Lydiane's SUP Destinations

La Cordée

September 9, 2025

6 minutes

Walking on water, fancy that? That's basically what you do when you get on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP).

Lydiane around the world tried this activity for the first time in Hawaii in 2010. She fell in love. As she has a few years of SUP behind her paddle, she suggests SUP destinations to visit this summer. Get inspired!

NEAR MONTREAL

Îles-de-Boucherville Park: To admire its sunsets and for its proximity to the city, which allows you to visit it even on weekdays after work. The water is calm and you can make your way between the islands. It's ideal for finding a bit of zen.

Lasalle Rapids Park: A perfect destination for surfing the river wave (the wave at Guy) or for walking on the river in the evening. If you're looking for a destination, you could cross part of the river to go and observe the aquatic birds of Rock Island. But be careful, you need to know how to read the currents and be a bit experienced to be able to come back without your arms being dead...

Lachine Canal: A perfect destination to be quiet and observe the rhythm of the city. Since there is no current on the canal and it is not wide, everyone can venture there. This summer, why not take the opportunity to let yourself be lulled by the water by following the bike path and stopping for a few moments to enjoy a good ice cream cone before returning to the water?

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A LITTLE FURTHER

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The Mingan Archipelago Islands: You have to take a boat to get there. Once there, you can paddle around the islands to contemplate the monoliths. If you're lucky, you might see whales swimming gently. This place is magnificent, although a bit far. Ideally, take advantage of the trip to sleep in a tent or rent a ready-to-camp in the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. And on the water, you just have to pay attention to the tides to be sure to return to the mainland.

Bic National Park: To go admire the sunset, have a picnic and watch the seals in the distance in the water. There are lots of beautiful beaches to take a dip. Again, be sure to find out about the tides before you leave.

Magdalen Islands – Havre-aux-Maisons Island: This destination is breathtaking, but I really recommend getting a guide to discover it. Simply because there's a lot of wind, not to mention that tides and currents can make life difficult. The guides know the bays well where you can safely navigate, between the immense cliffs and the incredible landscapes.

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The Bonaventure River: To surf the small waves of the river and to have a little action. The water is turquoise and you can see the salmon swimming under the SUP, the water is so clear. To discover if you don't know this wonderful waterway.

Percé Rock: Get on your SUP and paddle around Percé Rock. The views of the mythical rock are unique, not to mention the incredible spectacle of the gannet colonies around the rock. Zen, zen, zen!

"Me, I prefer to paddle on the rivers and on the sea... there's more thrill. It allows you to move to see something interesting and it takes you somewhere to discover something new, inspiring." - Lydiane around the world

But for beginners, Lydiane still suggests trying to find your balance on a lake or calm body of water. Once you're confident enough in your abilities, you can venture onto a river with some technique.

BRINGING FOOD ON YOUR SUP

The experience has shown Lydiane that you need to bring some food and water when you venture out on the water for a long time. To carry her survival kit, Lydiane slips some snacks and water into a waterproof bag. She attaches the bag to the elastic cord of the board. "It's safer than a backpack, which, once filled with water, quickly becomes dangerous."

And to gain efficiency with the paddle, Lydiane suggests taking a course on how to hold the paddle to propel yourself efficiently. This basic technique will help you steer where you want to go, and to return to the shore more easily when you are tired.

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