As a sea-oriented territory boasting spectacular and varied landscapes, the maritime regions of Québec are a true sea kayaking paradise. This activity is actually one of the best ways to observe seals and a multitude of seabirds while peacefully admiring the coastline from the water. Explore our numerous memorable destinations and, if you don’t have your own kayak and gear, take advantage of the many guided excursions offered throughout Eastern Québec.

Bas-Saint-Laurent

The Kamouraska Islands are a very picturesque setting for sea kayaking. Facing the mountains of Charlevoix on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, they offer multiple kayaking routes with unique views of those mountains to the north as well as of the village of Kamouraska to the south. Take a break on Île aux Corneilles (Crow Island) to stretch your legs and observe numerous bird species along the shoreline. You can also participate in a guided sea kayaking excursion offered by the SEBKA riverside park departing from the village of Kamouraska.

Parc national du Bic is a well-known sea kayaking destination. The park’s coves and islets are a perfect natural playground for paddlers, inviting them to discover the park’s seaward side. Seals are very common in the park—if you’re lucky, one might pop out of the water to say hello while you’re watching a flock of seabirds, such as black guillemots or eider ducks, or a lone heron flying back to its nest. The boat launch in the Havre-du-Bic sector provides easy access to the water in all conditions. Guided excursions are offered from this location. Just one tip: to make the most of your kayaking experience, opt for a sunset excursion and don’t forget your camera!

Côte-Nord

The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is one of the best spots in the world to observe whales! In the Les Bergeronnes area, Mer et Monde Écotours offers guided sea kayaking excursions to discover the marine environment, including winter kayak tours through the ice floes, which adventurous kayakers are sure to enjoy!

The Saguenay Fjord is a classic destination for kayakers in Québec: the remarkable scenery in this area will leave you awestruck. The fjord’s sheer rockfaces, majestic capes and rugged shoreline look even more impressive from the water! Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay offers 13 primitive campsites along the fjord, some of which are only accessible by kayak. Fjord en Kayak, a company based in L’Anse-Saint-Jean, provides you with the perfect opportunity to explore the waters of the legendary Saguenay River at your own pace. It offers everything from tours lasting a few hours to kayak camping trips lasting several days. Another option is to paddle the waters of the fjord during an inclusive stay at the Ferme 5 Étoiles holiday resort.

In Saint-Pancrace Bay in Baie-Comeau, follow the passionate guides at Attitude Nordique to discover all the beauty and serenity of the St. Lawrence in this area. Several packages are available during the day or in the evening and include other outdoor activities as well as the opportunity to taste local gourmet products.

If you have your own kayak, be sure to stop in Sept-Îles to explore the archipelago that gave the city its name. (Sept-Îles means seven islands.) You can paddle to Grande Basque Island, where you’ll find hiking trails and primitive campsites: you may want to prolong your stay in this area known for whale watching!

For experienced kayakers looking for a complete change of scenery in a remote environment, the Mingan Archipelago is the place to visit. Discover the islands and islets of this archipelago with the Noryak Aventures team: this area offers countless possibilities for exploration lasting from a few hours to several days. Sea-sculpted limestone monoliths stand guard over the water, adding to the unique character of the archipelago. As you paddle, you may spot Atlantic puffins, one of the many bird species found in this area. The Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve also offers 44 campsites in six campgrounds on the islands to make your trip in this unique corner of paradise truly unforgettable.

Gaspésie

Located at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, Forillon National Park is another very popular sea kayaking destination thanks to its rich wildlife (seabirds, seals and whales) and impressive cliffs on the northern side. Explore the beauty of Gaspé Bay during a sea kayaking excursion with Cap Aventure in the Grande-Grave sector of the park.

Percé Rock is without a doubt the most iconic landmark in Gaspésie. A sea kayaking excursion in this area will make you appreciate the sheer size of this colossus even more. And if you’d like to observe unique rocky formations along the shore off Pointe Verte and Pointe Saint-Pierre as well as the marine wildlife found in this area, Le Nordet offers various sea kayaking excursions as well as training.

In the La Haute-Gaspésie sector, you can enjoy a sea kayaking excursion with the guides at Eskamer Aventure! In addition to offering half-day outings, this outdoor company in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts invites you to participate in a full-moon excursion during which you may be able to observe bioluminescence, a phenomenon produced by plankton. The beauty of the shoreline and the stillness of the night will add a touch of magic to your paddling experience.

Îles de la Madeleine

The Îles de la Madeleine are an ideal destination for both beginner and experienced kayakers. Coves and lagoons offer paddling areas sheltered from the wind, while cliffs of various shapes and colours provide a perfect backdrop as you discover this region’s natural sights. If you’d like to explore the lagoon on Havre aux Maisons Island, Cindyhook Sports Aventure offers recreational kayaks for rent as well as guided excursions at various times of the day. Sunrises and sunsets are even more exceptional when experienced from the water!

Finally, Auberge La Salicorne provides excursions along the cliffs at Old Harry. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can participate in their introductory surf kayaking lessons and tackle the Islands’ waves!

As you can see, there are many sea kayaking options in the maritime regions of Québec. Be sure to explore some of them during your next vacation in our regions!