Kayaking or Rafting Excursion on the Jacques-Cartier River near Quebec City
Join this kayak or rafting excursion on the Jacques-Cartier River and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature near Québec City!
Practical information
A 3-hour rafting trip in Quebec in the heart of the Jacques-Cartier canyon, between Pont-Rouge and Donnacona, by raft or inflatable kayak.
- Contribute to the protection of Atlantic salmon, as part of Rivière Concept’s income is donated to conservation efforts.
- Sail through a unique cliff-lined area, located just 30 minutes from Quebec City.
- Benefit from a high level of safety, with a maximum of 6 participants per guide.
Course of events
Please allow 3 to 4 hours in total for this activity, including 2 to 3 hours for the trip down the river.
- Arrive at the Rivière Concept base in Donnacona, confirm your booking, and meet the team.
- Receive your technical equipment (wetsuit, lifejacket, helmet, paddle) and get prepared.
- Take the shuttle to the Pont-Rouge boat launch upstream (10 minutes).
- Listen to the full safety briefing, including paddling techniques and navigation instructions.
- Begin the 3-hour descent.
- Discover cliffs and rapids adapted to the group’s level throughout the descent.
- Finish the course in Donnacona, exit the water, and return to the base by shuttle.
- Change, return your equipment, and receive photos of the experience.
Activity requirements
No previous white-water experience is required, but you will need to receive a minimum of training and a talk on safety measures (on site, on the day of the activity).
You also need to know how to swim and be in good physical condition to cope with changing weather conditions, swim in rapids and paddle for extended periods.
The minimum age depends on the craft: rafting is accessible from the age of 6, kayaking from the age of 11.
A minimum of 4 participants is required for the activity to take place.
Special terms
This activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with disabilities.
You will be asked to accept and sign an Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Risk form in French or English (on site, on the day of the activity). For people under the age of 14, the form must be signed by the person with parental authority.
The river can be descended by kayak or raft. Please note that during periods of high water levels (spring or after heavy rain), the river can only be descended by raft.
Pets are not allowed to take part in this activity.
Spoken languages:
English, FrenchIncluded
- Qualified guide
- Technical equipment (raft or kayak, paddle)
- Access to the salmon fish pass
- Helmet
- Life jackets
- Isothermal suit (if necessary)
- Waterproof bag
- Shuttle
- Car park
- Toilets
- Photos
- Quebec taxes
Excluded
- Tip
Do not forget to bring
- Comfortable clothing suited to the weather and closed shoes
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Cord for spectacle wearers
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Practical information
Meeting point:
Spoken languages:
English, FrenchCancellation: Super flexible
Weather guarantee:
Free rescheduling or refund if the activity must be cancelled due to bad weather.100% Secure payment:
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Here to assist you 7/7About the activity
Get ready to explore the wild Canadian wilderness by kayak or raft on the Jacques-Cartier River with the professional instructors at Rivière Concept. During this rafting excursion, you'll cover 9.5 kilometres through a stunning natural setting just 30 minutes from Québec City. Whether solo in your kayak or together with your group in a raft, you'll explore the Pont-Rouge-Donnacona section over a descent of approximately 3 hours, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes lining the Jacques-Cartier River. Towering vertical walls rise up around you, reaching heights of up to 75 metres and providing a jaw-dropping backdrop for this whitewater adventure near Québec City!
Two different options are available for your descent of the Jacques-Cartier River. The first is a rafting descent aboard a stable craft accommodating up to 8 people — ideal for families and open to children from the age of 6. It's also perfect for groups of friends looking to share the experience in a team spirit. The second option is a solo kayak descent in an unsinkable and easy-to-handle craft, for a more sporting and immersive experience. The Jacques-Cartier kayak descent is perfect for thrill-seekers aged 11 and above.
Whichever craft you choose, your rafting excursion near Québec City will be straightforward and safe. Experienced guides will provide all the necessary equipment and instructions to help you make the most of the activity. Throughout your descent, you'll have the chance to surf waves, tackle class R-1 to R-3 rapids, and discover new landscapes around every bend in the river. If you'd like to mix things up, the excursion can also be the opportunity to try a few cliff jumps, swim in the rapids, or explore the unique friable shale cliffs of this section of the river!
A must-do rafting experience in Québec, the Jacques-Cartier River descent is waiting for you. Don't hesitate — book this excursion now and enjoy a sensational adventure on your own or with your nearest and dearest!