Bonaventure River 2022 - FULL

Outing Type → 

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
Event Duration
1-2 days driving / 6 days River / 1-2 days driving
Difficulty Rating
Intermediate
Registration Cut Off
May 1, 2022
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)

Recommended Items to Bring

- Good water shoes
- 3 season tent,
- 3 season sleeping bag

How to Get There
Event Directions
Carpool Info

This will be figured out depending on where participants are coming from

Other
Notes

- Group gear will be divided up among the participants
- Breakfast and dinner will be shared; responsibilities will be divided among participants
- paddlers need to be comfortable to paddle 25 KM per day and be able to execute back ferry
- paddlers should be comfortable swimming in rapids, and be able to self-rescue by swimming to shore or a suitable eddy.

Cancellation Policy
No refunds in case of cancellation