Mattagami River to Moose River Crossing
Package B

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Departs: Smooth Rock Falls, Ont.
5 days / 4 nights
Distance: 114 km
Skill Level: Intermediate

Trip Itinerary

Day 1-2

Your adventure starts in Smooth Rock Falls Ontario on day one. First you will meet your guide(Rick) early that morning, discuss your trip over a healthy breakfast. Then pack all your gear, most of which will be stored in dry bags. Then you will be shuttled up what use to be an old logging road (Fraserdale, Smokey Line) to your put in on the Mattagami River. Not only is this road the furthest point North that is accessible by vehicle, it also offers the opportunity to view moose and bear on the way. Almost at the roads end we drive over Little Long Dam, it’s huge water reservoir is fed by the Mattagami, Ground Hog, Kapuskasing Rivers. The road over this massive facility is about six kilometers in length. Shortly after we arrive at our destination the put in on the Mattagami River at the base of the Kipling power dam and the end of the road access...only river transportation from here on...thank God. Pack the boats, discuss a bit of history of the area...time to paddle..relax. Will move down river about 16 kms. On flat water to our first campsite. A campsite that is on a beautiful gravel bed at the mouth of Adams creek. As soon as the canoes are out of the water you will be combing the area for fossils since this spot is the ideal location to examine many. After you have had your fill of searching for fossils and of course keeping a few of the more precious finds, it will be time to sit down for a hearty meal while you enjoy the pristine view of the area. Later will sit around the campfire, trade stories, get to know each other, reflect on the days activities, enjoy the stars, discuss the adventures that lay ahead of us on day two. Which starts with...you guessed it...a healthy breakfast. Which might include pancakes, muffins, granola, oatmeal and dried fruits. (Plus a few homemade surprises). Then we discuss our days approach on the water. Which area will set up at down river for a campsite. Today is an excellent day for moving water enthusiasts (people that like to paddle rapids). Our first encounter with moving water is at the Grand Rapids (about 20 km. From our first campsite). This rapid can very from a class 2 to 3 depending on water levels. During the summer levels it will lean more to the lower end of the classification. It’s about 5 kms. in length and is a very scenic rapid, crystal blue water running over huge slabs of limestone with deeper pools in between, bordered by cliff walls consisting of loam and clay. Indeed one of the pristine sections of this river. Then we run a lengthy rapid...class 1 to 2 depending on water level. Paddle another five km. And set up camp on one of the choice sandbars. Remember H.W.E. has designed there trips so clientele are well rested at the days end so they can relax and enjoy the campsite to it’s fullest. After todays run...there will be plenty of talk around this campfire.

Day 3

The usual start. Maybe a little stretching (if the group is a bit stiff from the day before). Today is a more relaxing day on the water. Our only set of rapids is the Long Rapids not far below our tent site. It’s a class 1 or 2 suppling us with an energetic start for the day. Will work our way down river, keeping our eyes open for moose or bear. This is a beautiful section of the Mattagami River consisting of huge gravel beds, untouched wilderness, wildlife, shorelines thick with black spruce, poplar and aspen. Will then spend the night at the mouth of the Missinaibi River where it joins the Mattagami River to become the legendary Moose River.

Day 4-5

Will paddle into Moose River Crossing our destination and final campsite on this pristine river adventure. Tonight our campsite will be on the mighty Moose River. Although the Moose River is only about 90 km. in length, it’s responsible for draining almost all of Northern Eastern Ontario into the salt waters of James Bay. The sunsets on the Moose are second to none and late at night when the Northern Lights appear you’ll be guaranteed a majestic dance for they are performing for the mighty Moose and the spirits of all those that have passed before you. The next day we will explore the Gypsum caves, learn the history of the Moose Cree that lived in this area...there customs and beliefs. We will also visit the Cree burial site along the river to pay our respects. Then will scamper up the river bank to the railroad track, to flag down the world famous Polar Bear Express to travel some 200 km. by rail to our vehicles. The train ride itself is a very unique experience, crossing dozens of rivers, plus providing scenic views along with a solid flavor of intriguing passengers. On the train ride your thoughts will be on the Mattagami River, saddened, that it’s head waters have been crippled by Hydro projects. A sense of warmth comes over you...there is still a section of the Mattagami River...one that flows with pride...consisting of pristine rapids, remote wilderness, limestone slabs, fossils as it carves it’s way into the James Bay Lowlands. Now you have experienced the best kept secret of the Mattagami River system and H.W.E. has had the pleasure of sharing it with you.