River Surfing in Montréal, Quebec 2025

It might sound surprising, but in Montréal you can learn river surfing. The waves on the mighty St. Lawrence River appear non stop because of underwater boulders, and you can ride them for the whole summer and beyond. Two main waves are La Vague à Guy (Guy’s wave) and Habitat 67. The first one is weaker and hence more beginner-friendly. Habitat 67 is the favorite as it's located in just 5 minutes from Montréal downtown.

River surfing looks easier than it really is. It actually requires lots of preparation and concentration. Even experienced ocean surfers take some time and effort to adapt to this special type of surfing. If you need any help by acquiring the skill, don't hesitate to take a lesson from KSF surf school. Also, the whitewater rapids make it a popular spot for kayaking and rafting.

In winter, the St. Lawrence River is blanketed with ice and snow, yet some surfers, the so-called ice warriors, accept the challenge and venture into the frigid waters. Yet summer is considered the most popular time for convenient weather conditions. Nevertheless, even in the warm season, the water temperature may range from warm to arctic, so wet suit is recommended. Also, note that during the high season, you will probably need to wait in a line with other surfers. To avoid the queue, choose the early morning or evening, which offers another advantage of watching an incredible sunrise or sunset.