The Rivière du Chemin des Canots is a 20.8-kilometre tributary of the Malbaie River, located within the unorganized territory of Lac-Pikauba in the Charlevoix Regional County Municipality, within Quebec's Capitale-Nationale administrative region. The river flows through the eastern portion of the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve, ultimately joining the Malbaie River on its southwestern bank, across from the zec des Martres. The source sits at an elevation of approximately 925 metres, while the mouth at the Malbaie River lies at around 640 metres, giving the river a meaningful elevation drop over its course.

The middle section of the river features a notable chain of nine lakes aligned roughly north to south over a stretch of 8.4 kilometres, running between Lac Duquette and Lac Robitaille. Canoeing is possible on approximately ten kilometres of the river, though this segment presents challenges that paddlers should be aware of before planning a trip. Access to the lower and middle portions of the valley is provided primarily by forest road R0360 and secondary forest roads, which serve both forestry operations and recreational tourism.

The river's surface typically freezes in early December and remains frozen through late March, with safe ice conditions generally limited to mid-December through mid-March. This freeze-up pattern effectively defines the open-water paddling season as late spring through autumn. Forestry is the dominant economic activity in the surrounding area, with recreational tourism being secondary, so paddlers should expect active forestry operations in the vicinity, particularly along the access roads.

The river corridor sits within the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve, a protected area that may carry specific regulations for visitors, so paddlers are advised to confirm current access and use rules with the relevant Quebec wildlife reserve authorities before planning a trip.