The Lac Gaotanaga Circuit (no. 70), which Sépaq listed as Lac Lambert until it was renamed, is a 47 km loop in the northwest of Réserve faunique La Vérendrye. Sépaq rates it advanced and plans three days and two nights. The launch is at Pont Belley, and the loop runs clockwise across Lac Gaotanaga, through a bay of Grand lac Victoria and back along the Ottawa River. Sépaq advises heading toward Grand lac Victoria first, because the current is manageable to paddle against in that direction; going the other way means working hard upstream and calls for experience. Only three type A portages are listed, totalling 385 m. Big Chute and that part of Grand lac Victoria are the scenic high points. The 11 designated campsites sit about 5 km apart, and the circuit is reserved through Sépaq.
Lac Gaotanaga Circuit (no. 70), formerly Lac Lambert, La Vérendrye is rated Advanced. Whitewater ratings are not exact: grades change with water level and season. Verify current conditions locally before you paddle.
The best time is Mid-May to late September (Sépaq canoe-camping season; registration centre open May 14 to September 27 in 2026).
Lac Gaotanaga Circuit (no. 70), formerly Lac Lambert, La Vérendrye is located in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region of Canada.
Straight-line distance between route centres.
sepaq.com · accespleinair.org · paddlingmag.com · openstreetmap.org
Conditions change with water level and season. Grades and positions are for planning, not navigation. Verify locally before you paddle. Terms of use
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