Abitibi River - New Post Falls
Package D
Departs: Smooth Rock Falls, Ont.
1 Day
Distance: 21 km
Skill Level: Beginner
Trip Itinerary
Just a beginner in the paddling scene? In the area with a few friends ? Like a bit of adventure? Perhaps some canoeing, history and a visit to one of nature’s most spectacular waterfalls can quench that appetite.Your adventure starts in Smooth Rock Falls where you will meet your guide, Rick, to discuss your trip over a hearty breakfast. Afterwards, you will pack your gear, most of which will be stored in dry bags and will shuttle down an old logging road (Fraserdale Road) to Abitibi Canyon. The Abitibi River was a major tributary for the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 17 & 1800’s. The river’s clay bottom is the result of glacial sand, clay, and gravel which gives the water a distinct brownish color. On this wilderness river adventure you will be traveling the same water route that the Coureurs De Bois and Voyageurs did.
The Abitibi River was a major tributary for the fur trade for the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 17 and 1800’s. The river’s clay bottom is the result of glacial sand, clay and gravel which gives the water a distinct brownish color. On this wilderness river adventure you will be traveling the same water route that the Coureurs De Bois and Voyageurs did. As you move down the river you will notice its high clay banks and quiet waterway as it twists through the dense Boreal Forest of North Eastern Ontario.
You will have about a two hour paddle to the base of the spectacular New Post Falls. First you will pull in on the way down river to explore the old New Post grave site that’s hidden in the dense bush along the water. The New Post Site belonged to the Hudson Bay Company which dates back to the 1800’s, as you will see by some of the dates on the crosses. You’ll take some photographs and discuss some of the history of this very special spot that’s been lost in time.
Half an hour later you will be at the base of New Post Falls. This breathtaking spectacle would be the highlight of any river expedition! Water gushes through a split rock gorge and then drops some 120 feet below to continue its path towards the Abitibi River. You will climb up the side of the gorge to the top of the falls. The mist, rumble of the water, fog, rapids, barkless trees, all make you realize that you are viewing one of nature’s most precious gems. This will be the time for a group photo in the fog and mist. The group will have shared a moment together that will last a lifetime. Then it will be back down the gorge to enjoy a healthy lunch. Nutrition is a key component on any wilderness outing.
After lunch you will have time to search for some fossils, take more photos of the front of the gorge or simply relax before working your way back up river to the take out at Abitibi Canyon. Yes, New Post Falls, Grave sites from the 1800’s, paddling on the historic Abitibi River is a full day outing. But what a day!
