Update: 2025-07-19
Set a course for nautical adventure, where to rent, where to sail
Safe sailing
Before you head out on your adventure on the water, it's important to remember that water safety is non-negotiable. No matter what type of craft you use, there are certain pieces of equipment you absolutely must have on board, even on a paddleboard.
Don't forget to find out about navigation regulations: speed limits, right of way, distance between boats and bathers, etc. A well-prepared outing means peace of mind.
To plan your adventure, visit Eau Vive Québec.
* New for 2025 *
Aquaventure Petite-Nation, outdoor activities on the Petite Nation River
Paddle, breathe, unhook. À Aquaventureyou can take a kayak, canoe or SUP course, or rent a boat and set off on an adventure at your own pace. Need more time? Stay overnight! Nature lodgings available on reservation (Enr. 222135).
NATUR yoga, outdoor well-being
Looking for balance and softness? NATUR yoga offers activities that combine yoga, nature and simple pleasures. From classes on land or water (SUP yoga) to yoga hikes or events in collaboration with local businesses, every moment is an invitation to slow down, recharge your batteries and explore our region in a different way. It's a great way to take care of yourself... while discovering the landscapes that make the region so rich.
No boat? No problem.
Many Petite Nation businesses offer canoe, kayak, paddleboard and more rentals. Here are a few suggestions to get you out on the water in total freedom.
On Lake Simon
- Location Sport Duhamel, located near the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon, offers pontoon, boat, rowboat, canoe, kayak, paddleboard and pedal-boat rentals. It also features an inspection station and a marina with a recognized boat launch.
- Centre touristique du Lac-Simon (Sépaq), a family must-see. Embark on Lac Simon or explore Lac de la Ferme. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards for rent on site.
- Center Nautique Lac Simon, located at the marina, offers boat rentals, gas station, maintenance services, repairs and storage.
On the Petite Nation River
- Camping Saint-André-Avellin, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals for a quiet outing on the river.
- Parc national de Plaisance (Sépaq), discover this magnificent protected area by exploring marshes, bays and tributaries aboard a kayak or canoe. This section is part of the Route Bleue. Rowboat, paddleboard, canoe and kayak rentals available. Guided rabaska excursions are also available.
On the Ottawa River
- Fairmont Le Château Montebello, between luxury and nature, rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard for an elegant getaway on the river.
- Fassett Marine, ideal for fishing and boating enthusiasts, this company offers motorboat rentals.
In our major territories
- Peaceful lakes, wilderness... and total immersion. Several locations in the Réserve faunique de Papineau-Labelle (Sépaq) offer boat rentals so you can explore these natural gems at your own pace.
- The protected territory of Kenauk Nature is accessible by day. Kenauk Nature lets you rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards to navigate Lac Poisson Blanc and Rivière Kinonge. Note: personal watercraft are not permitted in order to preserve the quality of the water.
- Discover the majestic Poisson-Blanc reservoir, thanks to the Base de plein air Air-Eau-Boisfor a one- or multi-day adventure. 2 or 3-seat canoe rentals.
Discover paddleboarding
Whether you're curious to try paddleboarding for the first time or looking to improve your technique, Échappée Bleue has what you need. The company offers a wide range of experiences, from introductory courses, ideal for learning the basics, to sessions focusing on strength and balance to develop your stability. For those who want to push their limits a little further, a three-hour endurance outing, punctuated by an aperitif in nature, is also on the program. And for an even more complete adventure, you can opt for a day trip with dinner on the water. All these activities are offered à la carte or grouped together in a SUP Package, for an experience that's both accessible and rewarding.
Sleep to the rhythm of the paddle
Some accommodations are also true gateways to adventure. At Kenauk Nature (Enr. 850188), discover canoe-glamping: paddle the peaceful waters of Lake Papineau before settling into comfortable accommodation nestled in the forest. A 2 to 3-day getaway, ideal for getting away from it all and getting back to basics.
For the more adventurous, Réserve faunique de Papineau Labelle (Enr. 205225 - Enr. 612695) offers an immense wilderness area to explore. The descent of the Rivière du Sourd and campsites accessible only by water promise an authentic experience in harmony with nature.
For a fishing adventure
Looking for a privileged moment in nature? Our outfitters open the doors to a preserved territory, where crystal-clear lakes and generous rivers unfold in breathtaking scenery. Whether you're an experienced angler or a curious amateur, let yourself be guided by the rhythm of the water and the calm of the great outdoors. Here, every cast becomes a true getaway.
Accessible landings
Owning your own boat is the ultimate freedom. Several public access points are available to easily launch your kayak, canoe or motorboat. A regional landing map is available to help you plan your itinerary.
An essential gesture before each launch: thoroughly clean your boat, especially if it has been used elsewhere. This helps prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and protects our ecosystems.
Each site has its own rules: pricing, opening hours, parking... Take a few minutes to check the terms and conditions before you set off.
Don't forget best practices
Want to glide gently along the water's edge or feel the wind in your hair?
Whatever your style, we'll take you for a ride... on the water,
and you'll see: once you've had a taste, it's hard to get enough.
Text written by Martine Caron, Tourism Development Officer, MRC de Papineau.
