you’re licensed to boat in Canada. The best way to do that is to take the Canada course through BOATsmart!, pass the exam, and then get your boater education card (also known as your boating license). Our courses are fun and engaging, making it easy to learn safety essentials for being on the water. 

First published in 2018. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy October 15, 2024.