The Estuaire fluvial du Saint-Laurent in the Lotbinière MRC is a marine environment, part of the broader St. Lawrence River estuary. A primary paddling route here is the 12-kilometer Boucle de l’Île et des Navigateurs, which forms a loop between Leclercville and Lotbinière. The recommended launch and take-out point is the Parc de l’île de Leclercville at 8000 Route Marie-Victorin, which offers a boat ramp, a beach, free parking, picnic areas, and toilets. This route is suitable for intermediate paddlers using sea kayaks, recreational kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards, with suggested certifications including Kayak de Mer 2 and SUP Rando 3. The paddling season typically runs from May to October, with a trip duration estimated between three to six hours for a half-day excursion.

Paddling here requires careful planning around tidal conditions. The water body experiences significant tides, and paddlers are advised to plan their departure to take advantage of the tidal current. Vast intertidal flats are exposed at low tide, which must be factored into trip timing. The area is exposed to wind, and while intermediate paddlers can manage in moderate winds up to 19 knots (35 km/h), checking forecasts is essential. A major safety consideration is commercial boat traffic within the main shipping channel of the estuary; paddlers must navigate outside this designated waterway and remain vigilant. Cell phone coverage in the area is variable.

The route offers an immersion into a rich coastal habitat where wildlife is prominent. Paddlers may observe the striped bass, a species emblematic of the area and currently undergoing reintroduction efforts. The overall experience blends natural observation with the historical and cultural context of the St. Lawrence River.