Perfect bodies of water for paddling
The paddle and kayak community will tell you that Salaberry-de-Valleyfield is THE destination near Montreal! No fewer than six sites offer launch points and sometimes even rentals. Whether you choose the bay, lake, river, or the river, the experience will delight you.
Finally, head to downtown: it’s just as food-oriented as it is nautical. Don’t miss sipping on a cocktail or a local beer at one of the many terraces and discovering the distinctive menus of our independent restaurateurs.
Target people
For Downtown - Baie Saint-François
Downtown Salaberry-de-Valleyfield wraps around Baie Saint-François. Paddle between Delpha-Sauvé Park and Pointe-aux-Anglais. Refresh yourself at the iconic large fountain. Following the shore and park, you'll pass by the marina and head towards Marcil Park at the entrance to Lake Saint-François. The return is made easier by the current. On your way back, take a detour through the Old Canal, a sheltered area between the dock and the park. Pass under the swing bridge and soak up the atmosphere of the bar terrace, or choose to dock immediately for a pre-dinner drink.
Preparation:
- Address and Parking: Delpha-Sauvé Park, access via Nicholson Pier or Marcil Park. Free.
- Launch Site: Docks in front of the rental kiosk, to the left of Flotel (you could sleep there and launch from your terrace), accessible by foot a few steps from parking.
- On-site or Nearby Services: Quatre-Lacs Rentals, Récréation Marine Rentals, restrooms, restaurants, terraces, gourmet counters, and shops within walking distance.
- On-site or Nearby Activities: Swimming, diving, biking, etc. Also, check out event schedules!
- Route Type: Loop
- Safety - Recommendations:
- Coexisting with boats generally works well. Speed is limited in the area. Always stay vigilant and make sure you’re visible. Following the shore minimizes disturbances.
- Enter the canal when the bridges are closed, meaning they’re not operational for boats, and navigate on the side of the street and dock.
- If you need to cross the canal (chenail) entrance between the lake and the bay, make sure you’re visible to boats and don’t dawdle.
- What They Say:
- The famous Regatta races are held here, so it’s not possible to paddle during the event (July 12-14).
- The wind and current from the lake make the paddle more challenging than expected.
- The water is refreshingly clear and pleasantly cool, contrary to what one might think.
- Extraordinary views and sunsets.
For Exploration - Rivière Saint-Charles
Rivière Saint-Charles originates from Baie Saint-François and winds discreetly through the city. This unsuspected urban haven offers a bucolic paddle but can occasionally surprise with a few small rapids. The current carries kayakers and paddleboarders towards the entrance of Parc régional des Îles-de-Saint-Timothée (approximately 2.5 hours), though you can stop earlier (notably at the Masson Bridge launch site).
Note: If you plan to cover the entire route, arrange for two vehicles—one at the starting point and one at the destination—to return to your initial location.
Alternatively, you can simply launch from the Masson Street area (see below) and paddle around, avoiding the small rapids leading to the park.
Preparation:
- Starting Address and Parking: Riverside Park (behind the Nouvel Envol Adult Education Center).
- Activities: After your paddle, return to downtown for your vehicle and enjoy a break at a terrace, restaurant, or gourmet counter. Don’t miss the Aquatic Complex!
- Route Type: One-way only. A second vehicle must be placed at the end.
- Possible Arrivals:
- Railroad Bridge / Léger Street: Access to the water's edge is available for off-road vehicles. Check the area beforehand.
- Parc Notre-Dame-du-Sourire (corner of Boulevard Hébert and Masson Street): A launch dock is available. This is the last exit before the rapids under Masson Bridge. Park your vehicles along Masson Street.
- Saint-Timothée Area: In front of 7 and 8 Avenue, a launch dock is set up for boat exit. WARNING: This is the last dock before the dam. Use the avenues to park your vehicles safely.
Safety:
- Reconnaissance: Review the route on Google Maps (satellite view) and identify landmarks before setting off.
- Navigation: After passing Parc Notre-Dame-du-Sourire (Masson Street), CAUTION—under the Boulevard Hébert bridge, there are three pillars. Always steer completely to the right of the pillars. As of 2024, nets have been installed under the far-left pillar, making the passage hazardous.
- Water Level: It varies, so be cautious of rocks with your paddle, especially before small rapids. Consider detaching the paddle temporarily. Beware of slippery rocks!
- Do not exceed the entrance to Parc régional des Îles-de-Saint-Timothée due to downstream dams.
- Protection: Bring water and snacks, and apply sunscreen, as the cooling wind from the bay can catch you off guard!
What They Say:
- This paddle is extremely refreshing and transportive.
- Watch for the small wildlife around you. The clear water may offer some interesting encounters.
Guided River Descent by Kayak: Interested in trying a guided river descent with experts who know the route and provide return transport to the parking area? You can book a group date or join the activity on August 31: Link to Activity
For Adventure - Parc des Îles-de-Saint-Timothée
Parc régional des Îles-de-Saint-Timothée invites you to an adventure in its crystal-clear waters, featuring two islands and a sandy beach. A truly enchanting site!
