HOW TO FIND THE ROUTE The Namewanikan canoe route can be accessed at a number of locations along the route. The two most popular are the Wildgoose Lake Beach and the Kinghorn Road.
Wildgoose Beach Entrance: Travel 20 kilometers West of Geraldton to the Wildgoose Beach Road. Turn North and follow the road for 2 kilometers to the beach turnoff on your left. There is ample parking and the beautiful beach offers an opportunity to have a quick swim prior to embarking on your trip.
Kinghorn Road: Travel 55 kilometers West of Geraldton to the Kinghorn Road. Turn North and follow the road for 14 kilometers to the river. You can access the river at the bridge.
You could also start at the Highway 801 bridge or off Highway 801 at Paint Lake.
Your shuttle vehicle can be stored at Poplar Lodge Park in Beardmore.
TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS REQUIRED It is highly recommended canoeist supplement this brochure with the National Topographic Series Maps as outlined below: 1:50000 Wildgoose Lake 42E/11 Beardmore 42E/12 Northwind 42E/14 Treptow Creek 42E/14 Shakespeare Island52H/9E
ROUTE TESTIMONIAL “Canada’s boreal forest is an awe-inspiring place to be. Stretching from coast to coast across the north, it is like a vast green halo or belt of virtually pristine forests, lakes and rivers. And right in the middle of it all are the riverssurrounding Lake Nipigon. I fondly remember my 2004 Namewaminikan River voyage and I think that it ranks right up there for great boreal scenery and easy pool and drop whitewater. As I travelled the river I marvelled at the jet black spruces sculpting the skyline, feasted on hatfuls of blueberries, trembled at the roar of a falls and admired the multi-green thick moss stretching down to water edge. Not only is it stunning scenery but our Canadian boreal lands are unique and important filters for the entire planet. And what better way to journey through this wild and rugged land and see the amazing beauty of this last true wilderness than from a canoe.” Becky Mason, 2004 Becky Mason is an artist, environmentalist and canoeing instructor based in Chelsea, Quebec. She acquired her paddling skills and her passion for canoes from her father, Bill Mason. Her artwork has been displayed in a wide array of exhibitions and galleries in Ontario and Quebec. Becky has contributed to several canoeing books, produced an award-winning video entitled Classic Solo Canoeing, and travels frequently presenting slide shows and sharing her love of the wild. Her artwork, Classic Solo Canoeing courses, speaking schedule and video can be found on her website: www.redcanoes.ca
NAMEWAMINIKAN CANOE ROUTE: Wildgoose 8 Days - Partridge 6 Days - Kinghorn 5 Days
Portage #1 Around: Long series of rapids between Turkey Lake and Partridge Lake. Landing: River left just before final bend by the railway tracks Launching: Rocky, room for several canoes Length: 1.6 kilometers Other: A nasty port that follows an old bush road in many places with lots of new growth. Some wet areas as well.
Portage #2 Around: Kinghorn Falls; Northwest end of Partridge Lake Landing: River right, just before falls, large open space. Launching: Steep narrow rocky launch directly below falls. Length: 10 meters Other: The launch is particularly difficult with the wet slippery rocks.
Portage #3 Around: Rapids and small falls Landing: River left just before small falls Launching: Small beach at bottom of falls Length: 50 meters Other: Extremely scenic
Portage #4 Around: Large falls Landing: Grassy bank river left just before falls. Launching: Steep rocky launch on narrow left canyon after falls Length: 40 meters Other: Port continues directly across large clearing overlooking falls
Portage #5 Around: Easy C1 rapids that ends in a large dangerous shelf that spans the entire width of the river. Landing: Grassy bank, river right, just before swift water starts Launching: Rocky shelf river right downstream of bridge Length: 350 meters Other: Trail follows old treeplanting corridor to a large camping area just before the road. Trail continues on other side of road down to river below bridge. Spectacular shelf stretching approximately 100 meters of river.
