Mattawa River

★★★★⯨ 4.5

About

The historic Mattawa River, designated a Canadian Heritage River, flows 76 km from North Bay to the Ottawa River through dramatic canyon walls up to 150 meters high. This beginner-to-intermediate route features 9-14 short portages around rapids and the spectacular 6-meter Paresseux Falls, offering stunning scenery of rugged cliffs, pristine pine forests, and rich fur-trade history. The most popular day trip runs from Pimisi Bay to Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park (4-6 hours), while multi-day trips can span 2-4 days. The river is accessible with good put-in points and shuttle services available.

Highlights

Canadian Heritage RiverHistoric voyageur routeParesseux FallsDramatic canyon wallsBeginner-friendly
Best season: May-October

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of Mattawa River?

The difficulty of Mattawa River varies by section.

When is the best time to canoe Mattawa River?

The best time is May-October.

Where is Mattawa River located?

Mattawa River is located in the region of Canada.

View interactive map View original PDF map

Sources

cartespleinair.org · northernontario.travel · discoveryroutes.ca · canoedaddy.com · myccr.com · tourismnorthbay.com