Cultural Tours Archives | MHO Adventures - Missinaibi & Canadian River Outfitters

Noire River Family Adventure

The Noire River is a small remote river located in Western Quebec that flows into the Ottawa River near the village of Davidson. The river terrain is unique to other rivers due the combination of sandy beaches for camping and rapids created by the rocky Canadian Shield.

From its headwaters to the confluence of Ottawa River the Noire river flows 238 km. On our 7 day family trip we paddle 63 kms, on a section of river where there are minimal portages and maximum fun in class 1 and 2 rapids. Compared to its sister rivers, the Dumoine or the Coulonge, the Noire has a nice progression of whitewater allowing us to build paddling skills. While it is a river that allows clients to believe that they are traveling in secluded wilderness, the Noire also offers numerous access points in case the need arises, allowing for effective risk management.

Our family trip starts and ends at a Bed & Breakfast in Waltham, QC where we spend our first and last night. Starting at the bottom of De I’lslet rapids, we will paddle 5 days on this meandering river with huge sandy beach campsites on every bend. With short days and easy beach camping there is lots of time for fishing, swimming, eating, exploring and spending time together in the wilderness.

On the 6th day we have an exciting morning of continuous class 1 whitewater to the Black River inn. Here we will get picked up just before lunch and transported to the Ottawa River where we will enjoy a half day whitewater rafting adventure with our friends at Esprit Rafting.

Our final night together is spent back at our B&B right on the Ottawa river where we will enjoy a hot tub and wood-fired pizza before heading our separate ways in the morning.

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

19 Day Lower Missinaibi River Adventure

Few rivers can match the power, beauty, and history of the Missinaibi River, one of Canada’s great waterways. From its source at Missinaibi Lake, the river rushes 520km North to James Bay over Precambrian granite, through bogs and marshes, and around spectacular waterfalls. We begin our adventure on this middle section of the Missinaibi River at a secluded bush road access point referred to as ‘Camp 95’. Located a couple of days upstream of the town of Mattice, the halfway point on the river.

We jump into the whitewater right away by navigating through Class II and III rapids and portaging around waterfalls, with the most incredible being Thunderhouse Falls, (referred by some clients as the 8th wonder of the world). This spectacular campsite is perched 150 feet above the canyon, where time is spent marveling at the natural beauty of Thunderhouse Falls.

Below the falls, the geology of the river changes from Canadian Shield, to the Hudson’s Bay Lowlands. At Bells Bay is where we bring in a float plane and say goodbye to paddlers that have only joined us for the Thunderhouse Falls Trip and welcome some new paddlers who will join for our Journey to the Northern Sky.

From here it is a downstream paddling with no more portages and gravel bar camping. We will explore gypsum caves, search for fossils, and navigate our canoes through fun swifts.

We end our trip in the town of Moose Factory, where the Moose Cree people reside and one of the many towns around James Bay that were part of the fur trade and colonisation of Canada. Our friends here will show us around and introduce us to some of the local culture, and perhaps take a motor boat trip out to Ship Sands Island at the mouth of James Bay. Finally we will paddle over to the town of Moosonee, portage through the middle of town and board the Polar Bear Express for our journey home. Join us for this once in a lifetime cultural experience.

We acknowledge that the Missinaibi and Moose Rivers flow through the traditional territories of the Cree and Moose Cree Nations and are recognized under the James Bay Treaty No.9, and that we are visitors to this land.

Journey to the Northern Sky

Our Lower Missinaibi River Expedition is the perfect package for those looking for a Northern wilderness adventure, without the rigours of portaging. We begin our trip with a flight over Thunderhouse Falls, and land on the Missinaibi River, 64km north of the last road, and below the last portage. From here it is a downstream paddle where we will explore gypsum caves, search for fossils, wander around shorelines, paddle through fun swifts, camp on gravel bars, and create wonderful memories with family and friends. If we are lucky we may even get a chance to watch the northern lights dance through the night sky. Half way through the trip we often camp at the mouth of the Abitibi and Moose at Wayne’s place. Wayne is a local to the town of Moosonee and a close friend of MHO. He holds a wealth of knowledge of the area and if he happens to be home when we pass by, we will stop and visit with him. If our paths do not cross, it’s a beautiful place to stay and explore regardless.

