Is prior sailing experience necessary?

No, this initiation trip is designed for beginners and all skill levels.

Are children allowed on the trip?

Yes, children accompanied by adults can participate, making it a family-friendly outing.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Ecovoile may reschedule or fully refund trips if conditions are unsafe or unfavorable.

How physically demanding is the trip?

Moderate; you will be asked to assist with certain maneuvers but rest periods are built into the day.

What should I bring with me?

Bring layered clothing, non-slip shoes, sun protection, and a waterproof jacket.

Where does the tour depart from?

The sailing initiation begins at 183 Rue du Quai, Carleton, QC G0C 1J0, Canada.

Sailing the Bay with Ecovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs, Carleton | Sailing | Boat Tour

Carleton-sur-Mer, set along Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula on the tranquil edges of Tracadigache Bay, offers a rare combination of rugged coastline and calm waters framed by rolling mountains. Ecovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs positions itself as a gateway to this dramatic maritime environment through its signature 7-hour sailing initiation along the bay’s shimmering blue expanse. This experience goes beyond passive sightseeing — it invites participants to take the helm and learn fundamental sailing maneuvers under expert guidance.

Departing from 183 Rue du Quai, this trip balances active learning and relaxation, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels. As the boat cuts smoothly through the water, passengers absorb fresh sea air while panoramic views unfold—a rugged shoreline on one side, vast stretches of open water on the other, with pine and spruce-dotted mountains rising inland. The bay itself, shaped by glacial activity, offers sheltered passages ideal for new sailors eager to engage with the rhythms of wind and current.

The initiation trip’s hands-on format offers more than just a sailing lesson; it’s a full-day immersion into local nature and technique. Participants handle the lines, adjust sails, and gain a tactile understanding of how wind shapes movement. Ecovoile’s emphasis on education and sustainability adds value, as the company fosters respect for the marine ecosystem of Baie des Chaleurs.

This offering fills a unique niche in Quebec’s outdoor activity scene, as few operations allow such an intimate connection with both sailing and the region’s natural heritage. Carleton-sur-Mer’s blend of maritime culture and wilderness makes Ecovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs a standout destination for those seeking an authentic sailing adventure on the Canadian east coast.

About Ecovoile Baie-des-Chaleurs

Ecovoile Baie‑des‑Chaleurs is a sailing and watersports provider based in Carleton, Québec, on the shores of Baie‑des‑Chaleurs. The organization offers a diverse range of instruction, excursions, camps, and regattas for children, teens, and adults. Programs include the EcoMarins Voile CAN 1 et CAN 2 five‑day sailing camp for ages 9 to 17; a 12‑hour sportive dinghy course delivered over two days; introductory dinghy excursions of 1.5, 3, and 7 hours; windsurfing lessons booked à la carte; private Initiation Wing SUP and Wing Foil lessons; and catamaran Taxsea introductions.

Multi‑day liveaboard programs use a Catalina 34 for five‑day cruises that combine navigation, seamanship training, swimming, and beach activities. A three‑day keelboat life‑aboard course offers foundational quillard instruction and practical time living aboard. Ecovoile Baie‑des‑Chaleurs also organizes competitive events: the 13th Régates Écovoile, including dinghy races and a dedicated F18 regatta in August 2025, with training days and multiple sailing classes.

Sessions emphasize hands‑on training and instructor guidance, with options for skill practice, maneuver refinement, and shared learning circles such as the Voile au féminin program. Activities accommodate individual lessons, small groups, and family bookings.

Located in Carleton, the business operates seasonally in Baie‑des‑Chaleurs and focuses on accessible, instructor‑led sailing and watersports experiences for a wide range of abilities. Booking options include private lessons, group registrations, seasonal camps, single outings, and specialized regatta participation, with schedules and equipment details provided for each program to help participants plan safe, instructor-led sailing experiences in Carleton and across Baie-des-Chaleurs. Seasonal dates and availability vary annually.