{"id":7533,"date":"2022-05-18T21:20:21","date_gmt":"2022-05-18T19:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourismeshawinigan.com\/les-pieds-dans-le-saint-maurice\/"},"modified":"2024-01-11T15:06:39","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T20:06:39","slug":"les-pieds-dans-le-saint-maurice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourismeshawinigan.com\/en\/les-pieds-dans-le-saint-maurice\/","title":{"rendered":"Feeling the Saint-Maurice River"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BULLE NATURE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Tourisme Shawi<\/em>‘s team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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With the scorching temperatures of summer, nothing\u2019s better than having your feet in the water to enjoy it! If you agree, then read on to discover an escape on the Saint-Maurice River that\u2019s accessible, inexpensive, and oh so refreshing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You don’t own a boat? Go to Parc de l’\u00eele Melville<\/a>, an oasis of greenery just a stone’s throw from downtown<\/strong>! You can practice many activities (Arbraska, rock climbing, hiking) and there are also several accommodation options (camping, cabins, ready-to-camp and hostel).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then choose your boat and determine your level! Parc de l’\u00cele Melville rents paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, pedalos, rabaskas, rowboats and even a pontoon! If you want to test the paddle board that is gaining in popularity, good news! SUP Shawi<\/a> can give you an initiation before your getaway (12 years old and over). It even offers SUP ride evenings and SUP Yoga lessons if you feel like it (reservation needed)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do you own your own boat? Go to the boat ramp on chemin de la Berge in the Shawinigan-Sud sector.<\/strong> There\u2019s a parking lot in front to leave your vehicle there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Important safety tips<\/strong>: Nearby is a major dam. It\u2019s therefore always necessary to ensure that the spillway valves are properly closed before embarking on the water. When open, the light flashes. A siren will sound 30 minutes before the valves open and Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec then asks users to leave the area. Know that it\u2019s always safer to navigate near the shore so that you can reach it quickly and avoid crossing the path of motorized boats. When the winds are blowing over 20km\/hour, you should be even more careful. Also pay attention to the currents, the river is full of surprises!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Voila! The safety aspects covered, let’s get back to our trip on the water. Different routes are available to you depending on your level!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Route 1: about 3 km round trip for beginners.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Departing from Parc de l’\u00cele Melville, navigate the calm waters between l\u2019\u00cele Melville and l\u2019\u00cele Banane. Why is it called l\u2019\u00cele Banane (\u2018Banana\u2019)? From the top of the Cit\u00e9 de l’\u00e9nergie observation tower, you\u2019ll easily understand. Its shape explains everything! As you pass, greet the ducks and friendly campers. At the very end, take a tour of \u00cele Chapdelaine, which is nicknamed \u00cele Ronde (\u2018Round\u2019) (You can imagine why\u2026. We’re super creative, huh!). Pssst! At low tide, a small beach forms, ideal for a well-deserved break! Even at high tide the water is still shallow. Take out your cooler, enjoy an energy bar or a savory muffin with a refreshing lemonade from Tous les jours dimanche<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Route 2: approximately 6 km round trip for intermediates.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you leave from the Parc de l’\u00cele Melville or from the docks on Avenue du Capitaine-Veilleux, adapt the route to your starting point! From the park, go around l\u2019\u00cele Melville and cross the river to get to the dock on Avenue du Capitaine-Veilleux. Beware of swimmers with colored helmets who could train in the competition lane. Continue on your way along the shore to Baie \u00e0 Gigu\u00e8re. If you\u2019re lucky, you may see great blue herons there! Retrace your steps (or your paddle strokes hihi) and cross the river again at l\u2019\u00cele Chapdelaine. Walk around it, take a break, if necessary, observe the breathtaking view of downtown before returning to your starting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We love:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n