C-Forum

Hey guys.

Planning a week long paddling trip starting April 20th or 21st. It will be an awesome break between exams and work! We basically want to drive around and hit some rivers we don't get to paddle often or have never paddled. So far we are planning on spending two days on the Madawaska and two days on the Ottawa. Looking for some more suggestions.

We paddle elora, irvine and gull often so those are out.

Any other rivers we should hit along the way?

Dave

I keep hearing guys from up there mention the Rouge River and Seven Sisters Falls, if it's running.

Its a bit early in the season but with this years weather who knows - there's a lot more over in quebec, like the Rouge. If you're up by the Mad, do the Openogo too. Highway 7 Salmon & Beaver. Check out Mackfest - its right around that time

Petawawa!

Hit it at He|| or High Water in May if you can, that looks like an awesome fest. And the town section is short and sweet

CurlyFries wrote:Hey guys.

Planning a week long paddling trip starting April 20th or 21st. It will be an awesome break between exams and work! We basically want to drive around and hit some rivers we don't get to paddle often or have never paddled. So far we are planning on spending two days on the Madawaska and two days on the Ottawa. Looking for some more suggestions.

We paddle elora, irvine and gull often so those are out.

Any other rivers we should hit along the way?

Dave

Gatineau river from Maniwaki to Bouchette. Can be done in a day but I suggest two. Good camping spots along the river. This sections contains mostly level 4 whitewater. Can send you a link to a detailed map if you want.

The Upper Petawawa in Algonquin Park, from the McDonald rapids down to Lake Traverse. High concentration of rapids, can be run from as low as 13-14 cms up to ??? One of my favorite runs in ON.
There are also some awesome runs in the Halibutron Highlands, like the Oxtongue and the Drag rivers and Hollow creek.
In Maple Leaf not to far from the Madawaska there is Papineau creek.

TGG!

DougB wrote:Its a bit early in the season but with this years weather who knows - there's a lot more over in quebec, like the Rouge. If you're up by the Mad, do the Openogo too. Highway 7 Salmon & Beaver. Check out Mackfest - its right around that time

Cool, will do.

Mackfest is right in the middle of finals for me unfortunately. Give me a couple years!

Petawawa sounds awesome too. I have run the river as a canoe trip twice. Would be awesome to check it out with some OC1s

Thanks for the input!

Dave

CurlyFries wrote:Hey guys.

Planning a week long paddling trip starting April 20th or 21st. It will be an awesome break between exams and work! We basically want to drive around and hit some rivers we don't get to paddle often or have never paddled. So far we are planning on spending two days on the Madawaska and two days on the Ottawa. Looking for some more suggestions.

We paddle elora, irvine and gull often so those are out.

Any other rivers we should hit along the way?

Dave

At that time of year, look into the upper Madawaska. Access isn't easy (post on boatwerks for more info), but it is a good choice. Rouge, a Quebec river, is a good choice, but the 7 sisters section is typically too high at this time of year for open boats. There are many other sections to consider though -- look at the Harrington Canyon, the Italian section, White Dog, or possibly the 21 Mile sections.

Gatineau will be a big water run, but if you have some local knowledge, it is still good to go for open boats in April. Probably not my first choice given that so many other rivers are running. Same for the Ottawa -- its ok, but the spring brings more interesting runs. Check out Petite Nation. Close to Ottawa and with two big water canyons (in spring) it makes for a good run.