Unique in the world, ice canoeing is practiced only in Quebec and is part of the intangible heritage of La Belle Province. It is the most original and safe way to play on the St. Lawrence River in winter.
Formerly an essential means of transportation in winter, ice canoeing is now both a leisure activity and a colorful competition event, approaching extreme sport. Just think of the famous ice canoe races during the Quebec Winter Carnival!
This original activity is practiced in small groups of five canoeists who move on the water with the help of large oars and on the ice with crampons.
Charlevoix is a region where natural and cultural attractions pair up with soaring mountains and the colossal St. Lawrence River. A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Tourisme Charlevoix visitor region is a must-see for practising outdoor and adventure activities. Both Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie and Parc national des Grands-Jardins offer a full lineup of outdoor activities including hiking, via ferrata, canoeing, kayaking, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding and snowmobiling. See the region’s 350 million-year-old crater, plan a long-distance hike on La Traversée de Charlevoix’s 100 km trail that crisscrosses the backcountry, offering beautiful vistas across the region, or the more daring can try winter kayaking amid the ice floes. This is but a short list of the territory’s many assorted visitor experiences.