Portage #6 Around: Lengthy set of rapids Landing: Extreme river left corner just before rapids Launching: Cedar bank, follow down from road Length: 500 meters Other: Follow port to gravel road, follow road for 400 meters, cut back down to river
Portage #7 Around: Chute through a small gorge Landing: Steep grassy bank, river left Launching: Rocky cedar stand at bottom of chute Length: 50 meters Other: Chute is easy C1
Portage #8 Around: Martin Rapids, lengthy set of C1’s Landing: River left, natural gully off gravel road Launching: Natural gully off gravel road leading down to river. Length: 600 meters
Portage #9 Around: Twin Falls, a large falls with two stages Landing: River right, grassy bank Launching: Wide gravel, rocky space below falls Length: 500 meters Other: Very scenic spot with nice campsite overlooking second stage of falls
Portage #10 Around: Chute through small gorge Landing: River right, muddy bank below large cedar close to chute Launching: Follow rock shelves to pool below chute Length: 220 meters Other: Chute is runnable, but proceed with caution, its only 10 feet wide
Portage #11 Around: Lengthy set of C2 + rapids Landing: River left, rocky shelf before rapids Launching: End of road at reservoir Length: 1.2 kilometers Other: Follow old bush road from river out to main gravel road. Walk down gravel road to first right hand split, approx 1 kilometer and follow spit down to water.
Portage #12 Around: High falls hydro dam Landing: Gravel boat launch, river left before hydro dam. Launching: River left side of hydro dam where creek runs in beside cliff face. Length: 200 meters Other: Follow road that leads downhill from boat launch. The dam only utilizes one side of the falls. Once you get on the river, you will be able to see and imagine how spectacular this falls once was.
Campsite #1 A large raised gravel site on river right at the mouth of Wildgoose Creek.
Campsite #2 A sheltered Jack Pine stand at the end of the Northwest bay of Partridge Lake.
Campsite #3 A sheltered site on an old bush road on the south side of Coral Lake.
Campsite #4 Several sheltered spots along the portage beside the small falls.
Campsite #5 Beautiful camping site under a huge pine tree. Located at the North corner of beach in East bay of Expansion Lake.
Campsite #6 Hunting camp at the end of Paint Lake. Nice sheltered spot.
Campsite #7 Nice open campsite in middle of portage around the falls.
Campsite #8 Large open area just before bridge and road along Portage #5.
Campsite #9 Ridge overlooking twin falls. Extremely scenic, but only room for two tents. A trail leads back from the main portage trail at the bottom of the ridge to the campsite, located just above the second falls.
Campsite #10 Two spots are available here. If the water is not high, there is a sand spit at the mouth of Lake Nipigon on river left. There is also a very steep trail from the sand pit that leads to a large grassy lookoff. If one can manage this trail, the view of a sunset on Lake Nipigon is stunning.
NOTE: The term “river left” always refers to the downstream left hand side of the river, just as “river right” always refers to the downstream right hand side of the river. These terms remain the same even when traveling upstream.
HOW TO FIND THE ROUTE The access to Marshal Lake is located approximately 120 kilometers North of the intersection of Michael Power Boulevard and Highway 11. Travel through the community of Geraldton and follow Highway 584 for 60 kilometers until it intersects with Highway 643. Turn left and continue on Highway 643 for 50 kilometers. The road is mostly gravel and is used by logging trucks so caution should be taken during this section. The trail is located on your left as you travel North. Parking is available on both the right and left side of the road. The first and final portages are located here.
TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS REQUIRED It is highly recommended canoeist supplement this brochure with the National Topographic Series Maps as outlined below: 1:250000 Nakina 42L
1:50000 Toronto Lake 42L/5 Hanover Lake 42L/6 Kapikotongwa Lake 42L/11 Makoki Lake 42L/12
ROUTE TESTIMONIAL “If you like to fish, the Marshall Lake loop is the ideal trip. The pools at the end of rapids on the Powitik and Kapikotongwa rivers teem with pickerel, and the lakes are also renowned for their walleye fishery. Beautiful campsites, pristine fields of wild rice and guaranteed moose sightings make this loop trip one of the best canoe trips in Northern Ontario.” Rob Haslam runs the Outers Wilderness Canoe Club at the Geraldton Composite High School.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS Pristine, deep, blue lakes and rivers. The trip starts and ends from the same location. Evening sky full of dancing Northern Lights. Excellent Walleye and Northern Pike fishing. Opportunity to view large animals such as Moose and Woodland Caribou. Use portage trails traditionally developed and utilized by early Ojibway.
