Topic: Suggestions for a 2-days-beginner's-riverrun?

[Dani]

Thanks a lot for all those great suggestions, it would have taken more than one weekend to try everything. However, I have to admit that deep in my heart, I'm probably not a flatwater kayaker, at least it wasn't so much fun in my playboat...
We ended up doing a section of the Rouge (very nice), highlighted by the attempt of my friend to do the Huberdeau rapids in an open kayak, losing his paddle (just in case anybody has found a lonely paddle on the Rouge, I would be happy to take care of it). However, the timing was perfect, right before the start of the thunderstorm. An 80-year-old extremely nice lady saw me trying to hitchhike my way back to my car in the rain, and decided to get into her car and drive me!!! Canadians are amazing people...
Looking forward to (hopefully) see all of you at beastfeast next weekend!
Dani

[ChristianG]

I just did a 1-night trip on the Barron river. Put-in at Squirrel rapids, paddle (and portage hard) up to a campsite you like (there are 5-6 of them), drop the heavy stuff, then paddle up the canyon to the next portage (Brigham), look at the falls then come back to the camp site. Next morning, paddle/portage back down to Squirrel. No shuttle required, all completely flat water except for the portage (unrunnable). Very scenic, but if you don't paddle, you don't move. Watch for heat stroke/dehydration on the portages if temperature is above 30 degrees. The paddling part itself is kept short on account of the 3 hrs drive from Ottawa. We did it in sea kayaks, but canoes are more appropriate due to portages.

[Falls]

If scenery is high on the priority list than the Barron Canyon in the east side of Algonquin Park is hard to top. There are a number of trip reports on-line describing it in detail. 

A BIG x2 on this recommendation!  If you put in at Grand Lake, camp at one of the sites just after the canyon section, and take out at Squirrel rapids, you're looking at 2-3 hours of paddling each day.

If memory serves, there's a total of 4 portages, the longest of which is ~400m.  Scout the portages too, because while some are to avoid class VI chutes (Brigham Chute), some are to avoid class I boogie-water.

If you were looking to cover a little more distance, get yourself a good map, because I think High Falls is in the same neighborhood, and is a pretty popular spot.  http://www.janicesaunders.com/2010/07/08/algonquin-park-high-falls-waterslides/

[Adrian]

If scenery is high on the priority list than the Barron Canyon in the east side of Algonquin Park is hard to top. There are a number of trip reports on-line describing it in detail. 

[Steve Harrington]

There's always the Lower Madawaska from Quadville to Griffith. At low water it's an easy run for a beginner and there's a provincial park along the one side to camp at. The park isn't active i.e. I believe there are campsites to use but no other facilities. You would have to portage Slate falls but the rest should be ok.
For a complete beginner your best bet might be to go tp Palmers rapids. Camp at paddler co-op or Jessups. The second day you could do the usual Lower Madawaska run and take out at Buck Bay.

Steve

[coolfarmer816]

Dani !  I suggest you  the Ottawa river just up the village of Quyon or up the chatt falls  dam, I was there last weekend (Sunday) and its so nice flat water and full of small island

From the 148, Take Gold mine line and turn left on Pontiac Station road
Daniel

[waverider]

The rouge river from l'Ascension to Labelle. Nice 2-3 day trip, lots of flat with some class 2-3. Many beaches to camp for the night.
Or another section on the rouge from Br?beuf to Huberdeau at the bridges and there's a few places you can park. You can keep on going past Huberdeau for another 13 km and park on the side of the road where the river is close to the road. Very nice canoe section with nice beaches. Huberdeau section is a class 2-3 at the present level and another section past huberdeau Iroquois rapide class 2 and rapide des chiens very short class 4 one big wave on the right and class 3 on the left very short rapid. Hope this will help.

Richard

[Dani]

Hahaha. I said beginner-riverrun, Mr. 5 stars! This is not meant as some sort of initiation rite. I'm relly looking for a relaxed, kind of open-boat wilderness tour, with no rafters or playboaters around to spoil the scenery...

[JohnCyr]

I think the Ottawa River would be great! one run down the middle... and the main next day! Ideal levels... Everything is walkable or swimmable.. lots of people to help if needed and plenty of camping spots!

[Dani]

I would love to do a 2-day-riverrun with a friend who has never paddled before. Ideally scenic, mostly flatwater, not too many or too long portages, and a nice camping spot for the night, and all that as close as possible to Ottawa (i.e. not more than a 3-hour-drive).
Any ideas?
Thanks!!!
Dani