PHOTOS: MARILYN SCRIVER (LEFT), CHARLOTTE JACKLEIN (RIGHT)
St Croix River
NEW BRUNSWICK & MAINE
Flowing gently from the Chiputneticook Lakes to the craggy shores of Passamoquod- dy Bay, the St. Croix River forms the inter- national boundary between New Brunswick and Maine. Te St. Croix is designated a Canadian Heritage River for its historical significance, rich natural heritage, excellent wildlife viewing potential and, of course, great canoeing and camping. With relatively easy paddling conditions—mostly class I and II rapids, minimal portaging and very few hazards—it’s a great choice for family outings. Te geography of the St. Croix Riv- er watershed is a diverse mix of sparkling lakes, rolling Appalachian hills, ecologically rich wetlands and a large tidal estuary. Pad- dlers can plan for a half-day, weekend or up to four days of adventure. Easily accessible from urban centers in the northeastern United States and New Brunswick, the river is dam controlled and can usually be paddled throughout summer and fall.
OUTFITTER
Sunrise Canoe and Kayak
www.sunrisecanoeandkayak.com
MORE INFO
www.tourismnewbrunswick.com www.mainetourism.com
Milk River MONTANA & ALBERTA
Originating in the mountains of northern Montana, the Milk River winds its way across the border into Alberta, carving its way through grasslands and canyons, past majestic sandstone cliffs and precarious hoodoo pinnacles. Deriving its name from the suspended sediment in the water, the Milk is a warm, shallow class I–II river with gradual gradient and a handful of rapids and rock gardens to negotiate. With easy access from Calgary, paddlers can enjoy a four-hour float, or up to four days drifting through the unique badlands landscape. A terrific weekend route starts in the town of Milk River, Alberta, and concludes 72 kilometers later in Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park, where you can swap river shoes for hiking boots and explore the impressive display of Aboriginal pictographs and petroglyphs. Low water levels can make travel on the Milk hazardous, so be sure to check with lo- cal outfitters before embarking on your trip.
OUTFITTER & INSTRUCTION
Calgary Outdoor Centre
www.calgaryoutdoorcentre.ca
MORE INFO
www.paddleAlberta.org
Bonaventure River QUEBEC
A sparkling gem in the crown of la belle province, the Bonaventure is known as the prettiest river in Quebec. Starting high in the Chic Choc Mountains of Gaspésie National Park, the river flows south for 125 kilometers before entering the Baie de Chaleurs near the New Brunswick border. With moose and caribou loitering along the shore, paddling the Bonaventure evokes an atmosphere reminiscent of much more northerly rivers. Surprisingly accessible, the Bonaventure is an excellent option for families with previous whitewater experi- ence. Te steadily dropping gradient creates an almost continuous class I rapid from mountains to sea, interspersed with class II rapids and class III ledges in the gorge sec- tion. Tanks to its crystal clear waters, the Bonaventure has one of the largest salmon runs in the Gaspésie, making it an incredi- ble destination for fly fishing—or for young explorers seeking to spot river monsters from the bow seat.
OUTFITTERS
Cime Adventures
www.cimeaventures.com
Missinaibi Headwaters Outfitters
www.missinaibi.com
Big Salmon River YUKON TERRI TORY
Dreaming of taking your family on a north- ern adventure? Accessible by road from Whitehorse or the Alaskan border, the Big Salmon River offers 300 kilometers of swift water through spectacular, larger-than-life Yukon scenery. Most paddlers begin their journey on Quiet Lake and end 13 days later at Carmacks, though this trip can be extended a further two weeks down to Dawson City along the Yukon River. Much of the Big Salmon River is narrow, fast flowing and ice cold, requiring technical paddling abilities and confidence in up to class II waters. Paddlers should also be pre- pared for remote camping and be familiar with grizzly bear protocol. After setting up camp on a sand bar, pull out your rods and fish for Arctic grayling or even huge Chinook salmon during the fall run.
OUTFITTERS:
Ruby Range Adventure Ltd.
www.rubyrange.com
Up North Adventures
www.upnorthadventures.com
Green River UTAH
Snaking through steep canyons, tower- ing spires and red rock cliffs, Utah’s Green River is a world-class paddling destination. Experience the exhilaration of dozens of class I–III rapids, camp on sandy beaches, explore famous outlaw hideouts and marvel at Native American petroglyphs along the Desolation & Gray Canyon section. Self- guided options for Desolation Canyon require permits and are only recommended for families with previous whitewater raft- ing experience. From the put-in at the Sand Wash Boat Ramp south of Myton, most groups spend four to seven days paddling the 85 miles to the town of Green River. For a half-day taster, try the popular nine-mile jaunt down the lower portion of Gray Can- yon, just north of the town of Green River. Tis lively section has seven class I–III rap- ids and is suitable for self-guided rafting.
OUTFITTERS
Tag-A-Long
www.tagalong.com
O.A.R.S.
www.oars.com
Madawaska River ONTARIO
Whether you’re looking to hone your white- water canoeing skills or simply enjoy a lazy float by raft, the Madawaska River is one of the best whitewater learning rivers in the east. Divided into the spring-run Upper and more family-friendly Lower sections, the Madawaska originates in the Algonquin Highlands and flows for 230 kilometers to its confluence with the Ottawa River. In summer, the dam-controlled water is de- lightfully warm, making this a great place to spend full days on—and in—the river with- out risking an ice cream headache. Go for an adrenaline-filled afternoon at Palmer Rapids or stretch your vacation to a long weekend by continuing down to Buck Bay, negotiat- ing easy portages and class I–III rapids, and camping at beautiful riverside sites.
OUTFITTERS & INSTRUCTION
Paddler Co-op
www.paddlerco-op.com
Madawaska Kanu Centre
www.owl-mkc.ca/mkc/
www.canoerootsmag.com 37
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