MARSHALL LAKE CANOE LOOP : 8-10-Day Trip Portage #1 Location: Ogoki Road North of Nakina at the Marshall Lake entrance. Length: 1200 metres Other: Portage is on a road which is fairly level and an easy walk to Marshall Lake.
Portage #2 Location: Top of rapids river left the Gripp River. Length: 260 meters Other: Old trappers cabin at the start of the portage.
Portage #3 Location: River right Length: 200 meters
Portage #4 Location: Left side of the river almost immediately following previous portage. Length: 120 meters Other: Remnants of old cabin on the portage trail
Portage #5 Location: Right side of the river as you leave Gripp Lake. Length: 280 meters Other: Good trail for portaging
Portage #6 Location: River right side of the island. Length: 50 meters Other: Rapids can be walked or run, depending on the water level. The portage trail is in good condition.
Portage #7 Location: River right around the rapids. Length: 60 meters
Portage #8 Location: River right at the major set of rapids. Length: 200 meters Other: Dry trail through Poplar stands.
Portage #9 Location: River right just before the small falls. Length: 60 meters Other: Very picturesque, many camping opportunities.
Portage #10 Location: Rapids on Kapikotongwa river right. Not used for several years. Length: 300 meters Other: Easy chute with some haystacks.
Portage #11 Location: River right. Not used for years. Length: 360 meters Other: Can be run, watch out for rockgarden at bottom of run.
Portage #12 Location: River right around large set of rapids. Length: 662 meters Other: Mainly dry over hill, through a mixed wood stand.
Portage #13 Location: River right at narrow inlet. Length: 140 meters Other: Do not attempt to run these nor walk through them.
Portage #14 Location: River right. Length: 200 meters Other: Beginning is quite steep and rises to camp site at the top.
Portage #15 Location: Right side of Stone River at the rapids. Length: 60 meters Other: The landing is rocky but the port is good.
Portage #16 Location: Right side of river as you enter Stone Lake. Not used for serveral years Length: Very Short Other: Usually able to paddle or drag canoe through shallow water leading into lake.
Portage #17 Location: South East end of Stone Lake. Length: 1.6 kilometers. Other: Long challenging port, mostly dry, with some large wet spots.
Portage #18 Location: Small creek in South West corner of last bay on South side of Meta Lake. Length: 3.2 kilometres Other: Good port, but long, through cleared Jack pine blowdown.
Campsite #1 Location: End of Marshall Lake Portage at the launch site. Other: Large area, but lots of trash from fishermen around site.
Campsite #2 Location: Marshall Lake on the North East shore on a large East point. Other: Large beach however campsite may require extensive clearing due to blow down.
Campsite #3 Location: Marshall Lake, extreme West end, North shore corner. Other: The site is on a rock ledge with a Jack Pine stand providing cover; however clearing may be required depending on blow down.
Campsite #4 Location: Mine camp on South West corner of Marshall Lake. Other: Large open area for tents with many buildings still in habitable condition.
Campsite #5 Location: Rock ledge at the entrance to the Gripp River on the right side.
Campsite #6 Location: North shore point on the West end of the south arm of the lake. Other: Rock cliff sufficient space for a small group.
Campsite #7 Location: The point located midway up Summit Lake on the West shore. Other: Flat rocks for landing with a large area for setting up camp.
Campsite #8 Location: Jack pine stand halfway up Summit Lake on the East side . Other:
Campsite #9 Location: Falls on the Powitik river. Other: Two or three sites spread over the area.
