Picture this: a long weekend away from Longueuil’s marina, where you explore historic canals, anchor in secluded coves, and wake up to sunrise over Lake Champlain—all without checking into a single hotel. For boaters in Quebec seeking the ideal extended getaway, the Marex 310 transforms a simple trip into an adventure on your own terms.
This compact Scandinavian cruiser is purpose-built for the kind of inland waterway exploration that defines boating in our region. With smart sleeping solutions, efficient design, and the capability to navigate everything26 from the St. Lawrence River to the narrow Chambly Canal, it delivers a boating experience that larger vessels simply cannot match.
The Classic Quebec Route: Longueuil to Lake Champlain
This approximately 195 km journey (one-way) ranks among the most rewarding extended trips available to Quebec boaters. Starting from marinas like Port de Longueuil or Yacht Club de Longueuil, the route offers urban departure, historic waterways, and pristine lake cruising—all achievable in a relaxed 4-day itinerary.
Day One begins with a 70–75 km cruise along the St. Lawrence River, heading northeast (downriver) toward quieter waters near Sorel-Tracy. Montreal’s skyline fades behind you as you follow the current past the islands and agricultural shorelines that define this stretch of river. The river here is wide and calm, with manageable commercial traffic. Overnight docking at Sorel Yacht Club or St-Ours provides fuel, provisions, and a comfortable starting point for the next leg. Travel time: approximately 4 hours at cruising speed.
Day Two takes you onto the Richelieu River at Sorel. You’ll be travelling south—upstream against the river’s northward flow—through farmland and wetlands where bald eagles and herons are common sights. This 70 km leg brings you to the Chambly Basin, where you can dock overnight and prepare for the canal passage ahead. Travel time: approximately 4–5 hours.
Day Three is where the adventure deepens. The Chambly Canal is a UNESCO-recognized engineering marvel built in 1843. Nine hand-operated locks lift you approximately 24 metres over 20 km, creating a slow, scenic passage through history. Maximum speed is 10 km/h (approximately 5 knots), but the charm of picnic spots and canal-side villages makes every minute worthwhile. After exiting the canal at Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, dock overnight and rest before the final leg. Canal transit time: 6–8 hours, including lock waits (May–October season).
Day Four opens up Lake Champlain’s 1,200 km² of exploration. From Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, it’s approximately 30 km to the Canada–US border at Rouses Point. The lake’s protected northern end suits compact cruisers well, though winds can pick up to 10–15 knots. Explore the northern bays, find a secluded anchorage, or simply enjoy the open water before beginning your return journey. Note that historic sites like Fort Ticonderoga lie approximately 160 km further south—a destination for a longer expedition rather than a weekend add-on.
Why the Marex 310 Excels on This Route
At 9.4 metres (30’10”) length overall, the Marex 310 is sized perfectly for this journey. Its approximately 1-metre draft navigates the Richelieu River’s shallow sections with confidence, while its 3.22-metre beam fits comfortably into the Chambly Canal’s historic locks (approximately 6.7 metres wide)—where wider modern cruisers often fear to tread.
The walkaround deck and low profile make solo docking simple, even in busy Longueuil marinas. Its air draft of 2.8 metres clears low bridges without issue, a critical advantage on inland waterways.
Performance capabilities:
- Top speed: 28–32 knots
- Cruise speed: 18–22 knots
- Fuel capacity: 570 litres
- Range: approximately 300 nautical miles
- Standard engine: Volvo Penta D6-400 (400 hp diesel)
Smart Sleeping Solutions vs. Hotel Stays
The Marex 310’s Scandinavian design philosophy maximizes every centimetre of its compact footprint. A forward double cabin provides private sleeping for two, while the mid-cabin convertible dinette accommodates two more guests. Total sleeping capacity: 4–6 in air-conditioned comfort. The spacious head features a standing-height shower area—a welcome comfort on multi-day trips.
The lifestyle advantage is undeniable. Wake up in a private bay with no check-in procedures or neighbouring noise. Fish Lake Champlain’s bass populations, stargaze without light pollution, or grill on deck as the sun sets. This is the weekender ethos: mobility, privacy, and immersion in nature, with travel itself becoming the experience.
For families from Montreal and the surrounding area, the Marex 310 delivers the kind of unplugged getaway that builds memories. No highway traffic, no hotel lobbies—just water, sky, and the freedom to anchor wherever the day leads.
Design and Accommodations
Scandinavian minimalism defines the interior. Clean lines, quality materials, and thoughtful storage create a refined yet functional space. The forward cabin offers standing headroom and natural light from deck hatches. The convertible dinette transforms from daytime social space to comfortable sleeping quarters in minutes.
The galley is positioned for easy meal preparation while underway or at anchor. Counter space accommodates food prep, and the refrigerator keeps provisions fresh for multi-day trips. Storage throughout the cabin ensures gear and personal items stay organized.
The Marex 310 feels much larger than its size thanks to the massive sliding sunroof and the Smart Canopy system. Within seconds, you can transform the heated cockpit from a closed shelter into an open-air sun lounge, giving you the visibility and breeze of a much larger vessel without the complexity. Solar-ready roof panels extend autonomy for extended anchoring without running the generator.
Comparing the Experience
A weekend hotel getaway to the same region involves:
- Driving 1–2 hours each way
- Check-in procedures and fixed schedules
- Restaurant meals for every sitting
- Limited privacy and outdoor access
- No flexibility to change destinations
The Marex 310 delivers:
- Departure on your schedule, from your local marina
- Sleep where you anchor, wake when you choose
- Prepare meals onboard or dine ashore as desired
- Complete privacy in secluded bays
- Freedom to extend or modify the route spontaneously
The compact cruiser’s low wake minimizes environmental impact on riverbanks, aligning with Quebec’s waterway protection standards. For urban families seeking authentic outdoor experiences without the complexity of larger yachts, this is an ideal balance.
Experience the Marex 310 at EuroYacht Sales
The Marex 310 elevates extended boating trips for Quebec families seeking adventure without complexity. From Longueuil’s marinas to Lake Champlain’s northern bays, it delivers comfort, capability, and the freedom to explore on your terms.
Our team at EuroYacht Sales in Longueuil specializes in matching boaters with vessels that fit their lifestyle and local waters. Visit our showroom to tour the Marex products, discuss financing options, and start planning your first adventure of 2026. Contact EuroYacht Sales today—your next getaway is closer than you think.