Nipekamew from the lake north to the bridge is a wild whitewater run for those paddlers comfortable running long stretches of CII/III whitewater on a read-and-run basis. Once you start there is no road access, no portages and very few opportunities to get out of the canoe and scout. If done as a day trip, you must be comfortable paddling over 50km with long sections of WW right to the end. This is a very narrow river with sweepers that can block the whole river and has many blind corners. Water levels can make this river from impassable on the low end to technical to raging on the high end.

Competent paddlers will not only experience awesome whitewater, but also incredible wildlife viewing as well. This canoe trip starts on East Trout Lake and continues for 50kms down to Highway 165E. Most paddlers choose to do this canoe trip in 2 days, opposed to one very long day of paddling. Experience the famous Nipekamew Sand Cliffs from the best possible place, right beside them. The Nipekamew Sand Cliffs are huge (~60ft tall) walls of sand that were created naturally over millions of years. Note: Please respect these historical landmarks by observing them only, and not attempting to climb on or around them.

This canoe trip is typically done earlier in the year when water levels are a little higher as the Nipekamew River is a shallow river in some portions of this route. Feel free to contact Montreal River Outpost for the latest on water levels.

Access to the start and end point of this canoe route are in remote areas. Montreal River Outpost offers shuttles to canoeists looking to complete this canoe trip. We also rent Esquif canoes to navigate the whitewater.