Our Mission

 

Perpetuating the Legacy.

​

Our mission is to perpetuate the legacy of the river people who shaped Quebec's history. From the First Nations to the log drivers, missionaries, and coureurs des bois, those who came before us lived in harmony with the river. Today, we continue this legacy by preserving and celebrating this essential connection that connects us to the river. The river is a source of inspiration and adventure; it is at the heart of our identity. Paddle sports are the ideal excuse for us to fully experience this relationship with the river. By respecting our roots, we move forward into the future. Together, we must preserve this heritage and ensure the protection of rivers for generations to come.

​

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.

 

 

Difficulty Level

 

The difficulty level varies according to the water level, which is measured in cubic meters per second (m3/s). The level can vary drastically during the same season, ranging from 25 m3/s to over 1,000 m3/s for the Pont-Rouge-Donnacona section on the Jacques-Cartier River.​

Here is the difficulty level, depending on the water level:

650 m3/s: R4+

450 m3/s: R4

250 m3/s: R3+

150 m3/s: R3

50 m3/s: R2+

35 m3/s: R2+

(Source: https://quebecwhitewater.com, Dominic Fournier)

- Level for inflatable kayaks: between 25 and 200 m3/s

- Level for rafts: between 25 and 650 m3/s

In spring (April-May) and after heavy rains, the water level is normally high and decreases as the season progresses.

 

What are the nearby accommodation options?

 

Here are our recommendations:

B&B Aux Deux Pignons: 5 km from our base camp, with a swimming pool, terrace, and generous breakfast. Location

Cabanas for rent: More information here

L’égaré Campground: 10 minutes away. Location

Motel sous les Charmilles: 10 minutes away. Location

Hotels: in Quebec City, approximately 30 minutes away.

 

Sustainable Development

 

 

Waterways contribute to everyone's quality of life. It is everyone's responsibility to protect them by adopting responsible behaviors to preserve this resource.

 

 

1% for the Planet

 

We are committed to the 1% for the Planet Outdoor Fund to protect ecosystems and species and to combat climate change. By choosing Rivière Concept, you are directly contributing to these conservation efforts.

 

CBJC – Salmon Fishway

 

Each participant receives a free coupon to visit the CBJC salmon fishway, located two minutes from our base. This educational activity supports the conservation and restoration of the Jacques-Cartier River.​​​

​

Public Access to Rivers

​

Our lakes and rivers are our greatest collective asset. We must work together to lower barriers to access to the water. This includes the need for public parking (nearby!) and restricting the privatization of riverside land.

 

 

Carbon Offset Calculator

 

Calculate and offset the emissions of your car trip via CalculCarbone.

 

 

Carpooling

 

Organize your carpooling easily with Caroster.

 

 

Leave No Trace

 

We adhere to the seven Leave No Trace principles for responsible and sustainable use of natural environments.