We often camp at the mouth of the Abitibi and Moose at Wayne’s place. Wayne is a local to the town of Moosonee and a close friend of MHO. He holds a wealth of knowledge of the area and if he happens to be home when we pass by, we will stop and visit with him. If our paths do not cross, it’s a beautiful place to stay and explore regardless.

This adventure combines the unique natural history of the James Bay Lowlands – a significant northern estuary – with the colourful cultural and human history of the indigenous people and early European inhabitants.

FULL Missinaibi River Adventure

Few rivers can match the power, beauty, and history of the Missinaibi River, Ontario’s longest unimpeded paddling route. From its source at Missinaibi Lake the river rushes 350 miles North to James Bay, over Precambrian granite, through string bogs and marshes, all within a Provincial Park. This 26-day adventure of a lifetime is a combination of all three of our Missinaibi River trips: Upper Missinaibi, Thunderhouse Falls Fly Out, AND Journey to the Northern Sky.

Truly the best way to experience one of the world’s great heritage rivers! Our guided trip will take us through numerous rapids, around gorgeous waterfalls, and into the calm waters of the Moose river. Combining the excitement and thrill of a Canadian Shield river with the tranquility of the Boreal Forest; the unique natural history of the James Bay Lowlands with the cultural history of the aboriginal and early European inhabitants.

Near the end of our trip we often camp at the mouth of the Abitibi and Moose at Wayne’s place. Wayne is a local to the town of Moosonee and a close friend of MHO. He holds a wealth of knowledge of the area and if he happens to be home when we pass by, we will stop and visit with him. If our paths do not cross, it’s a beautiful place to stay and explore regardless.

Although the pace is relaxed enough to allow for whitewater instruction and plenty of relaxation time, this trip does require an intermediate level of general fitness with a few longer days on the water. Truly, one of the best ways to experience one of the world’s great heritage rivers!

Icebergs and Outports – Sea Kayaking NFL

Check out this epic eight day sea kayak trip along Newfoundland’s northern coast. Paddle amongst the icebergs that have floated south from Greenland and visit seldom visited Maritime fishing communities. The capelin should be running, so hopefully we will be visited by some migrating whales on our journey.

An ideal trip for paddlers of all skill levels, this is expedition sea kayaking at it’s best – a perfect balance between experiencing wilderness and Newfoundland coastal culture. We promise that this will be a trip of a lifetime!

This trip is being run in partnership with our friends at Cape LaHave Adventures

Nahanni River – NWT

The Nahanni “Classic” is a two-week canoeing trip and the perfect opportunity to paddle the highlights of Tehjeh Deé (the South Nahanni River). Beginning at Gahnîhthah Mįe (Rabbitkettle Lake), home of the rare “Tufa Mounds”, we will descend Tehjeh Deé (the South Nahanni River) for 3 days on swift yet non-technical class I whitewater, where you will get the chance to learn and refresh your whitewater paddling skills. This section ends with the awe-inspiring Náįlįcho (Virginia Falls), which pours over a cataract twice the height of Niagara Falls. From there you will paddle through four antecedent canyons that are, in places, deeper than the Grand Canyon and faster flowing, with some class II whitewater.

Named by UNESCO the very first World Heritage Site, the Nahanni is definitely one of the world’s best canoeing rivers.

With 4 date options for the Nahanni Classic, as well as a Nahanni Classic for Families and a Nahanni Classic Women’s trip there are options for everyone to cross this iconic river off your bucket list.

These trips are being run in partnership with Black Feather

We acknowledge that the Nahanni River is in Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Dehcho Region of the Northwest Territories. We recognize that we are visitors to this land and will travel respectfully.