Campsite #10 Location: River left shortly past P11 Other: On a rock cliff with plenty of room.
Campsite #11 Location: Landing at P12 on Kap River. Other: Large flat grassy area.
Campsite #12 Location: Uphill of the landing for P14. Other: Nice location with good shelter.
Campsite #13 Location: Right side of the river two hour paddle from the bridge. Other: small site with a rocky landing.
Campsite #14 Location: West side of unnamed lake West of Berger Lake. Sandy peninsula leading to pond. Other: Favored location.
Campsite #15 Location: North end, West shore, Stewart Lake, corner below entrance to Kap River. Other: Some blowdown.
Campsite #16 Location: Large rock face, West side of Stone Lake, 2/3 of the way down the lake. Other: Limited room however the fishing is excellent.
Campsite #17 Location: South bay just before Outfitters Camp. Other: Limited room and not a great site.
Campsite #18 Location: Extreme Southwest end of bay before Portage 18 bay Other: Go to extreme South corner of bay, around the back to access campsite. Needs considerable work due to blow down.
NOTE: The term “river left” always refers to the downstream left hand side of the river, just as “river right” always refers to the downstream right hand side of the river. These terms remain the same even when traveling upstream.
HOW TO FIND THE ROUTE The access to Dickison Lake is located approximately 75 kilometers South of the community of Geraldton.
Starting at the intersection of Michael Power Boulevard and Highway 11, travel West for 4.5 kilometers and turn south on the Goldfield Road.
The next 63 kilometers are on a gravel logging road and caution should be taken as you travel down this road.
Turn West at Trio Road and follow it for 7 kilometers.
Use the UTM coordinates from the topographical map to help locate the beginning of the portage into Dickison Lake.
TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS REQUIRED It is highly recommended canoeist supplement this brochure with the National Topographic Series Maps as outlined below: National Topographic Series Maps 1:50000 Dickison Lake 42E/3 Wintering Lake 42E/6 Wildgoose Lake 42E/11 Geraldton Lake 42E/10
ROUTE TESTIMONIAL “This is a challenging trip with lots of rewards. Isolated lakes and rivers within a one hour drive of Geraldton make this trip one of my favorites.
The starting point at Dickison Lake is worthy of a day or two of exploring. A bushwack on a bearing from the back of the campsite will bring you to the headwaters of the Gravel River, and a spectacular falls that very few people have ever seen.
A rare Blue Heron Rookery overlooks the head of the first port. A series of small lakes lead the headwaters of the Kenogamisis river. The last two or three days of this trip has an excellent s e r i e s of rapids for the experienced white water canoeist.
Walleye fishing in Wintering and Gamsby Lakes is excellent, as it is in the river. And of course, one of the best features of this trip is that you can paddle right back into the community of Geraldton, ending your trip at the Geraldton Waterfront.
This is an exciting 10-12 day trip that has many alternate starting and ending points!”
Rob Haslam runs the Outers Wilderness Canoe Club at Geraldton Composite High School.
DICKISON TO GERALDTON CANOE ROUTE : 10-12-Day Trip Portage #1 Around: The portage brings you to start of route. From: Trio Road to Dickison Lake. Location: UTM (0480420, 5447619) Trail: Over grown logging road used by quads. Length: 1.5 kilometers
Portage #2 From: Dickison Lake to a pond Trail: Steep trail Landing: Rocky Launching: Poor Length: 200 meters
Portage #3 From: One small pond to another Trail: Dry and hilly Length: 85 meters
Portage #4 From: Small pond to Ensign Lake Trail: Dry and hilly Length: 300 meters
Portage #5 From: Ensign Lake to Kamuck Lake Trail: Follows old bush road along river right Length: 1000 meters
Portage # 6 From: Kamuck Lake to Pond 1 Location: North end of Kamuck Lake Trail: Dry, rocky Landing: Swampy, bushy, 3-4 canoes Launching: Rocky, shallow, 2 canoes Length: 100 meters
Portage # 7 From: Pond 1 to Keane Lake Location: North end of pond 1 Trail: Mostly dry, through slash Landing: Rocky, good, several canoes Launching: Rocky, good, several canoes Length: 500 meters Other: Cross creek over rock bridge, follow trail along north east side of creek.
