Types of Watercraft

In the 17th century, the first colonists soon realized that the long winters were a major obstacle to navigation. In certain places, when the ice grew thick enough, roads would be traced to allow people to cross the river or reach certain islands. When there was a thaw, these ice bridges could be damaged, endangering the lives of the people who used them. The colonists would then use sturdy rowboats and canoes to cross the river, passing among the floating chunks of ice.

Travelling by water was possible, but the boats had to be carried across large mounds of ice. During the spring thaw, to avoid isolation, groups of brave people in long boats would take on this challenge. In the 1860s, over 200 canoers offered their services ferrying people and goods across the water between Quebec City and Lévis in winter. Canoes were replaced by steam boats in the late 19th century, but ice canoeing continued as a sport.

The first ice canoe race took place in 1894, between Quebec and Lévis, and competitions began to be organized. Starting in 1955, ice canoeing became a regular event at the Quebec Winter Carnival. Other cities on the St. Lawrence also began to hold ice canoe races in the 1990s, but the Quebec/Lévis crossing remained the most important.

The Association des Coureurs en Canot à Glace du Québec was founded on June 22, 1994, to standardize rules for the sport and organize races. It now has over 300 members. The Quebec circuit includes seven races: the Course de la Banquise in Portneuf, the Course de Canot à Glace RikiFest in Rimouski, the Course en Canot du Carnaval de Québec, the Grande Traversée de l’Isle-aux-Coudres, the Défi Canot à Glace Montréal, the Course de Canot à Glace Sorel-Tracy and the Grand Défi Chez Victor.

A wide variety of water sports can be practiced safely on the St. Lawrence. In certain sectors, a "Blue Route" has been mapped out indicating boat launches, shelters, rest areas, accommodation and food services and campgrounds. Although these sites are marked on maps, the route has not been signposted.

Non-motorized watercraft allow people to explore the heart of the river's exceptional landscapes while remaining in close contact with nature.

A kayak skims over the water's surface, allowing people to explore areas where the water is shallow.

Certain sections of the river, where the water is calm, are ideal for paddle boarding.

Between the park and the shore, the calm water is ideal for sporting activities that would be extremely challenging in the turbulent water of the nearby rapids.

In certain stretches, the river widens into vast fluvial lakes. Their still water and windy conditions make them perfect for windsurfing.

The St. Lawrence is easily accessible as it passes right next to many cities and towns. It is therefore very popular for pleasure boating.

The river's wide waters can accommodate many activities at the same time.

All sorts of motorized craft can be seen on the river, from tiny motor boats to large yachts.

In some sectors, speed limits are in effect to protect the environment and ensure safe navigation.

Motorboats and sailboats share the St. Lawrence with enormous commercial ships. To avoid accidents, they need to stay far from the larger ships.

The St. Lawrence accomodates a huge number of motorboats and sailboats. In 2010, there were 800,000 boat owners in the province of Quebec as a whole. The boating industry contributes $5.88 billion to the Quebec economy.

These popular activities must be strictly regulated, since high boat traffic on the river in certain periods could lead to serious accidents.