Rushing out of the Laurentian Mountains north of Mont Tremblant, the Riviere Rouge flows over 200 km south to the Ottawa River at the town of Grenville, Quebec. It’s a river of many different moods, at turns meandering gently through bucolic rural landscapes and dashing violently through thick forest and steep-walled valleys.
Where the current is calm, shallow sandbars and vast shoreline beaches invite leisurely paddle-swim-picnic excursions. The upper valley of the Rouge offers an exciting wilderness experience for skilled whitewater canoeists and kayakers. In its final 10 kilometers, the river enters a canyon and drops precipitously toward its confluence with the Ottawa—a cathartic spill of rapids and falls that have made the Riviere Rouge Quebec’s most popular river for high-adrenaline whitewater rafting.
[This article is part of our Top 10 Best Rivers To Paddle In Quebec series. Learn more about these Quebec waterways that adventurous paddlers won’t want to miss.]
Kayak Riviere Rouge
Classic flatwater kayaking routes depart from the villages of L’Ascension or Labelle, west of Mont-Tremblant, and finish at L’Annonciation (Riviere-Rouge) or La Conception, respectively. Here the Rouge River offers peaceful paddling, warm and shallow water, incredible sand point beaches and cliffs, and even a historic covered bridge. Most kayakers plan a downriver trip of 6 to 30 km, with numerous convenient take-out options to shorten the journey. Plan a half to full day for either section, depending on your distance of choice.
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Kayak campers looking for a longer flatwater route can explore up to 130 km of the Rouge from the southern boundary of Rouge-Matawin Wildlife Reserve downriver to the town of Huberdeau. While the gradient is mostly gentle throughout this stretch, a handful of significant rapids (class II–IV) can be bypassed via well-established portage routes. There are campgrounds at L’Annonciation (Riviere-Rouge), Labelle, La Conception and Brébeuf. Wild camping on sandbars is possible at low water along less developed areas of the river.
Whitewater kayakers enjoy park-and-play at the Rapides des Italiens, just downstream from L’Annonciation (Riviere-Rouge). There’s an easy access point upstream from this 1.7-km-long section of rollicking class II-III rapids, and the P’tit Train du Nord cycle path runs alongside the length of the rapid, making it easy to portage back upriver for more runs.
The vast Rouge-Matawin Wildlife Reserve lies just to the north of Mont Tremblant National Park. Bordering the west side of the wildlife reserve, the spectacular upper valley of the Rouge River offers an exciting 50-km wilderness route suitable for experienced kayakers. Setting out from the river’s headwaters at Lac Rouge, kayakers will encounter a short section of class II-IV rapids followed by 20 km of winding flatwater flowing through an unspoiled natural environment. The real draw for many, however, is the continuous class II-IV rapids that follow, delivering the uninterrupted whitewater action of the Rouge River’s famous 21 Milles (21 Miles) section. Numerous campsites allow for multi-day adventures.
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Riviere Rouge Kayak, Paddleboard & Canoe Rentals
Pause Plein Air
Dedicated rental and shuttle service offering single or double recreational kayak, canoe and SUP rental and transport for your Riviere Rouge adventure. Select your paddle craft and then choose from 6 km, 12 km or 24 km route options (2 hours to a full day). This outfitter is located at the take-out, so you’ll begin with a shuttle and can then take as much time as you like meandering back to your car.
Location: 2123 Place des Toulipes, La Conception
Phone: 819-686-5880
Website: www.pausepleinair.com/en/
Descente de la Rouge
Offers kayak and canoe rental packages including shuttle and optional picnic lunch or post-paddle BBQ or pizza. Choose from 8 km, 12 km, 25 km or 33 km downriver route options. All routes travel a gentle section of the river known for its stunning sand cliffs, beautiful beaches and incredible gooseneck meanders.
Location: 2683 Chemin de la Rivière Nord, Rivière-Rouge
Phone: 819-275-1439
Website: www.descentedelarouge.com/
Kayak & Cabana
Offers single or double recreational kayak, canoe and SUP rental and shuttle service for downriver adventures on the Rouge River—enjoy soft sandy beaches and calm waters on an 8 km, 12 km or 23 km route option. Kayak & Cabana also offers unique glamping cabins set in an enchanting riverside location.
