Jacques-Cartier, QC

River Description

Boaters scouting Surprise Rapid [Larger View] [Full-Sized View].

The Tewkesbury section of the Jacques Cartier is the premier class IV whitewater destination river in Central Quebec. Located only twenty minutes northwest of Quebec City it is a wonderful run with challenging rapids, and many incredible play spots.

This is a summer run. The river runs with natural flow all year long; however summer levels are usually preferred. Be aware that rainfall (or lack thereof) can vary the level greatly; a heavy rain can raise the level much higher then most boaters are comfortable with. Or a couple weeks with limited rain will drop the level to below what most people consider reasonable. Check the levels beforehand and be prepared with an alternate plan.

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........ 767.7'
Take out elevation...... 656.1'
Total drop.............. 111.6'
Average drop/mile....... 25.4'
Maximum drop/mile....... ~80'
River profile type...... Discontinuous, mixed easy and difficult
                         rapids with quickwater and two lakes
Distance................ 4.4 miles
Duration................ 2-5 hours
Shuttle length.......... 4.5 miles/12 minutes
Portages................ none
River width average..... 50-100'
River geology...........
River water quality.....
Drainage area........... 707 sq miles
Scenery................. Woods, hills, a few cabins.
Wildlife................
Distance from Quebec.... 27 miles
Distance from Montreal.. 181 miles

Rafting, Paddling Shops, Etc.

Les Excursions Jacques-Cartier Located at put-in. Rafting, horseback 
riding & camping. 418-848-RAFT (7238)
Valcartier Rafting-Plus Full service resort, Canada's largest water
park, located 20 minutes from river. 418-844-RAFT
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 at Tewkesbury put-in. Showers and
flush toilets across parking lot in rafting building. Healthy mosquito
population.
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier 800-665-6527 418-890-6527.
Jacques-Cartier Provincial Park, one of the most beautiful wilderness
parks in Eastern Canada. Canoeing, Backpacking, Mountain Biking,
Skiing, Snowshoeing, etc. Camping (both primitive and with facilities),
Cabins & Lodge. Close to upstream sections of river only. Plenty of
mosquitos, black flys & bears. Additional info.
Camping L'Égaré Neuville 418-876-3359. Full service campground; rural
location near Donnaconna and Pont Rouge river sections. 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 northeast of Quebec City, 20 minutes from river.
Camping De La Joie Charlesbourg 418-849-2264. Full service campground,
Surburban location; half-way between Quebec City and Tewkesbury
section of the river. Large and crowded but convenient location.
Full List of Quebec City area campgrounds here.

Lodging, Motels, etc.

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

Amenities

Gas/Convenience Stores.. In Stoneham, on Boulevard Talbot, near
                         Route 371 and Highway 73/175 Exit 167.
Nearest Restrooms....... Rafting building at put-in.
Supermarket/food........ None close by, many in city.
Restaurants/Pizza/etc... none nearby
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 forecast.