White Water Rafting · Laurentians
How to choose
Four rafting trips on the Rivière Rouge range from 61.66 $ CAD to 79.51 $ CAD, with durations stretching from 3 hours to a full two-day expedition. Two access points in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge serve all tours. For beginners or families, Nouveau Monde Rafting opens its classic guided raft to everyone, with flexible scheduling from half-day to overnight. Propulsion Rafting runs three formats: a standard raft marked "occasionally sporty" for those easing into whitewater, then a cataraft and a canoraft both tagged "sporty" for paddlers ready to work harder in faster current. Budget-wise, the entry-level guided raft starts at 61.66 $ CAD. The two sportier crafts top out at 79.51 $ CAD each. Pick by physical level first: if you want the highest-intensity read on the Rouge, go for the cataraft or canoraft.
4 offers available
Our picks
Guided Rafting on the Rivière Rouge near Montreal, Laurentians
At 61.66 $ CAD with flexible duration from 3 hours to 2 days and open to all levels, it delivers the widest range of experience for the lowest entry price.
Cataraft on the Red River in the Laurentians, near Montreal
The cataraft on the Rouge is rated sporty, runs 3 hours of active whitewater, and tops the price range at 79.51 $ CAD, reflecting its higher physical demand.
Rafting on the Rouge River in the Laurentians, near Montreal
Rated occasionally sporty at 63.21 $ CAD with half-day to full-day options, this standard raft is the right step up from beginner without throwing you into the deep end.
Canoraft on the Rouge River in the Laurentians, near Montreal
The canoraft puts you at water level in an inflatable canoe-style hull for 3 hours at 79.51 $ CAD, a format you won't find on most Quebec rivers.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment on the Rivière Rouge?
The river's biggest rapids hit hardest when spring snowmelt is still feeding the flow, typically in May and June. The cataraft and canoraft tours are rated sporty precisely because they put you closer to the water and demand active paddling through the roughest sections.
Do you need rafting experience to join?
Not for the guided raft with Nouveau Monde Rafting, which is open to everybody. The cataraft and canoraft tours are rated sporty and suit participants with some physical fitness, though prior rafting experience is not a strict requirement.
What's the difference between a cataraft and a canoraft?
A cataraft sits you on two inflatable tubes linked by a frame, keeping you high above the water. A canoraft is an inflatable canoe-style craft that puts you at water level. Both are rated sporty at 79.51 $ CAD and run for 3 hours on the Rouge.
How long is the season on the Rivière Rouge?
Tours run from May through September. The highest water levels and fastest current occur in May and early June. By August the river is warmer but flows lower, which changes the rapid intensity.
Can I do a multi-day rafting trip in the Laurentians?
Yes. Nouveau Monde Rafting offers a trip ranging from 3 hours to 2 days, starting at 61.66 $ CAD. This is the only multi-day option among the four tours listed.
Are tours guided in English?
All four tours are guided in both English and French, run by Nouveau Monde Rafting and Propulsion Rafting.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -8.7°C | 84.2 mm | Possible |
| February | -8.7°C | 82.2 mm | Possible |
| March | -3.6°C | 67 mm | Possible |
| April | 4.6°C | 87.7 mm | Possible |
| May | 11.4°C | 132.8 mm | Possible |
| June | 16.7°C | 105.7 mm | Good |
| July | 20.5°C | 91.5 mm | Peak |
| August | 18.9°C | 65.1 mm | Good |
| September | 16.2°C | 117.2 mm | Good |
| October | 8.7°C | 104.2 mm | Possible |
| November | 1.8°C | 91.1 mm | Possible |
| December | -6.7°C | 95.6 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear a swimsuit under quick-dry clothes and bring a change of dry clothes for after, since you will get wet on all tours. For the sporty cataraft and canoraft sessions, secure your footwear with a strap or choose water shoes that won't come off in fast current.
Getting there
Both operators are based in Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, Quebec: Nouveau Monde Rafting at 25 chemin des Sept Chutes and Propulsion Rafting at 619 Chemin de la Rivière-Rouge, roughly 90 minutes northwest of Montreal by car via Highway 50.
See also
White Water Rafting elsewhere
Other activities in Laurentians
Updated March 2026