Cime Aventure is a nature outfitter at 200 chemin Athanase-Arsenault in Bonaventure, on the Baie des Chaleurs, and its business is the Bonaventure River. Tourisme Gaspésie quotes the outfitter's own description of the river as one of the clearest in the world, and the Mi'gmaq name for it, Wagamet, is often translated as the clear river. That clarity is the point of the trip: on a calm day you can see the stones on the bottom and, in season, the salmon that make their way upstream. The outfitter organises paddling excursions by single or tandem kayak, canoe, inflatable raft or paddleboard, and trips run from about two hours to two days, so there is a choice for a family afternoon or a more committed overnight. On site there is a wooded campground with shelters, ready-to-camp glamping cabins and yurts, as well as boat, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rental, a shop with local products, parking, a picnic area, WiFi and an electric vehicle charging point. The site is pet-friendly and accepts the Companion Leisure Card. Service is available in English, and translated material is offered. Activities are priced per person with a reduced rate for children, and tickets can be bought online. The season runs from early June to late September, with long days in July and August.
What to do
Choose the trip to match the group. A short float on a raft or in a tandem kayak is the easy introduction and suits families, while a longer canoe trip gives the sense of quiet that the river is known for. If you want to stay, the cabins and yurts let you wake beside the water, and the outfitter can arrange transport and gear.
Ask the staff about water levels, because the river changes through the summer, and about the best stretch for your experience. Wear quick-drying clothes and bring a change, sunscreen and a hat.
Seasons and planning
This is a summer business, and the hours stretch from early morning to late evening in July and August, with shorter days at the start and end of the season. Weather matters on the water, so keep a flexible plan and book ahead in July and August. Life jackets are provided with the rentals and trips, and the staff brief everyone before you go.
Fitting it in
Bonaventure is on route 132 on the south coast, about halfway between Carleton and Percé, which makes it a natural night stop or lunch stop on the drive. A good south coast day runs from the Miguasha fossil museum in the morning, through the Paspébiac fishing post in the afternoon, to an evening on the river.
If you have only a couple of hours, take the shortest paddle and keep the rest of the day for the road. The river also draws anglers and swimmers, so on a hot day you will see other visitors, but it rarely feels crowded. Allow anything from two hours to two days.
Practical details
The base has a shop selling local products, parking, a picnic area, WiFi and an electric vehicle charging point, and it is pet-friendly, though you should ask before taking a dog on the water. An ATV trail passes nearby for those who travel that way. Bring a towel and a dry bag for your phone, wear shoes that can get wet, and tell the staff your experience level so they can match you to the right stretch of river.
What to expect
The experience
Guided and self-guided paddling on the Bonaventure River by kayak, canoe, raft or paddleboard, with rentals and on-site camping.
Best time
Early June to late September; July and August have the longest hours and the warmest water.
How long
From about two hours to two days, depending on the trip.
Tips
Book ahead in high summer, wear quick-drying clothes and ask about water levels on the day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active travellers who want a clear-water river trip on the south coast.
- Families
- Rafts and tandem kayaks make short family trips easy, with a reduced rate for children.
- Couples
- A quiet canoe trip, then a night in a yurt or cabin beside the water.
- Pair with
- Miguasha National Park, Paspébiac and a night in Carleton-sur-Mer.
- Time needed
- Half a day, or two days with an overnight.
Good questions
Why is the Bonaventure River special?+
The outfitter describes it as one of the clearest rivers in the world, and its Mi'gmaq name, Wagamet, refers to its clear water.
What can I do?+
Paddling trips by single or tandem kayak, canoe, inflatable raft or paddleboard, plus rental of the same equipment.
Can I stay overnight?+
Yes. The wooded campground has shelters, ready-to-camp cabins and yurts.
When does it operate?+
From early June to late September, with the longest hours in July and August. Dates are set each year, so confirm before you go.
Is it in English?+
Service is available in English and translated material is offered.
