The Rivière Jacques-Cartier originates at Jacques-Cartier Lake in the Laurentian Mountains and flows approximately 100 miles before emptying into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The river runs through a dramatic glacial valley, with ridge tops rising nearly 2,000 feet above the water. Within Jacques-Cartier National Park, the river offers a navigable 26-kilometre stretch past cliffs reaching up to 500 metres in height. Further downstream, between Pont-Rouge and Donnacona, the river cuts through a canyon with vertical shale walls rising up to 75 metres, creating a distinctly different character from the park section.

The park section alternates between calm stretches and easy rapids, making it accessible to a wide range of skill levels. Portage trails are available for those not comfortable running the whitewater sections. A shorter, quieter portion is suitable for stand-up paddleboarding. The downstream canyon section, operated by outfitters such as Rivière Concept, features rapids ranging from R1 to R3 depending on flow conditions, covering 9.5 kilometres over approximately three to six hours. During periods of high water — typically spring or after heavy rainfall — this section can only be run by raft rather than kayak. The canyon section also features friable shale cliffs and opportunities for cliff jumping and swimming in rapids when water levels permit. The Jacques-Cartier is noted as the westernmost Atlantic salmon river in North America.

Within the national park, canoe-camping trips are available, with guided multi-day descents departing from a nautical centre at kilometre 3 of the park. Portage sections may be encountered depending on seasonal water levels. Equipment rentals are available within the park. The park is located approximately 30 minutes from Quebec City, and guided excursions on the canyon section operate seven days a week from May 1 through September 1, with departures at 11 a.m. The canyon section's base camp is situated at Parc familial des Berges in Donnacona, roughly 30 minutes from Quebec City and two minutes from Highway 40, with picnic areas, restroom facilities, and hiking trails on site.

Paddling activities on the river include canoeing, kayaking, inflatable kayaking, and rafting. The park section suits beginners through experienced paddlers, while the canyon section is rated beginner to intermediate, with kayaking recommended for ages 11 and up and rafting accessible from age 6.