La Relève: The Bota Bota all-female ice canoe team

An impressive presence, the St. Lawrence River has long lived in the hearts of those who encounter it, both near and far. The birthplace of Bota Bota, it is also home to the brand’s women’s ice canoe team.

A natural alliance

In 2012, Geneviève Emond, President and CEO of Bota Bota, began a partnership with the team, which at the time was looking for a sponsor. It was a perfectly natural collaboration, as Geneviève is passionate about the river and its accessibility. “It’s been over ten years now that we’ve been with Bota Bota, which allows us to have new canoes and great equipment. We’re very grateful,” say Anne Chabot Bergeron and Karen Paquette, members of the team.

A formidable playground

Ice canoeing is a traditional Quebec extreme sport, practiced between ice and open water, that leaves no one indifferent. At the mercy of natural elements, it is intensely practiced from January to mid-March. Training resumes in September, both on the water and indoors with rowing machines. Paddling techniques and physical endurance are refined before the ice arrives. “We can practice on frozen lakes. Although their surface is flat and less challenging, it’s a great synchronization exercise.” However, Karen and Anne agree that experiencing the sport in real conditions is how you truly learn it.

It’s a very demanding sport over a short period, “life is on pause during race season.” This year, for example, the Bota Bota team is participating in six races. “It’s one weekend after another… it never stops!” Based in Quebec City, the team can fully benefit from the local weather conditions, which are perfectly suited to the sport. “Some teams come from abroad specifically to train in the region. That’s where the churning of water and ice happens. It’s also where the river is the least forgiving.”

Resilience above all

There are many challenges involved in keeping the team running. “Each person has to make sacrifices for it to work. The river is rough, it’s hard. We’re truly a group of passionate women. We choose to be there every time.” In 2020, COVID fractured the group. “Several team members spread out across Quebec, and everyone had children.” Motherhood was added to the list of challenges, but not without the full support of their life partners, ready to back them completely.

Today, the group has welcomed new faces following a merger with another team to expand their pool of athletes. That’s how Anne and Karen found themselves reunited after several years apart, a joy they share, along with their enthusiasm. This camaraderie fully defines this women’s team of 11 members. “It’s almost unique now to be a 100% women’s team,” they explain. “With the mixed category, many women’s teams have become mixed teams. We chose to stay as we are, and we’re proud of it.” With current statistics showing a decline in sports participation among teenage girls, these athletes proudly demonstrate that it’s possible to take up the sport at any age.

Living to the Rhythm of the River

The St. Lawrence River is an incomparable companion. “It’s a landmark. When I come back to Quebec City, I inevitably go sit by the river, no matter the weather or season,” explains Karen. “When you’re close to it, you live by the rhythm of its tides. You have to adapt to the river, it’s a strength and a constant presence that’s always there.” It is also a tangible reminder of nature’s unpredictable temperament. “As we see all its colors, we come to it with growing respect,” Anne says with a smile.

Find the team on their Facebook account to follow all the news!

• January 31 2026 : Rimouski
• February 8 2026 : Carnaval
• February 14 2026 : Isle-aux-Coudres
• February 21 2026 : Montréal
• February 28 2026 : Québec – Grands Voiliers
• March 8 2026 : Portneuf