Canoeing, kayaking and pedal boats with kids: 8 places to rent a boat
A canoe or pedal boat outing is a great way to see nature from a different angle, right at water level. Here are eight places to rent a boat as a family, with life jackets provided.
In short: in Laval, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park and its "bayou" of islands; in Montreal, the Old Port's pedal boats; near Quebec City, the minirafts at Jacques-Cartier for the more adventurous.
Greater Montreal
1. Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park
Greater Montreal's largest protected wildlife area: paddle between islands and marshes by kayak, canoe, pedal boat, rowboat or paddleboard. Guided cruises too.
- 345 Sainte-Rose Boulevard, Laval
- See the listing
2. Laval Nature Centre
A big free park where you can canoe, kayak and rabaska on the lake in summer, then visit the mini-farm.
- 901 Avenue du Parc, Laval
- See the listing
3. Îles-de-Boucherville National Park
An archipelago in the middle of the St. Lawrence, across from Montreal: canoe, kayak and pedal boat in calm channels, and you can spot white-tailed deer.
- 55 Île Sainte-Marguerite, Boucherville
- Free for ages 17 and under
- See the listing
4. Écorécréo at the Old Port
Pedal boats on the Bonsecours Basin, right in the Old Port. A short, fun activity, ideal with young kids.
- Jacques-Cartier Pier, Montreal
- Spring to fall
- See the listing
5. Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park
Kayaks, pedal boats and paddleboards on Lac des Deux Montagnes, right next to the beach.
- 20099 Gouin Boulevard West (Pierrefonds), Montreal
- See the listing
6. Oka National Park
Pedal boats, canoes and paddleboards on Lac des Deux Montagnes, and a big beach to end the day.
- Chemin d'Oka (Route 344), Oka
- See the listing
Farther away
7. Jacques-Cartier National Park
Thirty minutes from Quebec City, a spectacular valley for canoeing, kayaking and miniraft runs on the river.
- 103 Chemin du Parc-National, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
- See the listing
8. Mont-Orford National Park
Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and rabaska on the lakes, next to Magog.
- 3321 Chemin du Parc, Orford
- See the listing
Our tips
- Life jackets are mandatory for everyone: make sure each child's fits properly.
- For a first time, pick calm water and a one-hour outing.
- With young kids, a pedal boat is often the easiest; canoes and tandem kayaks are better suited to older children.
- Book rentals online when possible, especially on summer weekends.
Frequently asked questions
Where can we go canoeing as a family near Montreal?
At Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park in Laval, Îles-de-Boucherville National Park and the Laval Nature Centre.
Where can we rent pedal boats in Montreal?
At the Old Port, on the Bonsecours Basin, and at Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park.
At what age can a child go canoeing?
It depends on each rental centre: most accept young children seated in the middle of the boat, with a properly sized life jacket. Check the rules on site.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Prices, hours and rental dates may change: confirm with each place before you go.
