The Mattawa River offers stunning views of towering granite cliffs and sweeping, windswept pines along its shores.
This summer you can paddle this historic path for yourself at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park on a Discover the Mattawa River: Big Canoe Tour.
But what makes this river “historic”?
The historic Mattawa River
Before Europeans came to Turtle Island and began settling, colonizing, and trading in furs, the Anishinabek Nipissing and Algonquin had extensive trade networks that relied on the connection of the Mattawa River between Lake Nipissing (via the La Vase Portages) and the Ottawa River.
In the early 1600s, these Algonquins shared their knowledge of the Mattawa River with Europeans like Étienne Brûlé and Samuel de Champlain as they paddled toward Georgian Bay.
For the next 200 years or so, the Mattawa River served as an integral link to the fur trade route between Montreal and Fort William.
The Mattawa River is infamous for its challenging yet scenic portages.
Despite this, the ingenious birch bark canoes of the Anishinabek grew into enormous 11 m (36’) freighter canoes to satisfy the European demand for Canadian furs during the fur trade.
Discover the Mattawa River: Big Canoe Tours
Today we can experience the Mattawa River as many before us have: by canoe.
In the Discover the Mattawa River: Big Canoe Tours, participants have the opportunity to paddle a replica Canoe du Maître like the French and Métis voyageurs of the North West Company did in the late 1700s.
These canoes were built based on knowledge shared by the Anishinabek, whose guidance the voyageurs relied on heavily.
While taking in the scenic views, park staff will guide you through the role of these big canoes on the Mattawa River: Who built them? Who paddled them and what was their life like? What can we learn from these big canoes as we all work toward truth and reconciliation?
The Discover the Mattawa River: Big Canoe Tours are roughly three hours in length, leaving from the old Mattawa River boat launch, paddling down river to the Gut, and stopping at a small waterfall before returning to the launch spot.
Curious about what the Gut is? You’ll have to take the tour to find out!
Although some paddling experience is great, no canoe experience is required to participate in a Big Canoe Tour. Just like the voyageurs of the past, the task of driving this canoe is a group effort, and everyone will be supported along the journey.
What to bring
The tour runs rain or shine, so please come prepared with appropriate clothing.
Some other items you are encouraged to bring for your comfort:
- water
- snacks/lunch
- swimsuit and towel if you wish to swim (there is nowhere to change into a swimsuit on the tour. If you plan on swimming, please come already wearing your swimsuit)
- sunscreen and bug spray
- shoes that can get wet
Paddles, PFDs, and optional voyageur clothing will be provided by the park.
Tour schedule
Tours will begin Saturday, June 29 and will be offered regularly throughout the summer. After September 1, tours will be reduced to weekends throughout September.
Tours will run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the summer from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
A maximum of ten (10) participants are allowed on each tour.
Registration is required to participate in a tour.
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Adult: $25
- Child (ages 4-16): $20
- Infant (three and under): free
How do I register?
To sign up, please visit or call the Mattawa River Visitor Centre (705-744-2276).
Tours must be booked by 4:00 p.m. the day before.
For more information, please call
(705) 744-2276 or email heather.stern@ontario.ca.
We look forward to having you join us on our paddle through the past!
