Vague à Guy
The eternal wave, nicknamed “Vague à Guy” (Guy’s Wave) is located in the St. Lawrence River near the Parc des Rapides. It is an excellent site for surfing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Here is what you need to know before going there.
A place for enthusiasts in the know
The city does not supervise this area and cannot be held responsible for any accidents. Guy’s Wave is not for everyone. It is strongly recommended that you go with someone experienced, or to take an introductory river surfing course at a recognized school before trying out the wave.
Heavy rains may affect water quality. Always pay attention to the signs.
Guy’s Wave is accessible to the public from May 1 to October 15 only. Nautical activities are not permitted there in the off-season.
Code of conduct
- Obey the signs. During bad weather, the site may be closed to ensure user safety.
- Be respectful and courteous
- Look out for each other
- During busy periods, make sure to give other people a chance to enjoy the wave
- Wait your turn at the designated areas
- Follow marked trails to get to the water, and let other users access the water easily
- The space near the wave is limited, so do not bring your personal belongings
Dos
- Always surf with another person
- Wear a PFD (personal flotation device)
- Wear a helmet
- Wear a wetsuit
- Use a safety cord with a quick release system, if you can
- Have a means of communication on hand
- Stay on the marked trails
- Throw away your garbage in the trash cans
Don’ts
- Avoid using the wave during a thunderstorm or strong winds
- Avoid using the wave under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- No swimming allowed
- No fishing allowed
Hazards
- Strong and constant currents
- Cold water
- Risk of drowning
- Risk of debris (branches, tree trunks, pieces of ice)
Call 311 immediately to report trees or debris near the shoreline that pose a hazard to water activities.
Did you know that…
The eternal waves are created by the particular rocky relief of the St. Lawrence River bottom. They allow surfers and kayakers to stay in one place on the water.
Water Access Improvements
To limit the impact of visitors on the environment and to provide safe access, the city has built paths to the water. The goal is to direct visitor traffic and protect the shoreline, which has become fragile over the years. Nearly 150 metres of shoreline were also stabilized and naturalized to combat erosion.
Construction of a rest stop
Start: Week of May 24
End: September
Two prefabricated buildings will be built, including a self-cleaning toilet (usable year round), outdoor shower, drinking fountain, changing rooms and lockers.
These facilities will improve public services along with the park user experience. Access to La Vague à Guy (Guy’s Wave), the bicycle path and the pedestrian pathway along the St. Lawrence River will be maintained during the work. Find out more.
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