Unique in the world!
A particularly strong symbol of northern Québec, the ice canoe evokes the link that has always united the two banks of the river and its islands, whatever their climatic and environmental conditions.
After having been for a long time strictly utilitarian, the crossing of the St. Lawrence River in winter has become, thanks to the Quebec Winter Carnival, an emblematic sport that testifies to the strength, courage, daring and the incredible capacity of today’s canoers to adapt – a lot like those of yesterday.
Course of the activity
Our ice canoe experiences takes place in three (3) stages:
Stage 1: Preparation
We welcome participants in our customer area, located at Anse and Foulon. Once everyone is comfortable, our guides will present the ice canoe’s historical role in maritime connections on the Saint-Lawrence. Everyone then suits up in their specialized equipment and, finally, our guides teach you the basic techniques and go over the safety instructions.
In the Canoe
We’re ready to go and (excited) we all head toward the river. The routes are adapted according to current weather conditions and tides. Canoers (that’s you) will have the opportunity to try both the oars and the crampons (aka “scooters”).We’ll stop for a break around half way so you can walk on the ice, sip a hot chocolate and eat fresh pastries from Le Croquembouche bakery, and take a few selfies. We’ll be alone on the river with a view that will leave you even more breathless than the actual ice canoeing. You’ll feel free and accomplished – a feeling that’s at the heart of the winter adventure offered by Ice Canoe Experience.
The Trip Home
We’ll return to the mainland so you can warm up and debrief about your experience. Our guides will share the photos and videos taken along the way. And then we’ll say our goodbyes.
How to dress up (non included clothing)
- Technical base layer (1) : a breathable long sleeve shirt to act as your base layer (LIFA, merino wool, etc.).
- Mid-layer technical sweater :if you think you might need an extra layer of warmth, bring along an additional sweater to wear over your base layer.
- Light winter coat : softshell or windbreaker, this will protect you from the wind and keep you cozy and warm.
- Socks (2 pairs) : a pair of thin, quick drying socks, and a pair of thicker, warm socks (in merino wool, for example)
- Leggings (or thghts) : fitted leggings to act as your long underwear/base layer (LIFA, merino wool, etc.)..
- Mid-layer technical pants (1): a pair of fitted, technical pants that are a bit thicker than your base layer. They will help keep you warm and provide protection against the wind. Light snow pants are suitable.
- Head : bring a tuque and a neck warmer made of breathable materials and designed for outdoor physical activity.
- Sunglasses (optional): bring a pair along if you have a sensitivity to sunlight.
- Mittens : we’ll supply you with warm mittens adapted for ice canoeing.
Bring a change of clothes to keep you dry after the activity.
- Analysis and anticipation of weather conditions
- Ensure safe ice conditions
- Analysis of tide scenarios
- Current knowledge of maritime traffic
- Extensive weekly inspections of boats and equipment
Each of our guides has Transport Canada-certified communications and distress equipment on them. The safety of all is our priority.
Will I be cold? If you’re in the boat, you’re helping it move and that means you’ll be warm in no time. And, thanks to all the rowing and “scootering”, you and your guides will quickly forget all about Québec’s cold winter.
Will I get wet? During an ice canoe trip, you’ll need to dip your feet into the icy waters of the Saint-Lawrence River. But, DON’T WORRY! Your neoprene socks and boots will protect your feet and calves from the cold. The rest of your body won’t even touch the water.
How do I dress? If you thought you’d be taking your first ice canoe trip wearing a Canada Goose, think agin. All you need is clothing similar to that used for cross-country skiing. The list of clothes you’ll need to bring (and wear) is listed in each of our experiences, like our Ice initiation.