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, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding lessons, and accommodations surrounded by nature: everything you need to gently explore the river.
With Échappée Bleue, stand-up paddleboarding takes on a whole new dimension. With outings suited to all skill levels—from beginner sessions to more advanced experiences—you can explore the area from a fresh perspective, even in winter.
For a more soothing approach NATUR yoga offers activities that combine movement and nature, right on the water. 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 in 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, fuel, and maintenance services.
The Camping Saint-André-Avellin (Reg. No. 201541) offers easy access to 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.
To make the experience even more memorable, some trails are designed for multi-day trips, moving at the water’s pace. At Kenauk Nature (Reg. No. 850188), canoe-glamping combines paddling and comfort in the forest. In the Réserve faunique de Papineau-Labelle (Reg. 612695), routes like the descent of the Sourd River lead to campsites accessible only by water, for a more wilderness-oriented experience. The Poisson-Blanc Reservoir, accessible via the Air-Eau-Bois Outdoor Center (Reg. No. 608160), also offers great opportunities for one- or multi-day expeditions.
In Montebello, Flotel Petite Nation (Reg. No. 321227) offers a unique experience right on the water—a hotel in the heart of the village that invites you to spend a night with a difference.
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-timer or looking to hone your skills. Here, we simply take our time. Learn more
With your own boat, the area opens up even more. Several public launch sites make it easy to launch your kayak, canoe, or boat. Before every outing, it’s important to clean your boat—especially if it’s been used elsewhere—to protect the natural environment. Since each site has its own specific requirements, it’s best to check the guidelines before you go.