Ottawa 
Experience this unique winter sport on the icy St. Lawrence River that alternates between rowing the waters and jogging/pushing along the canoe over the crackling ice beneath your shoes.
Photo Credit: Canot à Glace
A bit of history: Before the advent of iron-hulled steamships capable of breaking through the icy St. Lawrence River, canoeing was the only way to get across the river to carry goods and people between the islands in St. Lawrence and the mainland.
In 1894, it became part of the Quebec Winter Carnival after ice canoeing, as a means of transportation, ended.
Photo Credit: Tourism Quebec
Race or Cheer:
Ice Canoeing is part of the winter sports scene in Quebec, and ice canoers compete for the ultimate prize of all – the Cup of Mirrors, which has four races from January 31 to February 28, 2026. Over 50 teams compete in 3 different categories, defying ice, water, cold and tides to win the ultimate trophy – the Cup of Mirrors.
The ice canoe race during Quebec Winter Carnival is part of the Cup of Mirrors and takes place on February 8, 2026.
Experience it Yourself:
Enjoy an unforgettable journey over the icy waters of the St. Lawrence River. No other place on our planet has a river of this size, where the climate allows solid ice slabs to cover the water’s surface and float with the ever-changing currents.
Les Traverseux – Espace Patrimoine Canoe à Glace offers a range of packages for this unique activity. The experience begins with an overview of ice canoeing’s history. Later, you can try ice canoeing, walking on the ice, sipping a hot chocolate, and eating fresh pastries from a local bakery. Depending on the package, you can enjoy a Strøm Spa thermal experience or a brewery visit after the canoe trip.
When: Starting in late December and ending at the beginning of March, weather dependent.
Where: 1141 Champlain Boulevard, Quebec City, Quebec
How much: Various packages start at ~$169/ person.
