On the Petite Nation River, Aquaventure Petite-Nation (Reg. No. 222135) offers an accessible starting point for beginners and those looking to improve their skills. Equipment rentals, kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboarding lessons, and accommodations surrounded by nature: everything you need to gently explore the river is right here.
With Échappée Bleue, stand-up paddleboarding takes on a whole new dimension. Outings suited to all skill levels—from beginner sessions to more comprehensive experiences—let you discover the area from a new perspective, even in winter.
For a more soothing approach NATUR yoga offers activities that combine movement and nature, right on the water. It’s a simple way to slow down and reconnect with the environment.
You don't need your own gear. There are several spots that make it easy to get into the water, depending on what you're looking for.
Duhamel Sports Rentals offers a wide variety of watercraft, from pontoon boats to kayaks, with easy access to the water. The Centre touristique du Lac-Simon (Reg. No. 201121) attracts visitors with its family-friendly atmosphere, sandy beach, and trails, in addition to offering canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals. The Lac-Simon municipal beach rounds out the experience with easy access, lifeguard supervision during the season, and self-service boats. At the marina, the Centre Nautique Lac Simonalso offers rentals, gas, and maintenance services.
The Saint-André-Avellin Campground (Reg. No. 201541) makes it easy to head out onto the water for a peaceful outing. At the Parc national de Plaisance (Reg. No. 201460), the experience becomes more immersive: marshes, bays, and tributaries can be explored by kayak, canoe, or rabaska during guided excursions.
The Fairmont Le Château Montebello (Reg. No. 528485) offers boat rentals so you can explore the Ottawa River from a new perspective, in an enchanting setting where nature and elegance come together. After a trip on the water, the experience naturally continues with its indoor and outdoor pools and spa, for a getaway that combines relaxation, the great outdoors, and sophistication.
After a day on the water, why not take a break at one of the region’s beautiful beaches? The beach at Centre touristique du Lac-Simon charms visitors with its vast sandbar, waters perfect for swimming, and numerous water sports. Near the Réserve faunique Papineau-Labelle, the beach on Lake Écho offers a peaceful natural setting, perfect for relaxing, picnicking, or enjoying some time by the water.
The Parc national de Plaisance rounds out the offerings with its water play areas, playground, and supervised swimming pool—an ideal stop for families looking to cool off between sightseeing stops. And yes, in Petite Nation, three Sépaq resorts await you, each with its own unique appeal!
To make the experience last longer, some trails invite you to spend several days exploring at the water’s own pace. At Kenauk Nature (Reg. No. 850188), canoe glamping combines paddling and comfort in the forest. In the Réserve faunique de Papineau-Labelle (Reg. No. 612695), routes like the descent of the Sourd River lead to campsites accessible only by water, for a more wilderness-like experience. The Poisson-Blanc Reservoir, accessible via the Air-Eau-Bois Outdoor Center (Reg. No. 608160), also offers great opportunities for one-day or multi-day expeditions.
Lakes and rivers offer plenty of opportunities to fish in a peaceful, natural setting. The region’s outfitters provide accessible, well-guided experiences, whether you’re a first-time angler or looking to hone your skills. Here, we simply take our time.
With your own boat, the area opens up even more. Several public launch sites make it easy to launch a kayak, canoe, or boat. Before each outing, it’s important to clean your boat—especially if it’s been used elsewhere—to protect natural habitats. Since each site has its own specific requirements, it’s best to check the guidelines before you go.