Location: 2202 Chemin de Moulin, Labelle
Phone: 819-686-1111
Website: www.kayak-cabana.com/ca/
Mont-Tremblant Activity Centre
Located steps from Lac Tremblant in the Mont-Tremblant Resort village, the Activity Centre offers a huge range of outdoor adventure packages, including kayak, canoe and SUP rentals and shuttles for self-guided explorations of the Riviere Rouge. The center rents recreational single and double kayaks, including sit-on-top options.
Location: 118 Chemin Kandahar, Mont- Tremblant
Phone: 819-681-4848
Website: www.tremblantactivities.com/
Aventure Quatre Saisons
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely day of kayaking or 2 to 5 days of paddle camping, this outfitter can get you set up for an unforgettable Rouge River adventure. Rent sit-on-top kayaks, SUPs or canoes for a 15-km descent of the gentle Rouge River (shuttle included).
Location: 4315 Chemin de la Rivière-Nord, Rivière-Rouge
Phone: 514-554-5091
Website: www.aventurequatresaisons.com/
Kayak Riviere Rouge Guided Trips
ABV Kayak
Experience the thrill of challenging the Rouge River’s famous rapids by whitewater kayak with beginner to advanced course offerings from this kayak school, located at the powerful rapids of the lower Rouge. One- and two-day packages, equipment rental and riverside camping are available.
Location: 1199 Chemin de la Rivière Rouge, Grenville-sur-la-Rouge
Phone: 888-844-5292
Website: www.abvkayak.com/en/
Canoe Riviere Rouge
Combining a beautiful and remote wilderness setting, excellent campsites and more than 30 km of continuous class II-III rapids with the occasional class IV, the upper valley of the Riviere Rouge offers a preeminent canoe tripping experience. The 50-km wilderness route bordering the west side of the vast Rouge-Matawin Wildlife Reserve is best suited to canoe trippers with whitewater paddling experience. Setting out from the river’s headwaters at Lac Rouge, paddlers will encounter a short section of class II-IV rapids followed by 20 km of winding flatwater paddling through an unspoiled natural environment. The Rouge’s famed 21 Milles (21 Miles) section begins below its confluence with the Ruisseau l’Aigle, delivering uninterrupted whitewater excitement.
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For a taste of Rouge River whitewater canoeing with easy access and portage options, expert paddlers can put in at the Rapides des Italiens below the village of L’Annonciation (Riviere-Rouge). This 1.7-km section of class II-III rapids kicks off an exciting, 11-km day run featuring four more class I-III rapids. The P’tit Train du Nord cycle path runs alongside the river, making for easy portaging past the most challenging l’eau vive.
Canoe camping Riviere Rouge trips of 2 to 5 days can begin at Lac Rouge or at an access point just south of the wildlife reserve, offering upwards of 100 km of incredible river paddling.
Canoe Riviere Rouge Guided Trips
Aventure Quatre Saisons
Join an expert canoe guide for an exciting day of whitewater paddling on the middle Rouge at the Rapides des Italiens. Learn the skills you need to safely navigate class II-III rapids on an 11-km section of the river. No previous whitewater experience is necessary.
Location: 4315 Chemin de la Rivière-Nord, Rivière-Rouge
Phone: 514-554-5091
Website: www.aventurequatresaisons.com/
Paddleboard Riviere Rouge
Most Rouge River paddleboarders choose to ply the gentle currents and sandy shorelines between the villages of L’Ascension and L’Annonciation (Riviere-Rouge) or Labelle and La Conception. These stretches of the Rouge offer easy cruising with the current, warm shallows and beautiful scenery, with the added bonus of being well serviced by outfitters offering SUP rentals and shuttles for downriver trips of 6 to 24 km. Huge sandy beaches and a number of riverside parks make it easy to stop for a picnic, swim or simply relax in the shade.
Paddleboard Riviere Rouge Guided Trips
Echo Aloha SUP
Based in Mont-Tremblant, Echo Aloha SUP is a mobile company that provides introductory courses on standup paddleboarding, guided group adventures and rentals. Contact them to organize a guided SUP excursion on the Rouge River.
