The St. Lawrence River extends through Quebec connecting it to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes, so Quebec provides a wide range of boating opportunities that draw boating enthusiasts from all over the world. Other major rivers in the province include Saguenay, Richelieu and Outaouais, and Quebec offers a number of other inland waterways and even freshwater seas. Outsiders do not always associate Quebec with boating. Nevertheless, it is an important part of the culture and tradition here. There are ferries, tours and fishing excursions, and visitors can use cruisers, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, houseboats and so forth. The opportunities are nearly limitless.
People also come to Quebec for its plethora of land-based activities, so between them and the ferries and tours, you can have a great time in Quebec without a boating license. However, we would suggest having one because there is perhaps no finer way to explore Quebec than on its river. The good news is that getting a license is not difficult. The authorities accept all Canadian boating licenses, and they generally accept licenses from the US. If you need a license, the easiest way to get one is to take the exam online. If you do it four weeks in advance of your trip to Quebec, they will mail your license to you in time. If you arrive without the license, you can get a temporary card.
You only pay for your Boating License Exam once. If you don’t pass, you can try the exam again at no additional charge.
ASM Safe Safe Boating encourages boaters in all provinces to take a Transport Canada Accredited course to obtain the Canadian Boating License (officially known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card). ASM Safe Boating, through its partnership with BoaterExam.com, offers Transport Canada accredited courses and certification for the Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
If you operate a boat, you have to have a boater license. It’s the law. Without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, or boat operators license, you’re automatically subject to a $250 fine.