Portage # 8 From: Pond 2 to Pond 3 Location: Northeast end of pond 2 Trail: Dry at the start however turns into mucky swamp. Landing: Good, swampy, holds many canoes. Launching: Rocky, swampy, holds 2-3 canoes Length: 460 meters Other: Swampy area is not pleasant.
Portage # 9 Around: Shallow water, creek running into Toupee From: South end of Pond 3 Location: Northwest corner of pond 3 Trail: Large burn area with several hills. Mostly dry with a few wet holes. Landing: Rocky, 2-3 canoes Launching: Swampy, 2-3 canoes Length: 890 meters Other: Windfall requires removal each year due to deadfall from fire.
Portage # 10 Around: Rapids at the North end of Gamsby. From: Wintering Lake resort dock. Location: Dock Trail: Gravel Road Landing: Several Canoes Launching: Grassy bank by cottage, several canoes. Length: 400 meters Other: Rent a cabin for the night!
Portage # 11 Around: Series of Rapids. From: Steep Trail before rapids. Location: River right, short paddle from previous portage. Trail: Dry with several steep hills. Landing: Several canoes. Eddy after short rapid Launching: Eddy, several canoes. Length: 459 meters Other: Must make eddy river right is start of port.
Portage # 12 Around: Series of rapids, extending past bridge on Goldfield From: Eddy at head of large rapids Location: River left Trail: Dry trail through bush, changing into bush road. Landing: Sandy, 2-3 canoes Launching: River bank, downhill, several canoes Length: 1.8 kilometers Other: Follow portage trail to Goldfield Road, continue South on Goldfield Road, turn east onto bush road before bridge.
Portage #13 Around: Series of rapids From: Old dam at Northwest end of Finlayson Lake Location: River left, either from the dam, or if water permits, paddle 100 meters to portage sign, river left. Trail: Dry and hilly. Landing: Several canoes. Launching: Bay with several canoes. Length: 900 meters
Portage #14 Around: Rapids Location: River left, head of rapids Trail: good and dry Landing: Good, river bank, several canoes. Launching: Good, steep gravel hill Length: 150 meters
Portage #15 Around: Rapids Location: River left, head of rapids Trail: Cedar swamp Length: 450 meters
Portage #16 Around: Rapids Location: River left, head of rapids Trail: Good with wet spots Landing: Good for three canoes Launching: River bank Length: 600 meters
Portage #17 Around: Rapids From: Marilyn Lake Location: Old bridge on Marilyn Lake Trail: Good bush road Landing: Old bridge with room for 2-3 canoes Launching: Steep gravel hill on downhill slope Length: 300 meters Other: Campsite at the end
Campsite # 1 Location: Kamuck Lake, south shore, at river exit, blown out bridge and old bush road Landing: Good and large Space: Large grassy clearing on east side of river Other: Road leads to Goldfield
Campsite #2 Location: Keane Lake, south west shore, jack pine stand Landing: Rock and bush Space: Separate sites located behind shore (inland) Other: Sheltered however few flat areas
Campsite #3 Location: Toupee Lake West shore Landing: Rock shelves Space: Sufficient, several uphill levels
Campsite # 4 Location: Wintering Lake, South end, first point after river Landing: Sandy beach Space: Sufficient, well sheltered Other: Good site
Campsite #5 Location: Gamsby Lake, extreme North end, West shore below final North bay. Landing: Sandy shore with grass between jack pine Space: Cleared area between jack pine, well sheltered Other: Excellent location
Campsite #6 Location: Mid way through port #12 Landing: Large eddy Space: Large clearing before Goldfield Road Other: Lots of bugs
Campsite # 7 Location: Northeast shore of Finlayson Lake Landing: Large Space: Large clearing
Campsite #8 Location: North end of Wallace Lake by exit of river Landing: Large sandy Space: Room for several tents Other: Beautiful site.