Preparation:
- Address and Parking: Parc régional des Îles-de-Saint-Timothée, 240 rue Saint-Laurent, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. Entrance fees apply unless you are a resident (with Accès loisirs card). It is now possible to launch your watercraft before entering the park. A small access point with a dock has been set up between 8th and 9th Avenue on rue Saint-Laurent. Users are encouraged to park on 8th Avenue, 9th Avenue, or ideally in the arena parking lot, while respecting the posted signage.
- Launch Site:
- Have your own equipment? Use the boat ramp at the end of the parking lot.
- Want to rent? Head to the nautical shack.
- Services: Canoe, kayak, pedal boat, and paddleboard rentals, as well as pétanque and spike-ball games. Snack bar and ice cream on site. Picnic tables, volleyball courts, hiking trails, play structures, and restrooms.
- Route Type: Loop.
- Warning:
- It is prohibited to navigate in swimming areas with a boat. Use the designated paddleboard rack. Lock rentals are available at the nautical shack.
- DO NOT APPROACH THE DAMS as currents can be very strong on some days. Test the water before venturing too far and don't hesitate to ask for advice from the on-site staff.
- What They Say:
- The park is an exceptional site for birdwatching. Watch for the small wildlife around you and hidden in the area.
- Don’t miss the famous grilled sandwich from Valleyfield and the selection of mocktails.
- Observe the bell tower of the Saint-Timothée church, which aligns with that of Les Cèdres.
For Beginners - Old Beauharnois Canal
Today, the canal, which was the original Beauharnois Canal and ran through Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, is divided into two parts. The western section, dedicated to boats and open to the lake, is lively, while the eastern section, now naturalized, is peaceful, even though it's just a few steps from the heart of downtown. Moreover, it is not accessible to boats. This site is ideal for paddleboarding and paddle yoga.
Prepare yourself... — Address and Parking: Public market (51 Hébert Street) or public parking located between Hébert and Victoria Streets. Free. — Dock: Stone steps leading to the canal, across from the public market on Hébert Street, a short walk from the parking area. — Services: Shops, restaurants, and gourmet counters in downtown are within walking distance. — Activities: Enjoy a soft-serve ice cream just across the street at La Lèche-crème, sunbathe on one of the loungers along the canal, exercise on the trek-fit course, or engage in swimming, diving, biking... You are just minutes away from Delpha-Sauvé Park. Also, keep an eye out for event programming! — Route Type: Linear, round-trip
— What people say:
- Very calm water, perfect for beginners or windy days.
- Silence... watch for the small wildlife around you that hides away.
- Enjoy the Jean-De La Lande Bridge, the history etched in stone, its lighting... and its love locks.
- Appreciate the vegetation of this naturalized site, which benefits biodiversity.
For the Great Outdoors - Marcil Park
Located past the marina, Marcil Park provides access to the entrance of Lake Saint-François, the gateway to Quebec from Ontario and the United States, directly on the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes maritime corridor. The lake is distinguished by the remarkable clarity of its waters! The lake stretches for 50 km.
Prepare yourself... — Address and Parking: Marcil Park or Lynch Street. Free. — Dock: Use the natural spaces accessible along the shore to launch your boat. — Services: Picnic tables. — Nearby Activities: Swimming, diving, biking... You are just minutes away from Delpha-Sauvé Park and downtown with its shops, restaurants, and gourmet counters. Also, keep an eye out for event programming! — Route Type: Round-trip linear. It is recommended to stay along the southern shore of the lake or detour to avoid crossing or navigating around the entrance canal to the Saint-François Bay. The entrance canal is the route (marked by buoys) that larger boats must use to enter the bay.
— Safety - Tips:
- Be cautious around motorized boats.
- If you need to cross the entrance canal between the lake and the bay, ensure you are visible to boats and don’t linger.
- You will head into the wind and current if you go towards the lake. The return will be easier, but watch out for distances: an island may seem close, but it isn’t!
- Bring water and a snack with you. — What people say:
- The water is truly clear and refreshing.
- From Marcil Park, you can also head east towards downtown and the bay.
- Return at sunset... Instagram-worthy photos!
For Tranquility - St. Lawrence River
The St. Lawrence River winds around Salaberry-de-Valleyfield from the north to the east. This section is calm with low water levels in some areas, as it is relatively isolated between rapids and dams.
To Prepare... — Address and Parking: Bord-de-l'eau Park. Free, but please respect signage. — Dock: Small boat ramp and dock on site. — Services: Picnic tables, chemical toilet. — Activities: Visit downtown before or after your outing to enjoy the atmosphere and terraces. — Route Type: Linear, round-trip.
— Safety - Tips:
- Be cautious in this isolated area. Do not go alone.
- The current flows from west to east, so start by heading upstream towards the Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site (north shore) or Camp Bosco (south shore), and you can let the current carry you back. — What people say:
- Very peaceful spot. Lots of birds to observe... A true heron sanctuary!
- You can stop on emerged areas for a sun break and snack.