River descents
Description
An activity families don’t want to miss
Experience an unforgettable family adventure in the heart of Charlevoix! Enjoy an 8 km descent along the Rivière du Gouffre, an accessible section punctuated by easy whitewater and breathtaking riverside scenery. An ideal excursion for families, schools and nature lovers.
About the “La Familiale” descent
The "La Familiale" excursion is an unguided descent of around 2 hours, with a shuttle-assisted rental service. You can choose from single, double or even triple recreational kayaks (to accommodate a 4-5 year-old child at the center). A waterproof bag will be provided for the activity. Booties and neoprene suits are also available for hire, for optimum comfort during your adventure. Closed shoes or strapped sandals must be worn.
The environment you will be exploring
The Gouffre river offers unique forest landscapes and winds through a valley of clay and sand. At the end of the route, you'll pass through a more rural and urbanized section: the village of Baie-Saint-Paul. As you travel along the river, you'll have the opportunity to stop at one of the beaches, the perfect place to enjoy a picnic.
The river is renowned for its Atlantic salmon, brook trout and rainbow trout. It also attracts salmon fishing enthusiasts. As visitors, let's be aware of the fragility of this exceptional environment.
Information and price
Opening period
From Mai 31st to September 27th, 2025
Participants must arrive 30 minutes early to get prepared.
Reception
Baie-Saint-Paul wharf, 210, rue Saint-Anne, Baie-Saint-Paul, G3Z 1P8
Price for each participant
| La Familiale (8km) | + Insurance | + Insurance and wetshoes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | 57 $ | 60 $ | 65 $ |
| Youth (4 - 17) | 42 $ | 45 $ | 60 $ |
Complements to your descent :
- Breakage and evacuation insurance : 3 $
- Watershoes rental : 5 $
- Wetsuit + watershoes rental : 10 $
Package
The package includes
- Renting of a simple or double kayak
- The shuttle to the launch point
- Basic kayaking instructions
- Nautical equipment and waterproof bag
The package excludes
- Your personal sportswear
- Taxes are not included (14,975 %)
Equipment
Included equipment
- Simple or double kayak
- Paddles
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Dry bag
- Wetsuit and booties rental available
Required equipment
- A closed shoe or an attached sandal (no flip flops)
- Short or swimsuit
- Wool or polar sweater (in case of bad weather)
- Cap or hat
- Extra clothes
- Enough water for the whole day
- Suntan lotion
Route and length
La Familiale (8 km)
The Baie-Saint-Paul wharf.
Shuttle service from the parking lot at the Baie-Saint-Paul wharf to your kayak starting point is included in the rental price. All kayak routes end at the Baie-Saint-Paul wharf. Reservations mandatory. Children 4 years old and over are accepted.
Difficulty
It’s the easier route, with some fun whitewaters to discover the river's challenges.
Duration
From 2h to 3h (including the handover of equipment, transportation and the descent) (depending on water level)
Departure hours
Several departures daily. Participants must arrive 30 minutes early to get prepared.
- Download our detailed schedule to obtain information about all our activities.
Booking
Cancellation policy
- Up to 7 days before the activity : 10% of the total amount will be non-refundable, without change fees during the same season.
- From 7 days to 48 hours before the activity : 50% of the total amount will be non-refundable, without change fees during the same season.
- From 48 hours to the day of the activity : 100% of the total amount will be non-refundable, change with a $20 fee during the same season.
- The day of the activity : 100% of the total amount will be non-refundable, without possibility of modification.
Map
Photos and videos
