Springtime Canoeing

I plan to visit in the Pembroke area during the last two weeks of April. Would anyone know if the rivers are open this time of year? I would like to canoe the Ottawa River and also the Petawawa, and through the Barron Canyon.

That's too early in the season to give you a definitive answer. You'll have to wait and see how warm a spring we have.

The ice goes out on the 'flat' sections of the Ottawa in mid April along the Pembroke / Deep River stretch. The ice is USUALLY largely gone from the lakes in Algonquin Park by May 1, but mid April would be problematic.

Thus the Barron Canyon might be open – and probably would be by month’s end. You would increase your odds by starting at Brigham Chute rather than Grand Lake. The conservative approach would be to start at Squirrel Rapids and paddle up and back (can be done as a day trip). That way, you would ensure that you would not get trapped by an ice blockage. However, the upstream paddle might be a bit of a workout.

Unless you are an accomplished white water paddler, stay away from the Petawawa until at least mid May. However, the 'locals' are out playing on the lower Petawawa – hwy 17 to the Ottawa – by May 1. Again, know what you are doing or go with someone who does. There’s some serious white water on the

Thanks John. You're probably right in not expecting a regular Spring breakup judging by the erratic weather we've been having.

Your information on the various places to canoe is very much appreciated Bob. My time spent in Pembroke will be quite limited so I surely hope we can, at least, put in at Squirrel Rapids and make a day-trip out of it, as you suggested. Thank you very much again.