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| My trusty Navi helpers,Tommy and Nico Covoid 19 masks lowered for photo |
It’s not
everyday you can get into a kayak to paddle on the Saint Lawrence River and
feel like you’ve left the city far behind. Yet you are in the city - Verdun to be exact,
a borough of Montreal - about 15 minutes from downtown.
Navi is
owned by Michel Tremblay, a nature and cyclist enthusiast who puts his heart
into his company. Aside from the eight-year-old Verdun location, he also has
kayaks at Nun’s Island. Bikers can cycle across the bridge right to this
picturesque Verdun location where the water laps the shore and nature is right
before you.
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| My turn to hold the paddle. Nico standing by my side |
Off you go Girl!
Hiring a
nice cozy staff who picks out your paddle, gets you down to the water where –
two kind kayak dudes await you. They were so helpful to me. Life jacket on, they
selecting a terrific Tarpoon kayak, then helped me into the kayak and handed me
the paddle.
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| Adjusting the foot straps |
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| Ducks seeing me off |
They pointed
me into the direction of the rapids, but the flow of the waves were against me,
so I took their advise and paddled close to the shore!” No matter how
experienced you are, you’re given a radio to communicate back to Navi in case
you need help. The river is wide and the weather temperamental.
Imagine
keeping 8000 kayakers safe over the summer. Navi does!
Enjoying the sights … Kayaking into
Nature
In the distance I could hear the roar of the
rapids – the popular destination for many of Navi’s newbies and veteran kayak
buffs.
I loved the idyllic setting of the shoreline
where ducks and birds hang out. Bushes, lanky reeds and trees greet your eye at
every paddle stroke. I could hear geese and see them happily floating on the
waves of this famous historic river.
Happy paddle boarders
At one point a family of ducks came right up
to my kayak – one beak touched the side of my kayak! It doesn’t get any better
than that!
But it does.
Michel has outfitted his company with a fine fleet of kayaks – 10 double with
two super comfy padded full-back seats, and 45 single kayaks.
Tommy took me out on the double kayak, but not before swimming out to say hi and pull me to shore. What fun!
These are made for setting your fishing rod into a special central holding place where the promise to catch the fish of your dreams is real. Too bad I didn’t bring my dad’s.
Tommy took me out on the double kayak, but not before swimming out to say hi and pull me to shore. What fun!
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| Double seating in fishing kayak with Tommy |
These are made for setting your fishing rod into a special central holding place where the promise to catch the fish of your dreams is real. Too bad I didn’t bring my dad’s.
A Great Guided Excursion
Navi has a
3-hour top-notch excursion where you paddle board or kayak out to Rock island,
take a swim and paddle back. There is a nest of islands nearby for you to
explore as well. In addition, he offers wake surfing. Can you imagine the
thrill of it all as you jump off his high speed motor boat and surf the wake on
a board! Although eight people can go, each has his own separate turn.
No matter what activity you do on the water,
Navi ensures your safety and comfort. Michel and his staff make sure you have a
fabulous day. I did.
Prices are a
steal:
single seat
kayak, one hour: $20; two hours: $30.
double seat
kayak, one hour: $30; two hours: $45.
The
address is 6500 Lasalle Boulevard, Verdun, Quebec, H4H 2S9
Navi’s
hours are from 10: am to 8:30 pm. Open June to September.
For more
information, reservations and activities to enjoy,
check out the website: info@espacenavi.ca
Happy
kayaking!
Michel was very pleased about this feature
Wow!
Very very nice article Nancy!
I’ve never read one like this. It’s well written and when you read it, it feels like you’re really kayaking on water and enjoying the wonderful environment of Saint Lawrence river. The reader definitely wants to try Navi’s experience.
Many Thanks, Nancy !!!
Michel Tremblay
