Looking for a family activity in Gaspesie? You don’t have much time but you’d like to spend it on the beautiful Bonaventure River, on a canoe, a stand-up paddleboard, a kayak or a mini-raft*? This short section of the river offers you the best conditions for a great time during your holidays in Gaspésie!
Are you travelling with your family and young children? Or simply don’t have any experience on a river? Explore canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding or mini-rafting for the first time! This short section of the Bonaventure river is calm, and offers the best conditions for a peaceful river descent that will enhance your stay in Gaspésie.
Detailed program of The Family Tour
From June 20th to August 24th, 2026 : Departures every day.
- Arrival at Cime Aventures 30 minutes before departure;
- Instructions will be announced regarding safety, environment, basic techniques, equipment, itinerary, rapids, etc.;
- River trip by kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard or mini-raft of about 2 hours;
- Shuttle Bus back to Cime Aventure 2.5 hours after departures.
Included
Here is the preparatory video for the activity:
Guide to choosing your boat
Below is the information necessary to choose the right craft for your activity on the Bonaventure River. Whether you are on a family trip or a romantic vacation in Gaspésie, there is the perfect craft for you.
*Minimal required water level for the mini-raft is 8 m3/sec.
Follow the water level in real time here : Bonaventure River water level.
Double kayak
Capacity: 2 adults and possibility of a child as 3rd passenger / Max charge : 300 kg
Advantages: Stable, auto-bailing and unsinkable, easy to operate, even with only one person actively paddling. Comfortable seating and back rest. Space to strap in a waterproof barrel.
Disadvantages: Sitting lower than in a canoe, therefore, you get splashed more.
Prerequisites : Being at ease with water activities in general. No prior experience required.
Single kayak
Capacity: 1 passenger (over 11 years old) / Max charge : 150 kg
Advantages: Stable, auto-bailing and unsinkable, easy to operate. Comfortable seating and back rest. Space to strap in a waterproof barrel.
Disadvantages: Sitting lower than in a canoe, therefore, you get splashed more.
Prerequisites : Being at ease with water activities in general. No prior experience required. Cime Aventures do not advise a single kayak for children under 10 years old.
3-seat canoe (unsinkable)
Capacity: Up to 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 or 2 children / Max charge : 320 kg
Advantages: Stable and unsinkable. Comfortable seating and back rest. Space to strap in a waterproof barrel.
Disadvantages: Quite a bulky boat to operate.
Prerequisites: One experienced person in the back is a plus. Otherwise, the back paddler could choose to take a double paddle (kayak paddle) to facilitate maneuvering the craft.
Classic canoe
Capacity: 2 passengers / Max charge : 200 kg
Advantages: Comfortable, very spacious, can accommodate a child in the middle (without a seat)
Disadvantages: Less stable than our unsinkable boats. It is the type of boat that tips most often.
Prerequisites: One experienced person in the back is required.
Mini raft
Capacity: 4 to 6 ppl / 400 kg
Advantages: Insubmersible and very safe. Ideal for beginners, groups with small children or people who feel insecure towards the activity.
Disadvantages: Slower than other boats. Can be challenging on windy days, but ultimately, as long as you are not in a rush, nothing’s dramatic here.
Prerequisites: None
Standup paddleboard (SUP)
Capacity: 1 pers. / 95 kg
Advantages: Higher point of view on the river if you are standing.
Disadvantages: More challenging than other boats, even more if it is windy. Slower than canoes and kayaks. For a less skilled paddler who is not able to stand up most of the time, other possible postures will not be very comfortable.
Prerequisites: Having paddled on a SUP before
Fee per person