Location: Mont-Tremblant
Phone: 438-888-7209
Website: www.echoaloha.com/en/
SUP Riviere Rouge / ABV Kayak
Experience the thrill of challenging the Rouge River’s famous rapids by paddleboard with beginner to advanced course offerings from this SUP and kayak school located at the powerful rapids of the lower Rouge. Introductory river SUP instruction focuses on developing your paddleboard skills in calm and moving water, progressing to class II rapids and surfing. One- and two-day packages, equipment rental and riverside camping are available.
Location: 1199 Chemin de la Rivière Rouge, Grenville-sur-la-Rouge
Phone: 888-844-5292
Website: www.abvkayak.com/en/
Rafting Riviere Rouge
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting just an hour’s drive from Ottawa or Montreal on the fast and furious Riviere Rouge. Different sections of the river offer moderate class II-III rapids and calm pools, or heart-pounding drops and continuous class III-IV rapids, making Riviere Rouge rafting enjoyable for both families and die-hard whitewater enthusiasts.
The Rouge River rafting season opens in May and runs through September. Rafting trips descend the best stretches of river based on water levels—early in the season, that means braving the high water of Harrington Canyon, while summer offers challenging trips down the rambunctious Seven Sisters. Beautiful scenery, sandy beaches between rapids and places for surfing, swimming and floating in the current make this an unforgettable half-day or full-day trip.
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Rafting Riviere Rouge Guided Trips
New World Rafting (Rafting Nouveau Monde)
With nearly 40 years of experience rafting the Rouge River, New World Rafting are experts at curating memorable Riviere Rouge rafting experiences. Choose from a half-day of rafting (8 km) or a full day featuring two runs of the best rapids on the Rouge (16 km). New World also offers easy-going family rafting and weekend packages, which include a full day of rafting, camping, meals and access to the spa, pool, beach and bar at their riverfront location.
Location: 25 Chemin des Sept Chutes, Grenville-sur-la-Rouge
Phone: 800-361-5033
Website: www.newworld.ca/en/
Propulsion Rafting
Launched in 1982, Propulsion Rafting boasts decades of experience and a gorgeous basecamp location nestled in the forest beside the Rouge River, just above the Seven Sisters rapids. Choose from half-day or full day rafting in 6- to 8-person rafts, or get even closer to the wet and wild action in a 2-person cataraft or sportyak. These inflatable kayaks offer an experience in-between rafting and kayaking and can accommodate one or two paddlers. Under the supervision of an experienced kayaker, you will guide your own sportyak or cataraft down the best rapids on the Rouge River. For a full weekend experience, opt for Propulsion Rafting’s riverside camping or cozy cabin stay with access to the on-site spa, pool, beach volleyball and bar.
Location: 619 Chemin de la Rivière-Rouge, Grenville-sur-la-Rouge
Phone: 800-461-3300
Website: www.propulsion.ca/en/
Aventure Quatre Saisons
Based on the middle Rouge at L’Annonciation (Riviere-Rouge), this four-seasons outfitter organizes whitewater rafting and inflatable sportyaking on an 11-km stretch of the river that features five class II-III rapids. The huge waves and holes of the 1.7-km-long Rapides des Italiens initiate rafters into this thrilling half-day experience.
Location: 4315 Chemin de la Rivière-Nord, Rivière-Rouge
Phone: 514-554-5091
Website: www.aventurequatresaisons.com/
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Rouge River Family Rafting
Gentle family rafting on the Rouge River is available after mid-May on the Seven Sisters section, once the water level has dropped. This is an unforgettable family summer activity and the perfect occasion to initiate children to whitewater activities. Children must be at least 6 years old and weigh a minimum of 22 kilograms (50 pounds). Accompanied by expert river guides, families will raft rapids up to class III, with stops for swimming, body surfing, cliff jumping and a picnic lunch on a beautiful beach. Both Propulsion Rafting and New World Rafting offer family rafting trips on the lower Rouge River.
Camping Riviere Rouge
Camping opportunities along the Rouge River include backcountry canoe camping at established wilderness sites in the upper valley’s Wildlife Reserve, wild camping on the sandbars of the middle Rouge, and enjoying the amenities of developed riverside campgrounds.
