Quebecers are being invited to participate in clean-ups along the riverbanks and in its watersheds, from Montreal to Baie-Comeau, from Aug. 6 to 21, as part of the 3rd edition of the Saint-Laurent Expedition. Over the course of 16 days, the expedition team will travel 2,000 kilometres along the St. Lawrence River to raise public awareness about reducing the waste that pollutes the river and its banks. The expedition, which includes 18 people—among them eco-friendly restaurateurs, professional divers, content creators, scientists, and young people—invites citizens to participate in clean-up efforts as well as attend lectures. The clean-up events, which are open to the whole family, can last a few hours, and equipment such as telescopic grippers, gloves, bags, and buckets is provided by the expedition organizers. The clean-up tour will begin on Aug. 6 in Montreal’s LaSalle borough. The next day, the team will head to Terrebonne, then on to Richelieu, Granby, Magog, Sorel-Tracy, Trois-Rivières, and Deschaillons-sur-Saint-Laurent. On Aug. 11, the expedition will continue to Quebec City, then head to L’Islet, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Montmagny, Pessamit, Ragueneau, Pointe-Lebel, Baie-Comeau, Forestville, Portneuf-sur-Mer, Tadoussac, and Baie-Sainte-Catherine. Microplastic Sampling The organizers of the expedition are also planning microplastic sampling activities. The St. Lawrence River is among the world’s most microplastic-polluted rivers. A 2014 study by McGill University showed that microplastic concentrations found in river sediments were similar to those found in the world’s most contaminated marine sediments. Six years later, another McGill University study revealed that average concentrations of microplastics in the sediments and surface waters of the St. Lawrence River were similar to those observed near China’s most densely populated urban areas. A large portion of these micro- and nanoplastic particles comes from the breakdown of larger plastic objects, but also—and most importantly—from our clothing. Washing certain types of clothing, such as polyester fabrics, causes tiny plastic fibres to escape from washing machines into aquatic ecosystems. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 23, 2026. Stéphane Blais, The Canadian Press
