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So I love rivers ... and smaller lakes .. I hate being windbound and fighting big waves in canoe. So I'm looking for a nice river with a chance at some fish (kids love catching any variety) ... I've pretty much decided on McManus put in and the Petawawa ... but if I can squeeze another trip then whats another one? It would need to be the same general area as the park but kid friendly ... so white water is easy to get around, no long portages, etc. The ability to paddle back upstream is a bonus. I have been on the lower Madawaska and loved it but there's a lot of portages in that's section. I also liked the crow river section between BC and lavielle but it's a bit of travel to get to that section of the river. Any other ideas?
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I should .. my kids are 11 and 13 so they are pretty mobile so the odd beaver dam, etc is no big deal.
I see a section of the madawaska river between cache and lake of 2 rivers ... whats that's like? lots of people ... shallow ? some rocky sections, etc? Same questions about the Oxtongue river near hwy 60. I suppose there's the barron river as well but I assume that's really busy .. .
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I don’t think every kid loves catching fish because when I was a kid I thought it was the extremely boring and not fun for the fish. Although catch and eat is something that I could get behind but it just seems more convenient to bring your own food.
Anyway, have you considered Maple Creek out of Kiosk? There are 6 portages but none are extremely long and it’s only a one hour paddle to the river from the access. Potential downsides are the lack of good sites along the creek and the long open water journey before you get to the river. People say good things about the sites on Maple Lake and you can also explore the small lakes to the west.
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Oxtonge from Pine Landing to AO Oxtonge sounds exactly like what you want. Get AO to run a shuttle for you
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Well you were all around it there for a while but yeah, I'd say the Barron makes a great trip. From A30 down to Brigham Lake is a nice shorter journey. Last Sept. second weekend on Sunday we had it to ourselves. Did the portage up to Opalescent (somewhat strenuous with ups and downs) for fun. Even if you didn't haul your gear you can do the hike to Opal for a look around a shore snack. There is a campsite there if you want to make a quick cook fire. That time of year was no problem going both ways on the river. Or, Squirrel Rapids upstream to Brigham without the final portage. Much longer journey but also very rewarding in terms of sightseeing. And you can walk the final portage to have a look at the chute. I'm sure it'll be busier than McManus on any given day but still a nice run - and kids don't really care about extra canoeists just us grouchy dads ; )
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Although a bit further north, the Amable du Fond River is really nice between Kawawaymog and North Tea Lake. Some nice rapids upon arrival at North Tea. Two small portages and you could even camp on North Tea and then paddle back out against the current.
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Thanks everyone ... I looked into your suggestions and they all sound good ... maybe a spring trip and a fall one is in order ... (or one without the kids) ..
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Hi DW,
I've paddled between Cache and LotR in early spring, going down from Head Lake and back up to Cache. Going with the current (towards LotR) was great. Easy and a couple beaver dams that we mostly glided over in early May.
Going against the current was brutal. But if we were going the other way it would have been fun. Lots of people to be seen along the "Track and Tower," "Hemlock Bluff," and "Highland Backpack" trails that go around the river, but it isn't too bad I suppose. Portages are well-worn.
I'd say if you had a car at Cache and way to get back from LotR, it would make a fun day trip.
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