Bonaventure River 2022 - FULL

Submitted by JamesRobert on Wed, 03/30/2022 - 17:17

Whitewater

This trip is now full. Thanks everyone for your interest; sorry we couldn't accommodate everybody.

The Bonaventure River is located in the Gaspe region of eastern Quebec. With a length of 125 km, this spectacular crystal clear river is filled with breathtaking views, wildlife and classic class 2 and a few class 3 rapids with NO portages. We will be paddling south from Lac Bonaventure towards the Baie des Chaleurs. The river is relatively narrow with a fast current; the terrain alternates between mountains and valleys; we’ll be camping on beaches alongside the river. I understand the river can be done in 5 days, but I’m inclined take 6, and have the extra day for a day hike at some point of spectacular beauty (or have it available as a weather day if that becomes necessary/appropriate). I don't want to push the pace - focus will be on enjoying the beauty of the environment and enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded friends. I see this as a fun active outdoor vacation rather than a strenuous push to the bottom of the river.

The Basics

Event Location:

Bonaventure, Quebec

Date(s) & Time:

Saturday, June 11, 2022 (All day)

Registration Cut Off:

May 1, 2022

Event Duration:

1-2 days driving / 6 days River / 1-2 days driving

Difficulty Rating:

Intermediate

Participant Info

Who's Invited:

Anyone with river tripping experience

Maximum Group Size:

max 4 boats (8 people)

Minimum Group Size:

min 3 boats (6 people)

Itinerary

Itinerary description:

Exact dates are still tentative, waiting for confirmation of availability of shuttle. However, the tentative plan is as follows.

We will arrange carpooling among the participants and drive to Bonaventure, Quebec on Friday/Saturday, Jun 10/11, arriving at Bonaventure on Saturday afternoon/evening. Note that it’s a 15 hr drive from Toronto to Bonaventure. The next day (e.g. Sunday morning (June 12)), we'd get the shuttle to the put-in (~3.5 hrs) and start paddling. We would then spend 6 days on the river (probably 5 days paddling plus one rest day). That schedule would mean coming off the river around 17 June. At that point, I would propose staying in the area for the evening for a last meal and a drink or two. Then we are all on our own to stay or drive back, starting on Saturday 18 June. Note that there will be lots of festivities in Quebec the following week in the lead up to Quebec's fete nationale (St Jean Baptiste day) on June 24.

Required Items to Bring:

- Personal clothing/layering
- Rain Gear
- Wetsuit or Drysuit
- Helmet
- Extra paddles
- Painters
- Throw bag
- Rescue Equipment
- Participants should arrange to bring or share a canoe (rentals are available in Bonaventure but they aren't generally considered overly suitable)