Have you been dreaming about lazily floating down the river, feeling perfectly relaxed with not a care in the world? If you’ve ever been boating in the beautiful province of Québec, that dream is your reality. With beautiful scenery at every turn, Canada’s largest province does not disappoint. Wherever you go boating, there will always be activities suitable for the whole family with killer views to boot. Check out this list of the top places to go boating in Québec for some serious travel inspiration!
Lake Saint Francois covers an area of nearly 275 metres squared, giving recreational boaters and watersports activists plenty of open space to have some fun on the water. Many of the lake’s visitors take part in watersports because of the vast amount of space available to ride the wake. The area is well known for the large smallmouth bass that are stocked in the waters, making it a popular lake to fish for expert anglers like . If you’re interested in the area’s diverse wildlife such as Redhead ducks and Northern Map turtles, head along the south shore where you will find the Lake Saint-François National Wildlife Area, rich with unique fauna and flora. Also bordering the lake is Frontenac National Park with beautiful campsites, where you can enjoy picturesque sunsets and clear skies, perfect for stargazing.
Separating Nunavik from Baffin Island, Ungava bay is widely considered to be part of the Arctic Ocean because of the cold climates in the areas surrounding it. The lower temperatures and the connection to both the Arctic and Atlantic oceans gives this body of water a more unique diversity of species than you would see inland, making it a hotspot for wildlife photography. Unique to Ungava Bay are the Beluga whales, an endangered species of whale with ghostly white skin that travel in pods of two to ten. But make sure you check your calendars before you plan your trip – Ungava Bay is covered with ice for eight out of twelve months.
Experience all that Québec has to offer along the historic Saint Lawrence River and 1,000 Islands. With islands dotting the waterway, giving way to unique and picturesque places to moor, the Saint Lawrence River draws thousands of visitors every year. Steer your boat through the Seaway (provided it meets their requirements!) or get out on the river and try your hand at some of the great fishing in the area. The river is rich with various species of fish such as small and largemouth bass, pike, northern carp, and muskellunge, so get casting! Head over to the Baie de Beauport to enjoy diverse water activities such as stand-up paddle boarding and sailing.
Boaters can navigate the Saint-Maurice river from La Tuque all the way to Grandes-Piles, over one hundred kilometres of open water. This stretch of water is considered to be one of the angling world’s best kept secrets, with fishermen clamouring to the river to cast into the trout-filled waters. While in the area, be sure to check out Maurice National Park which offers great campsites and scenic hiking trails. With over 30 lakes accessible in this park, it can be considered a boater’s paradise.
No matter which body of water you find yourself in you are sure to enjoy any time spent on the water in the beautiful province ofQuébec. In order to enjoy all the beauty that the water has to offer, you will need your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), better known as a boating license. Take the Transport Canada approved boating safety course and be on the water in no time.