Campsite #9 Location: Old log chute abutments on river Landing: River bank Space: Old bush road with large clearing
NOTE: The term “river left” always refers to the downstream left hand side of the river, just as “river right” always refers to the downstream right hand side of the river. These terms remain the same even when traveling upstream.
HOW TO FIND THE ROUTE Lower Twin Lake is an excellent location to start your trip down the Drowning River. It is located on the Lower Twin Lake side of the river that connects Upper and Lower Twin Lakes, GPS point (530190, 5555760). A local outfitter operates a camp ground at this location for those wishing to spend the night and get a fresh start the following morning.
You can also start your adventure at the river exit of Lower Twin Lake. This is outlined as “Start 2” on the map inside. You can travel from Nakina using either the Waba or Twin Lake Road. These logging roads are gravel and cross the river at the top of Lower Twin Lake. Please take when travelling these operating logging roads.
TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS REQUIRED It is highly recommended canoeists supplement this brochure with the National Topographic Series Maps as outlined below: National Topographic Series Maps 1:50000 Grant 42L/1 Nakina 42L/2 Esnagami Lake 42L/7 Wababimiga Lake 42L/8
ROUTE TESTIMONIAL "The Drowning River has been renowned for its Speckled Trout fishery for over a century. Famous Northen Ontario guide, Emile Cote, loved this river, and for good reason: beautiful campsites and portages, lots of fastwater and rapids make this trip a wilderness canoeist’s dream.
The campsite at Jack Pine Portage is one of the most astonishing stands of old jack pines I have ever seen.
Most canoeists will end this trip at the first portage on the Wababimiga River. A portage leads out to the Supawn Lake road where pickup can occur.
Travel up the Wababimiga River to Wababimiga Lake is only recommended if you have a strong grasp of poling canoes, as the current is quite stiff.
Waba lake is the stomping ground of the famous Vanderbeck family, written about by Stephen Meader in “Trap-Lines North”, and the sense of history in this area is strong. A fishing rod is a must for this trip. You will be hard pressed to find a river with more specs than the Drowning.”
Rob Haslam runs the Outers Wilderness Canoe Club at the Geraldton Composite High School.
Drowning River Canoe Route : 14-Day Trip Portage #1 The upstream side of portage #1 is located on the river left side at GPS point 536390, 5560120). The portage is approximately 215 meters long and is used to bypass a shallow rocky section of the river. This section can be run depending on paddler skill level or even lined or walked through during lower water.
Portage #2 Portage #2 is used bypass a short run of rapids. The 140 meter trail is located on the river right.
Portage #3, High Hill Portage Portage #3 is located on the river right side and is used to bypass a set of narrow, steep long set of rapids. The upstream side of the portage is located at GPS point (542770, 5560170). The total length of the portage is about 360 meters. Called High Hill Portage, the first part of the trail is steep. At the top of this trail is a nice campsite in a jack pine stand. From the campsite, it is all downhill to the end of the trail.
Portage #4 Portage #4 is located on the river left side and is approximately 100 meters long. It is used to bypass a wide section of rapids with 2 islands in the middle. The upstream side of the portage is located at GPS point (544520, 5560990). This section of rapids can be run depending on paddler skill. It can also be lined very easily and waded during low water. The best route is between the 2 small islands.
Portage #5 Portage #5 is located at the end of the Southern arm of the lake. The trail is used to bypass a narrow section of rapids that often has log jams. The trail is located off the river left side and is about 320 meters long. The upstream entrance of the portage trail is located at GPS point (547480, 5560770). The downstream side of the trail is located on a flat rock, perfect for a lunch stop.
Portage #6 The second shortest portage trail on the trip, portage #6 is used to bypass a log jam in the river on a sharp bend. This log jam is created by the sharp bend in the river and has been there for many years. The portage trail is approximately 50 meters long and is located on the river right side. The upstream entrance is located at GPS point (548730, 5561430).
