Dumoine River, Quebec

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The Dumoine River is located in a Quebec wilderness reserve called a "Zec". It runs south from Machin Lake 144 kms into the Ottawa River approximately 13 kms upriver from Rapids-des-Joachims.

A good starting point is in a small town called Swisha. From there you can book a float plane through Air Swisha and fly for 30 to 45 mins depending on where you plan to start your trip. The pilot is good about flying along the river where you will be able to view the river's features, beautiful wilderness and many water falls.

If you decide to use Air Swisha they will shuttle your vehicle to the Ottawa River take out and you will be able to load up and depart directly for home. The flight costs approximately $250 CAD per person.

Another option is to hire a shuttle van which runs $500 total ($125/person for four people, two canoes, and gear). This shuttle takes about 2 to 3 hours from Swisha to Lake Benoit.

The water in the river is potable but a water filtration system is always recommended.

There are many designated camp sites along the river but they can get very busy in July and August. They are very clean and have some incredible views of the river.

Paddlers may see eagles, herons, kingfishers, beavers, otters, muskrats, minks, black bears, and deer. There has also been sitings of wolves and elk.

There are at least 5 thresholds, 25 class one rapids, 20 class twos, 10 class threes, 5 class fours, 1 class five and 1 class six. The rapids are mostly found in the last 70kms of river.

The river is ideal for medium to intermediate skilled paddlers.

Two of the many incredible sites to see and possibly stop and check out are the Great Fall and the Eagle Cliffs.

The Great Fall is a 125 foot drop that is located 20 kms up-river from the Ottawa River and obviously must be portaged.

The Eagle Cliffs are are 550 cliffs located close to the end of the trip and if you are lucky you will catch a view of the many bald eagles living along the top of these cliffs.