As the water level drops, a wave train appears in the middle of the river, offering reasonable surfing and play all summer long. Before you pack up and head to Ottawa, be aware that the Canadian government is currently rebuilding the Champlain Bridge. To facilitate construction, a cofferdam was installed that stretches across half of the river. Ten minutes from downtown Montreal, the mighty St. Lawrence River runs a mile wide. The play action, with an emphasis on surfing, is good anytime, ranging from epic during high spring runoff to reasonable in the middle of summer.
Local knowledge is important.
The James River runs broad and rocky through Richmond, forming numerous play spots. Pipeline is as urban as it gets when it comes to play paddling. It lies within 100 yards of several Fortune 500 corporate headquarters and a half-mile from where Interstate 95 crosses the James. The 1998 Open Canoe National Championships and the Junior National Kayak and Canoe Championships were held on Pipeline. Paddle across the river from Pipeline to a popular play hole at Mayo Island.