Portage #7 Portage #7 is located at the far Northeast end of Relief Lake and is used to bypass 2 sets of rapids. The portage trail is located on the river left side and is about 335 meters long. The upstream entrance to the portage trail is located at GPS point (553780, 5567660).
Portage #8, Jack Pine Portage Portage #8 is named Jack Pine Portage because it is used to bypass the Jack Pine Rapids named after the large stand of jack pine at the head of the rapids. The upstream entrance to the portage trail is located on the river left side at GPS point (558920, 5569090). The trail is about 400 meters in length. At the head of the trail is a beautiful camp site in the jack pine flats. Look at the plaque on the tree as it has been erected in honor of an old portage #10 and is used to bypass a small section of rapids that sometimes has a small log jam. The trail is about 100 meters long and is located on the river right side in a low black spruce, cedar area. The upstream entrance to the trail is located at GPS point (562430, 571370).
Portage #10, Tin Can Portage Slightly down river from portage #9 is Tin Can Rapids and the Tin Can Portage. Tin Can Rapids is a long, narrow cascading set of rapids. The origin of the name “Tin Can” is unknown however people over the years have left tin pots at the camp site. The campsite which is located on top of the hill at the start of the portage is small and probably only has room for 1 or 2 tents. The upstream entrance of the trail is located on the river right side at GPS point (562930, 5572500). The trail is about 350 meters long and passes through an over mature forested area with lots of balsam into a thick black spruce area before it goes back downhill to the river.
Portage #11, Bald Rock Rapids Portage # 11 bypasses Bald Rock Rapids, named appropriately because the whole river runs off a large flat rock in the river. The portage is very short, less then 20 meters and there is an excellent campsite on the edge of the bald rock. The campsite and portage trail is located on the river right side. The upstream entrance is at GPS point (564600, 5578160). The scenery at this campsite is spectacular and it makes you feel as if you were farther North somewhere along the coast of James Bay.
Portage #12 The trail is used to bypass 2 sets of big rapids and is approximately 380 meters long. At the end of the trail is an excellent campsite that looks over the second set of rapids and the pool below. The trail is on the river left side located at GPS point (562640, 5585370).
Portage #13 From the downstream entrance of portage #12 you can see the portage sign for portage #13 directly across the pool below the rapids. The portage trail is found on the river left side at the GPS point (562450, 5585580). The trail is approximately 200 meters long and is used to bypass a set of rapids. These rapids are runable depending on skill level.
Portage #14 Portage #14 is located just upstream from where the Drowning River and Waba River intersect. Portage #14 is used to bypass a large set of rapids with an island in the middle. The portage trail is located on the upstream side on the river left side and is about 280 meters long. The upstream side is located at GPS point (560990, 5586960). On the Northwest side of this intersection, is a campsite that once was the site of an old trappers cabin.
Portage #15 Portage #15 is used to bypass a log jam in the river. The trail on the river left side is about 160 meters long. The downstream entrance of the trail is located at GPS point (560370, 5587000).
Portage #16, 36-Foot Falls Portage #16 is used to bypass a cascading set of falls named 36-Foot Falls. The falls cascade their way down a total vertical distance of 36 feet with the last drop being the most impressive. The portage trail is located on the river right and is approximately 200 meters long. The downstream entrance to the trail is located on a flat rock at GPS point (558830, 5584370). Portage #17 Waba River to Waba Lk Portage #17 is used to bypass a section of river that is impassable due to overhanging trees. Trail goes from the Waba River to a beach on Waba Lake and utilizes an old logging road for one of the trails. The trail is about 1.2 km long and located on the river right side. The downstream entrance to the portage trail is located at GPS point (550100, 5580440). This beach has excellent camping and swimming opportunities.
Portage #18 Portage #18 is used to travel from Waba Lake into Nancy Lake and is approximately 800 meters long. It utilizes an old logging road for part of the trail and then crosses a current logging road before you descend down the bank to Nancy Lake. The Waba Lake entrance is located at GPS point (539200, 5575770) and the Nancy Lake side of the portage is located at GPS point (538780, 5575950).
IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO END YOUR TRIP HERE ON THE WABA ROAD.
Portage #19 Portage #19 is the longest portage on the trip at a distance of 2 km and is used to portage between Nancy Lake and Jamie Lake. There is also a couple of old logging roads in this area that can be used to portage on but are very wet. This portage is very seldom used and the trail is often rough. This portage crosses between the Waba River drainage (Nancy Lake) into the Squaw River drainage (Jamie Lake). The Nancy Lake side of the portage can be found at GPS point (537540, 5575680) and the Jamie Lake side of the portage can be found at GPS point (535710, 5575230).
THIS PORT IS DIFFICULT TO LOCATE AND VERY ROUGH. NOT RECOMMENDED
Portage #20 Portage #20 is the last portage of the trip. It is used to bypass an old bridge over the river, some rapids and a narrow spot blocked by trees. The portage is about 250 meters long and utilizes an old logging road. The downstream side of the portage trail is located at GPS point (527000, 5569720). NOTE: The term “river left” always refers to the downstream left hand side of the river, just as “river right” always refers to the downstream right hand side of the river. These terms remain the same even when traveling upstream.
HOW TO FIND THE ROUTE The Longlac to Steel River canoe route can be accessed at a number of locations along the route. Directions are listed for the three main starting locations from Longlac. It is possible to leave directly from the Longlac WaterFront and follow Long Lake down to Rocky Shore Creek.
Seagram Lake Entrance: Travel 18 kilometers South of Longlac on the Catlonite logging road. Turn East at Seagram road and follow for 2 kilometers to the lake.
McLeod Lake Entrance: Travel 32 kilometers South of Longlac on the Catlonite logging road. Turn left at McLeod road and follow for 1.5 kilometers to the lake on your right.
Eagle Crest Lake Entrance: This entrance is the most popular entrance from the North. Travel 49 kilometers South of Longlac on the Catlonite logging road to the Sun Road South. Turn East and follow for 3 kilometers to the creek on your right.
TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS REQUIRED It is highly recommended canoeist supplement this brochure with the National Topographic Series Maps as outlined below: National Topographic Series Maps 1:50000 Spider Lake 42E/7 Pagwachman 42E/9 Geraldton 42E10 Killala Lake 42E/12 Longlac 42E/15 Coldwell 42D/15
ROUTE TESTIMONIAL “I’ve paddled the Steel Loop over ten times, and it still manages to surprise me. Lots of fun whitewater, large lakes and ever changing scenery puts this trip on the “must do” list for Ontario canoeists.
I’ve also discovered a secret about the Steel Loop; start at the north end. A series of beautiful little lakes leading out of the community of Longlac takes you straight to the river, so that by the time you reach the daunting Diablo portage, four or five days of food is gone, and your body is ready for the challenge.”
Rob Haslam runs the Outers Wilderness Canoe Club at the High School in Geraldton.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS Very remote, small pristine lakes. Opportunity to say “I did it” regarding the infamous Diablo Portage. Ability to begin your adventure from the community of Longlac. Excellent Walleye and Northern Pike fishing.
The Municipality of Greenstone has printed several brochures which describe popular canoe routes. Each brochure, reproduced in part on this site, has this disclaimer:
"We have endeavoured to ensure that the information in this brochure is accurate, but readers should be aware that the information contained here is derived from a variety of sources such as old route descriptions, trip logs, books, magazines, journals, personal experience, maps and verbal descriptions.
Conditions change from season to season and from year to year. As a wilderness paddler, you must be able to determine whether the actual conditions on the water match those described herein, and have the ability to assess whether your equipment and skill level are appropriate to paddle the route safely.
This information is for reference use only, and as such you use it entirely at your risk. We accept no responsibility for any death, loss, injury or damage incurred while using this information. This brochure and the materials contained in it are provided on an as-is basis. We make no representation or warranties, either expressed or implied, of any kind with respect to the contents. We will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of this brochure, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive and consequential damages."
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