© C. Labonté
From pristine lakes to immaculate shorelines, canoe into the golden hour and find the perfect spot to pitch your tent for the night. Immerse yourself in the wilderness and explore secluded islands with warm sands. Whether you’re planning an overnight stay or a longer trip, your canoe-camping experience in the Outaouais is sure to be unforgettable! * Please be sure to wear your lifejacket at all times, carry a boating safety kit, and keep your eyes peeled to admire the beautiful scenery.
Accessible only by boat, the rustic campground maintained by the Thirty-One-Mile Lake Regional Park Corporation is a peaceful jewel beside a crystal-clear body of water. Paddle for hours in the heart of the vast expanses of the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau. As the sun sets, beach your canoe on an island, set up camp, and cook over an open fire.
Canoeists looking for a challenge will find it in the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve. Canoe routes range from 14.5 to 44 km, with numerous portages between the different lakes. There are seven campsites accessible only by canoe on Lac Écho, and many more in the surrounding area. Ready for another epic adventure? Plan a 48-km whitewater trip down the Rivière du Sourd, where you’ll negotiate waterfalls and class I, II and III rapids. Sleep peacefully at one of the four sites at the Baie campground.
Calling all adventurers: The La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve has the largest canoe-camping offer in Quebec, with some 20 routes on various lakes! Spend a few days in the heart of nature and sleep at some of the 500 overnight campsites.
For a unique experience, head to CarpeDiem Aventures. Go canoe-camping or try paddle-camping, where the water is very calm! Go on a 45 km trip to the Aigle and Désert rivers. At the beginning of the route, you’ll cross clear waters and paddle by several sandy beaches.
Stake out your camping spot in the Lac la Pêche sector of Gatineau Park. During the day, fish for pike and bass from your canoe on this immense lake. Paddle a little further afield to admire this well-preserved park with its thriving ecosystem.
Rent a canoe at the Air-Eau-Bois outdoor centre and set out to explore beautiful Lac du Poisson Blanc, with its hidden coves and secluded beaches. More experienced canoeists can make it a multi-day trip by portaging and camping under the stars.
Whether you’re an experienced canoeist or a novice, the key to an enjoyable canoe-camping experience is preparation! Expect some chilly evenings. A sweatshirt from the #OutaouaisFun collection is ideal for relaxing by the fire. When the sun comes out, put on your T-shirt with a regional design. Add canoe-camping essentials to your list: lifejackets, waterproof barrels, microfibre towels, camping gear and more. You can find everything you need at Les Promenades Gatineau. To rent or buy a canoe, visit Sport Échange Outaouais. + You may also be interested in these blog posts:
A traveler at heart, I love to explore forest trails and kayak on our beautiful lakes and rivers. For me, every outdoor adventure is done in duo with my canine best friend and ends with good food and a local microbrewery beer! The Outaouais is my adopted region and a huge territory to discover where nature is never far away!