Coulonge River: A Blast That Lasts | 11-day Adult

Adventure Overview

For years, we’ve taken groups down the Noire and Dumoine Rivers, and we’re thrilled to offer an adventure on the last of the Three Sisters… the Coulonge River!

The headwaters of the Coulonge are located in La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve, one of Québec’s vast protected wilderness regions. Flowing south from La Vérendrye into the Ottawa River, the Coulonge is 270 km of waterfalls, rapids, swifts, and lakes. Of the Three Sisters, the Coulonge offers the most fast-moving water, with countless playful swifts and Class I rapids. The river is a beautiful geographical mix of the rocky Canadian Shield terrain of the Dumoine and the sandy beaches that characterize the Noire.

On this 11-day wilderness canoe expedition, paddlers will experience some of the best moving water the Coulonge has to offer, with opportunities to navigate rapids ranging from Class I to Class III. Our experienced guides will focus on whitewater instruction, helping participants build confidence, refine their skills, and develop their ability to read and navigate moving water.

But the Coulonge is about more than just the whitewater! Along the way, we’ll encounter spectacular waterfalls, rugged portages, beautiful wilderness campsites, and plenty of opportunities to appreciate the incredible landscape. One of the highlights is a section of river that legendary canoeist Hap Wilson referred to as “a blast that lasts,” describing the seemingly endless Class I rapids and swifts that make this river such a joy to paddle.

The Coulonge is a true wilderness adventure, and one that comes with its share of physical challenges. While much of the whitewater is playful and accessible to paddlers with intermediate skills, the expedition itself is demanding. Participants should be prepared for full days on the river, a minimum of eight portages, and the physical demands of carrying canoes and equipment over rugged and sometimes challenging terrain. Depending on water levels, additional lining, liftovers, and portaging may be required.

Our 11-day itinerary has been designed to provide a balance of challenging paddling days and time to slow down, enjoy camp life, and appreciate the beauty of the river. You’ll have opportunities to challenge yourself on the water, relax beside stunning waterfalls, and share the experience with fellow paddlers.

Whether the Coulonge is your first of the Three Sisters or the final river on your list, this expedition offers a unique combination of whitewater, wilderness, and adventure that makes it a Canadian canoeing classic.

Is This Trip Right for You?

The Coulonge is best suited to intermediate to advanced canoeists with previous moving-water experience and a good level of physical fitness. While you don’t need to be an expert whitewater paddler, you should be comfortable spending full days in a canoe and be prepared to participate in portaging, lining, and moving equipment over uneven terrain.  With a minimum of eight portages, this trip requires a willingness to work together and embrace the demands of wilderness travel.

If you’ve paddled the Noire or Dumoine and are looking for your next adventure, the Coulonge may be the perfect next step!

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