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.
Off the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, the mythical Gaspe Peninsula is an ideal destination for hikes, deep sea excursions, wildlife or whale observation, kayaking, canoeing, days at the beach, canyoning, diving and so much more. The Tourisme Gaspesie visitor region includes access to the GRA1 trail ? the only hiking trail in North America homologated GR® (long-distance/grande randonnée). Also known as the International Appalachian Trail, it connects to the tip of Parc national de Forillon in the Matapedia region and crosses the Chic-Choc mountain range, offering long-distance hikes of up to 40 days long. Canoe buffs should paddle the limpid waters of the Bonaventure River, and admire its turquoise reflections. From its acclaimed Perce Rock, Bonaventure Island and northen gannet population to its UNESCO World Heritage status and summits that soar high above the 1,000 metre mark, Gaspe is a must-see region for its great outdoors. In winter, abundant snowfalls make it an off-trail skier’s and snowmobiler’s paradise up in in the mountains of the Chic-Chocs Wildlife Reserve, and Parc national de la Gaspesie, where visitors also enjoy caribou and moose observation.