Backcountry Camping
Canoe and kayak campers planning a multi-day descent of the upper Rouge through Rouge-Matawin Wildlife Reserve require permits for backcountry camping along the river. Primitive campsites have a fire ring and pit toilet. Permits are available from SÉPAQ, which manages the wildlife reserve (800-665-6527). Outside the borders of the reserve, wild camping along the upper-middle reaches of the Rouge is possible away from villages and other developed areas. Your best bet for a quiet sandbar campsite is north of L’Annonciation (Riviere-Rouge). Permits are not required for this section, but all campers must practice Leave No Trace minimum impact camping.
Riviere Rouge Campgrounds
Developed campgrounds are located in beautiful riverside locations at well-spaced intervals for multi-day river trips, and also make great basecamps for shorter explorations of the Rouge. Expect a full suite of amenities, including showers, laundry, boat rentals and recreation facilities. For a comfortable camping stay check out these options, listed from north to south:
Domaine Onontio
Rustic riverside campsites, Ready-to-Camp tent site, canoe and SUP rental, shuttle service.
Location: L’Ascension
Phone: 450-712-4051
Website: www.domaineonontio.com/
Camping Fou Du Roi
Serviced and unserviced riverside campsites, large sand beach, tube rental and shuttle service.
Location: Riviere-Rouge
Phone: 819-275-0085
Website: www.camping-ete.ca/
Camping de la Plage
Paddler-friendly riverside campsites, beach, canoe and kayak rental and shuttle service. Whitewater paddlers take note—Camping de la Plage is situated just 4 km downstream from the challenging Rapides des Italiens and 1 km upstream from a class II rapid that’s ideal for novice paddlers to practice their skills.
Location: Riviere-Rouge
Phone: 819-275-7757
Website: www.campingdelaplage-qc.ca/
Camping Chutes-aux-Iroquois
Riverside campsites, cabins and Ready-to-Camp tent sites; canoe and kayak rental and shuttle service on the Riviere Rouge.
Location: Labelle
Phone: 819-686-2337
Website: www.campingunion.com/en/mont-tremblant-chutes
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Camping Labelle et la Rouge
Private campsites, cabins, Ready-to-Camp tent sites, tipis and glamping prospector tents. Sand beach, convenient canoe and kayak rental with return shuttle from the Riviere Rouge take-out to your campsite.
Location: Labelle
Phone: 819-429-1408
Website: www.labelleetlarouge.com/
Parc La Conception
Beachfront, riverside and forest campsites, Ready-to-Camp tent sites and cabins. Sand beach, outdoor swimming pool, canoe and kayak rental.
Location: La Conception
Phone: 819-686-5596
Website: www.parkbridge.com/en-ca/rv-cottages/parc-la-conception
Camping de la Montagne D’Argent
Riverside tent, trailer and RV sites; sand beach, supervised outdoor swimming pool and on-site restaurant.
Location: La Conception
Phone: 819-686-5207
Website: www.campingdelamontagnedargent.com/
Camping Domaine des Cèdres
Pet-friendly campground with beachfront, lakefront and riverside campsites, Ready-to-Camp tent sites and cabins. Tent campers can stay right on the spacious sand beach. Extras: pizzeria, convenient canoe and kayak rental with return shuttle to your campsite.
Location: Brebeuf
Phone: 819-425-3950
Website: www.campingdomainedescedres.com/
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Propulsion Rafting
Whitewater rafting outfitter offering riverfront camping and cabin packages.
Location: Grenville-sur-la-Rouge
Phone: 800-461-3300
Website: www.propulsion.ca/en/
New World Rafting / Rafting Nouveau Monde
Whitewater rafting outfitter offering riverfront camping packages.
Location: Grenville-sur-la-Rouge
Phone: 800-361-5033
Website: www.newworld.ca/en/
Camping des Chutes de la Rouge
Two distinct camping areas at the mouth of the Rouge River. The upper campground offers rustic sites in a quiet forest, while the lower campground is situated on the Ottawa River next to the Rouge River mouth, and provides campers with riverside sites, a large sand beach and more amenities.
Location: Grenville-sur-la-Rouge
Phone: 450-512-7600 | 819-242-2883
Website: www.campingdeschutesdelarouge.ca/
Whitewater kayaking experiences await paddlers of all skill levels on the Riviere Rouge. | Photo courtesy of: Laurentides © Tourisme Québec // Christian Savard
