top of page

FAQs

Our Mission

 

At Rivière Concept, our mission is simple: to live adventure, every day.
On the river, in our business decisions, and in the way we welcome our guests, we strive to inspire people to step out of their routine, reconnect with nature, and fully embrace the present moment.

Why a turtle as a logo?

 

Rivière Concept was born on the Matawin River, in Mékinac County. The latter comes from the Algonquin word "Mikinak," meaning turtle.

 

The Mauricie region is home to one of the largest known populations of wood turtles in Canada.

 

During the month of June, female turtles move more frequently onto the sandy or gravel shoulders of roads to find a suitable site to lay their eggs, increasing the risk of collision. To report an endangered turtle, visit https://carapace.ca

 

Why RC rather than another company?

 

Unique geological discovery: You will be able to observe the stratified layers of sedimentary rock (friable shale) on cliffs reaching up to 75 meters, a geological phenomenon unique to the last 17 km of the Jacques-Cartier River. The cliffs add an impressive visual dimension to the descents. Fragile, they are constantly changing under the influence of wind and water. Their layered structures are like an open-air book on the region's geological history. It is said that the spirit of the river cracked the rock...

Atlantic Salmon: You will navigate the westernmost salmon-bearing river in Quebec. An educational opportunity and a source of regional pride.

Accessible Rapids: The Pont-Rouge-Donnacona section is one of the longest sections of continuous beginner/intermediate rapids (R-1 to R-3 rapids) in Quebec, ideal for kayaking and family rafting.

Environmental Commitment: 1% of sales are donated to the Outdoor Fund 1% for the Planet and contribute to the conservation and restoration of the Jacques-Cartier River via the CBJC salmon fishway.

Additional Activities: If water levels permit, you can experience cliff jumping and swimming in the rapids during your trip. Flexible cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Top-of-the-line equipment.

Group rates for 13 people or more.

Additional safety measures: Each trip is equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED).

 

Conditions and prerequisites

 

No experience required: on-site training.

Minimum age: rafting from 6 years old, kayaking from 11 years old.

Must understand French and/or English.

This activity is not suitable for pregnant women.

Sign a risk acknowledgment form before the activity.

Receive minimal training/orientation and a safety briefing.

Transportation of the boat up a steep slope to the launch.

Minimum 4 people per trip.

It is prohibited to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol for the duration of the activity. Failure to comply with this rule will result in expulsion without notice and without the possibility of a refund.

 

Required physical endurance and skill: Good physical condition is recommended to cope with changing weather conditions, swimming in rapids, and paddling for extended periods.

*During periods of high water levels (spring or after heavy rain), rafting is only permitted.

** For people with reduced mobility or special needs, please contact us first to determine if this activity is suitable for you.

 

 

 

Safety Measures

 

Safety is our number one priority, and we take every aspect of it very seriously. We are accredited for "Quality and Safety" by Aventure Écotourisme Québec, the leading network of adventure tourism professionals in Quebec. Accreditation includes more than 60 minimum standards with rigorous criteria, in addition to activity-specific standards, technical training for guides, a company inspection mechanism, and mystery shopping. The AEQ seal certifies that we adhere to the highest safety and quality standards and recognizes all the efforts we make, day after day, to offer the best of the outdoors to our participants.

 

An accredited company has:

$5 million liability insurance

Strict safety standards (including a small guide-to-client ratio)

Specialized and certified local guides

Quality equipment to make the activity completely safe and enjoyable for visitors

In-depth knowledge of the natural environment

An enriching and authentically Quebec experience

 

 

Do I need to arrive early for my activity or training?

 

No, the time indicated is the meeting time for everyone, so it is not necessary to arrive early. If you arrive earlier, you can enjoy the park's amenities, but please note that the guides will not yet be available to welcome you.

 

 

Can I bring my goggles on the water?

 

Yes, but we strongly recommend securing them with a tether, as there is a high risk of losing them. No compensation will be provided for lost or broken glasses.

 

 

Can I bring my cell phone on the water?

 

 

Yes, but at your own risk. We are not responsible for any loss or damage to your phone.

 

 

Is the activity canceled in case of rain?

 

 

Rainy days are often magical! In the canyon, the waterfalls come back to life, offering a fascinating spectacle. In the event of a violent storm, a departure could be delayed or canceled, but this has never happened since 2020.

 

 

Do I need to book in advance?

