Taking the road to vacation along the river also means having fun spotting seals on the rocks, filling your lungs with fresh, ocean air and daring to take a (short but oh so satisfying) swim in the river!
A great way to discover Quebec's waterways is without a doubt paddleboarding, also known as the "paddle board" or a "Stand up paddle".
Personally, I'm not a big fan of motorized boats. I really like the tranquility of paddleboarding, a sport that combines balance, strength, and relaxation.
I planned part of my vacation in the beautiful Charlevoix region. I went for the first time to the beach of Saint-Irénée, located 15 minutes from La Malbaie, on a beautiful sunny day. One of my favourites!
A sandy beach on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, charming shops, the snack bar Chez Ginette and children who marvel and greet the passengers of the Train de Charlevoix as they pass by... The perfect spot to feel like a tourist in your own province.
A delicious club sandwich and a book later, I finally decided to inflate my paddle board and get on the water.
Among the many advantages of this sport, transporting the equipment in our escapades is easy and being able to try it out in different environments. Some days we opt for a more sportive outing, other days we opt for a happy hour with friends on the water. There are even SUP Yoga classes, notably at Espace Sky (Rimouski).
It is easy to be lulled by the sensation of floating on the water, but we shouldn’t neglect paying attention to your surroundings. Especially if you venture out on the St. Lawrence River, there is a risk of hypothermia*, rapidly changing water levels and tides, changing weather conditions, etc.
It's best to be well equipped for a trip on the water: a lifejacket/ PFD, a whistle and, ideally, a floating rope, a regulation paddle board with a foot attachment, swimwear and, if necessary, a wetsuit.
* Watch out for the first signs of the effects of cold water: shivering, loss of coordination, slowing down, numbness in hands and feet.
*Photo for illustrative purposes only. Wearing a life jacket at all times is mandatory when paddleboarding.
For those who wish to learn how to paddleboard, I suggest a lake or a quiet body of water. For the first time, it is better to opt for a rental and a guided tour. Then, if you feel like it, here is our selection of equipment.
Here are some suggestions from all four corners of Quebec:
On that note, I wish you a great vacation in Quebec and, above all, an exciting paddleboarding trip!
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