Jacques-Cartier, Quebec, CA

7) Pont-Rouge – Donnaconna (The land of a thousand surfs.)

Gauge Information

River Description

The Donnaconna section of the Jacques-Cartier is a wonderful class III river. It's known for having more surfing waves then just about any other river in North America. Some of the rapids have over 100 waves each, and most of them wide enough for many boats. Expect the run to take longer then the 6+ miles suggest. Most people take all day and play their hearts out, ending up the day exhausted.

The first half of the run is the best, running thru a gorge. After the lunch spot the gorge opens up into farming country and the character changes a bit with fewer rapids.

Regional Map – Rivers of the Provincial Capitol (Quebec City) Area

Des rivières de la région de la Capitale-Nationale (Région administrative 03)

Map by Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs

Technical info

Put in elevation........ 261'
Take out elevation......  91'
Total drop.............. 170'
Average drop/mile....... 27.4'
Maximum drop/mile....... '
River profile type...... Ledges with many wide waves. Mostly class
                         II-III rapids.
Distance................ 6.2 miles
Duration................ 2-6 hours
Shuttle length.......... ~5.5 miles
Portages................ none
River width average..... 50-1000'
River geology...........
River water quality..... Excellent
Drainage area........... 970 sq miles
Scenery................. Woods, farms, homes.
Wildlife................
Distance from Quebec.... 32 miles
Distance from Montreal.. 143 miles

Rafting, Paddling Shops, Etc.

Boréal Design Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures (Quebec) 418-878-3099
Full service paddling shop for both whitewater and sea kayaking.

Campgrounds

Camping Juneau (Paddlers' Favorite) St-Augustin-de-Desmaures
418-871-9090. Full service campground located between Tewkesbury, Pont
Rouge and Donnaconna sections. Wooded and grassy camp sites, cabins
& trailers. Lake with boat ramp, but no beach or pool. Restaurant,
playground, laundry & WiFi. No store on premises, but Wal-Mart, Home
Depot and everything else close by. No bugs. Reservations recommended.
Les Excursions Jacques-Cartier (Paddlers' Favorite) 418-848-RAFT (7238).
Typical paddlers' campground (ie, primitive and cheap)! Basically small
field on premises of raft company. Showers and flush toilets
across parking lot in rafting building. Healthy mosquito population.
Camping L'Égaré Neuville 418-876-3359. Rural location; small and quiet.
Grassy sites with some trees. Excellent facilities with dishwashing 
& laundry area, spotless restrooms, pool and snack bar. Somewhat
paddler and large group unfriendly, although some folks may appreciate
the extensive rules and strict enforcement thereof. Beautiful view with
sites overlooking St Lawrence River. No bugs. Gate closes 11PM sharp!
Camping un air d'été Pont-Rouge 418-873-4791 877-873-4791. Full
service campground; both wooded & grassy sites. Rural location between
St. Catherine & Pont Rouge river sections. Gate closes 11?? PM.
Camping Riv-O-Pom Neuville 418-876-3359. Full service campground.
Mostly wooded. Rural location close to Pont Rouge and Donnaconna
sections of the river. Healthy mosquito population. Gate closes 10PM.
Valcartier Rafting-Plus Valcartier Village 418-844-RAFT (7238). Full
service campground and resort; Canada's largest water park. Surburban
location inbetween St. Catherine and Tewkesbury sections of river.

Lodging, Motels, etc.

Comfort Inn — 7320 boul Wilfrid-Hamel Ste-Foy, Quebec, QC 418-872-5038

Amenities

Gas/Convenience Stores.. In town of Pont-Rouge or Donnaconna.
Nearest Restrooms....... Public restroom at take-out..
Supermarket/food........ IGA in Pont-Rouge, Metro in Donnaconna.
Restaurants/Pizza/etc... Many in either town..
Internet Access......... Internet cafe; in small industrial park
                         at intersection of Rue Galvani and Avenue
                         Nérée-Tremblay (near and just off the exits
                         and intersections of highways 440 and 740);
                         GPS location 46.7916,-71.2846.

Other Resources

MYOSIS.CA Web Site (Débit des rivières for gage levels.)
La Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak (FQCK) (Info débit for gage levels.)
Le club de canot-camping des Pays-d´en-Haut (CCCPH)

Regional Weather

AccuWeather.com Canada, MétéoMédia Canada or Environment Canada weather forcast.