Richelieu River
High moment of exploration!
Between the St. Lawrence River and Lake Champlain, the Richelieu River flows through Haut-Richelieu with quiet elegance. A true regional emblem, it acts as a common thread throughout the year: people come here to unwind, get active, learn, and enjoy themselves.
On the water, the destination is accessible. Whether by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, the Blue Route allows you to explore safely, at your own pace, whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler. From Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Sainte-Thérèse Island, Vieux-Saint-Jean, and riverside parks) to Saint-Paul-de-l'Île-aux-Noix, via Henryville, the routes offer peaceful loops, wildlife viewing spots, and glimpses of heritage sites.
For those who prefer boating, the Richelieu offers numerous marinas and docks where you can moor, refuel, and extend your day. Some have become “sun destinations,” ideal for combining sailing, relaxation, and gourmet stops. Need a simple game plan? Reservation services also make it easy to rent equipment and plan water activities. And to extend your stay, accommodations on the water offer breathtaking views of the sunrise.
On land, the river can be enjoyed through its parks, trails, and scenic overlooks. You can walk, ride, or picnic there; take a deep breath and, without even realizing it, improve your well-being. Add a cultural and historical dimension with iconic sites, heritage tours, and audio-guided visits that provide context for each landscape.
Finally, the experience is naturally rounded off with a coffee break, a visit to a local establishment, a cheese shop, or a stop to sample local flavors.
Being here, now, means walking along the Richelieu River and discovering a region where nature, history, and lifestyle are moving forward... in the same direction.
I'm discovering!
Marinas
Nautical Info
Where to eat
Here, we venture out on the water
Grab your paddles! With the Blue Route, the Richelieu River becomes a structured, safe, and accessible water sports playground. Ideal for a family outing, a trip with friends, or an active getaway just a stone's throw from the city.
Whether you prefer canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, you can take advantage of a network of marked trails that make it easy to plan your launch site, route, and stops. The goal is simple: to offer you a smooth, enjoyable experience tailored to your skill level, from your first paddle stroke to more ambitious outings.
Three key sectors in Haut-Richelieu:
Centre de plein air l’Estacade (Saint-Paul-de-l’Île-aux-Noix)
A strategic starting point for exploring the natural beauty of the Richelieu. Choose peaceful loops for beginners or longer routes that can take you to the US border. Along the way: wildlife viewing, riverside landscapes, and traces of history add meaning to every kilometer.
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Explore Île Sainte-Thérèse for an intimate look at the local flora and fauna, or enjoy an urban-nature experience in the heart of Old Saint-Jean. Riverside parks, including the Ronald Beauregard Outdoor Center and Goyette Park, provide easy access and opportunities to recharge your batteries.
Henryville
Two options that deliver value: travel up the South River for a nature immersion, or tour Île aux Noix for remarkable views of Fort Lennox.
Beyond sports, the Blue Route is a concrete way to rediscover our heritage, create memories, and strengthen our connection to the region. Best practices to adopt: clean your boat, respect sensitive areas, and leave the banks untouched. Because a successful outing today means a healthy river tomorrow.
All about the Route Bleue
ALO Richelieu
ALO Richelieu is a non-profit solidarity cooperative that brings together local businesses to enhance the tourist experience on the Richelieu River. Spanning over 30 km, the initiative offers an integrated service for planning and booking activities, discovering places to stop off, and enjoying accessible water sports and outdoor experiences.
Alo Richelieu offers a portfolio of activities: canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, electric surfing, fishing, pontoon and zodiac rentals, as well as gourmet dining and waterfront accommodation options. Since 2024, the organization has added electric paddleboards—presented as an exclusive in Canada—equipped with practical accessories for relaxation and fishing.
In 2025, the river shuttle becomes a lever for soft mobility: accessible on foot or by bike, it connects the two banks and links strategic quays, including Quai Ryan (Sabrevois) and Marina Le St-Tropez, while enhancing the experience with guided tours on the history and heritage of the river.
Founded in the spring of 2020 in collaboration with Tourisme Haut-Richelieu and the riverside municipalities, Alo Richelieu aims to enhance the tourist offering and promote this regional gem in a structured, responsible, and sustainable manner.
All about ALO Richelieu
