Battures aux Loups Marins is a significant tidal flat area located across from Saint-Jean-Port-Joli on the St. Lawrence River in Quebec. It marks the upstream limit of the critical summer habitat for the endangered St. Lawrence beluga whale, and its distribution zone extends from here to the Saguenay River and beyond. This area is also recognized for its importance to shorebirds and waterfowl. The paddling environment is dominated by extreme tidal forces, with a tidal range of approximately 6 to 6.5 meters, among the largest on the St. Lawrence. At low tide, vast mudflats are exposed, leaving little open water for paddling. The powerful tidal currents, particularly near Isle-aux-Coudres, pose a significant risk of drifting and stranding on the flats during an ebb tide. Water temperatures are cold, averaging around 14°C (57°F) even in summer, necessitating appropriate protection against hypothermia. Marine traffic, including the ferry between Isle-aux-Coudres and Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, is a hazard to be aware of in the main channel. Paddlers must exercise extreme caution to avoid disturbing the belugas, as this is a protected area under the Species at Risk Act. The overall character is one of a dynamic and exposed estuary environment where careful tide planning is essential for any launch from the shore.