Jacques-Cartier

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 milesDuration................ 2-6 hoursShuttle length.......... ~5.5 milesPortages................ noneRiver width average..... 50-1000'River geology...........River water quality..... ExcellentDrainage area........... 970 sq milesScenery................. Woods, farms, homes.Wildlife................Distance from Quebec.... 32 milesDistance from Montreal.. 143 miles

Rafting, Paddling Shops, Etc.

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

Campgrounds

Camping Juneau (Paddlers' Favorite) St-Augustin-de-Desmaures 418-871-9090. Fullservice campground located between Tewkesbury, PontRouge and Donnaconna sections.Wooded 

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