The Rivière des Mille Îles is a 42-kilometre river in Quebec that connects Lac des Deux-Montagnes and the Ottawa River to the St. Lawrence, flowing along the north shore of Laval and passing through a landscape of islands, marshes, and shallow channels. The river is the namesake of Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, a regional park accessible from both the Laval shore (Sainte-Rose sector) and the North Shore communities of Boisbriand and Terrebonne.

The water is generally calm and shallow through the island archipelago, making it manageable for paddlers of varying experience levels. The park operates five boat rental centres offering canoes, single and double kayaks, rowboats, rabaskas, and stand-up paddleboards. Paddlers bringing their own human-powered watercraft can self-launch for a day fee of $12.50 or purchase a seasonal pass for $50. The main Berge du Garot access point in the Sainte-Rose sector is the Berge du Garot, where parking is available. An alternative free Rue de l'Île-Gagnon launch exists at the end of Rue de l'Île-Gagnon, though it requires navigating rocks to reach the water.

The river corridor supports a notable diversity of wildlife, including beavers, turtles, great blue herons, Canada geese, bats, and over 200 recorded bird species near Île-des-Moulins. Fish species present include bass, catfish, northern pike, copper redhorse, sturgeon, and perch. Fishing is prohibited in the section between the Highway 25 bridge and the Quebec-Gatineau railway bridge from April 1 through June 30, and fishing for copper redhorse is prohibited at all times.

Several islands within the park are accessible by paddlecraft, identified by numbered posts and yellow signs, and equipped with docks and picnic tables; some have pit toilets. Self-guided routes allow paddlers to explore the Sainte-Rose Archipelago, with destinations such as Île aux Fraises. Day-long trips are possible heading west toward Boisbriand or Deux-Montagnes, or east toward Rosemere and Terrebonne's Île aux Vaches. Wind and current should be factored into trip planning, particularly on longer outings. The park is located approximately 30 minutes from Montreal, making it practical for half-day or after-work paddles.