 

 

As soon as possible! We have a small team and groups fill up quickly.

 

 

When is the best time of summer?

 

 

It depends on your preferences. In spring, the descents are more challenging, while the intensity decreases throughout the season (except after heavy rains). You can choose between two types of boats: kayaking for a more challenging descent, and rafting for a more relaxed experience.

kayak_raft_horizontal_FULL_nouveau_titre.png

Niveau de difficulté

Le niveau de difficulté dépend principalement du débit de la rivière, mesuré en mètres cubes par seconde (m³/s).

Sur la section Pont-Rouge–Donnacona de la rivière Jacques-Cartier, le débit peut varier fortement au cours d’une même saison — d’environ 20 m³/s à plus de 1000 m³/s.

Plages d’opération

  • Kayak gonflable : ~0 à 250 m³/s

  • Raft : ~0 à 650 m³/s

Classification des rapides (R1 à R6)

La classification R donne une idée générale du niveau d’intensité.

  • R1–R2 : Courant léger à modéré, petites vagues. Accessible, mais jamais sans risque.

  • R3 : Rapides plus dynamiques. Vigilance et encadrement importants.

  • R4 : Rapides puissants et engagés. Conditions exigeantes.

  • R5–R6 : Conditions extrêmes. Réservé aux experts.

Classification indicative pour notre secteur

  • ~0–50 m³/s → R2 / R2+

  • ~150 m³/s → R3

  • ~250 m³/s → R3+

  • ~450 m³/s → R4

  • ~650 m³/s → R4+

Source : Québec Whitewater (Dominic Fournier).

Débit en temps réel

  • Station hydrométrique CEHQ – rivière Jacques-Cartier (050801)

Données historiques, débit des 7 derniers jours et prévisions pour les 7 prochains jours
https://www.cehq.gouv.qc.ca/suivihydro/graphique.asp?NoStation=050801

La station étant située à environ 25 km en amont de notre secteur, le débit mesuré ne reflète pas toujours exactement les conditions locales.

  • Débit extrapolé utilisé par Rivière Concept (référence Québec Whitewater)

https://quebecwhitewater.com/

Nous utilisons un facteur d’ajustement (× 1,2) basé sur les données de Québec Whitewater afin de mieux représenter le débit réel rendu à notre secteur (apports d’affluents, configuration locale, etc.).

Note de crédibilité

Suite à notre sondage de satisfaction 2025,

  • 64 % des participants ont indiqué que le niveau de difficulté correspondait parfaitement à leurs attentes

  • 30 % ont trouvé l’expérience légèrement plus facile que prévu

Screenshot, 2025-10-23 at 17:49:28.png.avif

Quelles sont les options d'hébergement à proximité

Voici nos recommandations :

  • B&B Aux Deux Pignons : à 5 km de notre camp de base, avec piscine, terrasse et petit-déjeuner généreux. Localisation

  • Chalets à louer : Plus d’info ici

  • Camping L’égaré : à 10 minutes. Localisation

  • Motel sous les Charmilles : à 10 minutes. Localisation

  • Hôtels : dans la ville de Québec, à environ 30 minutes.

Développement durable

Les cours d'eau contribuent à la qualité de vie de tous. Il revient à tous de les protéger en adoptant des comportements responsables pour préserver cette ressource. 

1% pour la planète

Nous nous engageons avec le Fonds Plein air 1% pour la planète pour la protection des écosystèmes, des espèces et pour lutter contre les changements climatiques. En choisissant Rivière Concept, vous contribuez directement à ces actions de préservation.

CBJC – Passe Migratoire à Saumon


Chaque participant reçoit un coupon gratuit pour visiter la passe migratoire à saumon de la CBJC, située à deux minutes de notre base. Cette activité éducative soutient la conservation et la restauration de la rivière Jacques-Cartier.

​​​

Accès public aux rivières

Nos lacs et nos rivières sont notre plus grande richesse collective. Il faut travailler ensemble à abaisser les barrières d’accès à l’eau. Ceci inclut le besoin de stationnement public (à proximité !) et de restreindre la privatisation des terrains riverains.

​​​

Calculateur de compensation carbone


Calculez et compensez les émissions de votre déplacement en voiture via CalculCarbone.

Covoiturage


Organisez votre covoiturage facilement avec Caroster.

Sans Trace


Nous respectons les sept principes de Sans Trace pour une fréquentation responsable et durable des milieux naturels.

bottom of page