Coulonge River: Wild Together | 6-day Family

Adventure Overview

6 Days of Whitewater, Wilderness & Family Adventure

There’s something pretty special about exploring a wilderness river together as a family. Paddling through playful rapids, discovering hidden waterfalls, sharing stories around the campfire, and taking on new challenges together. These are the experiences that bring families closer and create memories that last a lifetime.

Welcome to Wild Together, a 6-day family canoe expedition on Québec’s beautiful Coulonge River!

For years, we’ve taken paddlers down the Noire and Dumoine Rivers, and we’re thrilled to introduce families to the last of the Three Sisters… the Coulonge River!

Flowing south from La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve toward the Ottawa River, the Coulonge winds through 270 km of spectacular Canadian wilderness. Known for its playful whitewater, beautiful waterfalls, sandy beaches, and rugged Canadian Shield landscape, the Coulonge offers an incredible setting for families looking to share a little adventure.

Of the Three Sisters, the Coulonge boasts some of the most continuous moving water, with countless swifts and Class I rapids that make it an exciting and rewarding river to paddle.

On this 6-day adventure, families will experience some of the best moving water the Coulonge has to offer, with countless playful swifts and Class I-II rapids providing plenty of excitement along the way. Our experienced guides will provide hands-on whitewater instruction, helping both youth and adults develop their paddling skills, build confidence, learn to read the river, and work together to navigate moving water.

And while the whitewater is certainly a highlight, Wild Together is about so much more than paddling!

Along the way, we’ll explore beautiful wilderness campsites, discover spectacular waterfalls, tackle portages together, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life on the river. There will be opportunities to swim, explore, relax around the campfire, and disconnect from the distractions of everyday life.

One of the highlights of the Coulonge is a section of river legendary canoeist Hap Wilson described as “a blast that lasts,” with seemingly endless playful rapids and swifts. It’s exactly the kind of experience that makes canoe tripping so much fun!

Of course, a wilderness expedition comes with its share of challenges, and that’s part of the adventure! Families will work together to carry equipment, navigate portages, set up camp, and take on whatever the river has in store. Along the way, young adventurers will have opportunities to develop independence, resilience, teamwork, and confidence in their own abilities.

Our 6-day itinerary is designed to balance exciting days on the water with time to slow down and enjoy being together. Whether it’s celebrating a successful run through a rapid, discovering a perfect swimming spot, or simply watching the stars from your campsite, it’s often the little moments that become the biggest memories.

Wild Together is more than a canoe trip. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourselves, connect with nature, and discover just how much fun a little wilderness adventure can be when you experience it together.

Is This Trip Right for Your Family?

Recommended for families with youth ages 12 and up.

Wild Together is designed for adventurous families with young teens who are excited to explore the wilderness, learn new skills, and take on a few challenges along the way.

While previous canoeing experience is an asset, you don’t need to be an expert whitewater paddler to join us! Our experienced guides will provide instruction and support throughout the expedition, helping everyone build confidence and develop their skills.

That said, this is a true wilderness canoe expedition, and families should come prepared for full days on the river, approximately five portages throughout the trip, and the physical demands of travelling through remote wilderness terrain. Depending on water levels and conditions, additional lining, liftovers, or portaging may be required.

Everyone will have opportunities to participate in the day-to-day responsibilities of expedition life, from paddling and carrying gear to setting up camp and helping with meals. It’s all part of the adventure, and often where some of the best learning and family bonding happens!

If your family loves the outdoors, enjoys being active, and is ready to trade screens and schedules for paddles and campfires, Wild Together might just be your next great family adventure!

Big adventures. Wild places. Unforgettable family memories.

We acknowledge that the Coulonge River flows through the traditional territories of the Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) and Anishinabeg Nation, and that we are visitors to this land.

What's Included