Moose River Family Adventure

Bring your family on a journey through Canadian history on the Moose River. After a ride north on the historic Polar Bear Express train we will disembark at Moose River Crossing in the middle of the Boreal forest and take to the serene beauty of the river. Over the next 4 days we will explore gypsum caves, search for fossils, wander around shorelines, paddle through fun swifts, camp on gravel bars, and create wonderful memories with family and friends. If we are lucky we may even get a chance to watch the northern lights dance through the night sky. Half way through the trip we often camp at the mouth of the Abitibi and Moose at Wayne’s place. Wayne is a local to the town of Moosonee and a close friend of MHO. He holds a wealth of knowledge of the area and if he happens to be home when we pass by, we will stop and visit with him. If our paths do not cross, it’s a beautiful place to stay and explore regardless.

We acknowledge that the Moose River is located on the traditional territories of the Cree and Moose Cree Nations and recognized under the James Bay Treaty No.9, and that we are visitors to this land.

Adventurous Women on the Spanish River

Did you enjoy the Women’s Noire River trip? Are you looking for your next adventure? This Spanish River trip is the next level for your all women’s canoe trip. Same supportive atmosphere filled with encouragement and learning, with more whitewater and 2-3 portages.

The Spanish River flows 340km from two different sources, Biscotasi Lake forming the West branch, and Duke Lake forming the East branch. The branches join at “The Forks” and flow South into Lake Huron. The Spanish River has a rich natural and cultural history and is protected as a Provincial Park. Today it is mostly used by recreational paddlers.

Our trip begins with a train ride into Spanish River Provincial Park from Sudbury. We disembark the train at the “Forks” stop and begin our journey down river. Our guides will spend time on whitewater instruction to prepare everyone for the upcoming 6 days of fun whitewater paddling covering over 103km.

This adventure is for any ladies out there who want to take on the challenge of a whitewater canoeing expedition with lots of support and coaching from guides, time to relax and get away, and enjoy a beverage by the fire with fellow badass women. Ideal for friends; mothers and daughters (age 13+); trans-women, cis-women and gender non-conforming persons; and any solo travellers out there who are 18 and older.

We acknowledge that the Spanish River flows through the traditional territories of the Anishinabek and Mississauga Nations and is recognized under Robinson-Huron (Treaty 61, 1850) Treaties. We recognize that we are visitors to this land.

Noire River Adult Adventure

From its headwaters to the confluence of Ottawa River the Noire River flows 238 km. On our 5 day trip, we spend the first night in a local BnB and hit the river on the morning of Day 2, over 4 days and 3 nights a group of adventurous souls ages 16 and up will paddle 63 kms, on the section of river where there are minimal portages and maximum fun in class 1 and 2 rapids. Compared to its sister rivers, the Dumoine and the Coulonge, the Noire has a nice progression of whitewater allowing clients to build paddling skills and the lowest distances of portages, making it the most ideal river for paddlers of any skill or fitness level to feel empowered to move their own canoe down the river.

With huge sandy beach campsites on every bend of this meandering river, we have endless options of where to set up camp for the night. Short days and sandy beaches allow for easy camping and time to swim, read, play in the rapids and simply enjoy time in the wilderness.

On the last day we have an exciting morning of continuous class 1 whitewater to our take out at the Black River inn. Here we will get picked up just before lunch and transported back to our B&B for lunch and heart felt good byes.

This adventure is for anyone out there who wants to take on the challenge of a whitewater canoeing expedition with lots of support and coaching from guides, time to relax and get away, and enjoy a beverage by the fire with fellow paddlers.

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

Snake River – Yukon

Located in East Central Yukon Territory, the Snake River finds itself in good company as one of six major tributaries of the Peel watershed, one of the largest untouched watersheds in the world. The Snake River runs alongside other great canoe routes including the Hart, the Wind and Canadian Heritage River, the Bonnet Plume.

We will Rendezvous in Whitehorse, spending one night in a hotel giving us time to organize our gear and get to know the other members of our group. From Whitehorse we drive North to the town of Mayo where we board a float plane and fly out to Duo Lakes.

We will spend some time exploring the expansive alpine country at Duo Lakes, before making our way to the Snake River. Our first day will involve warming up our canoe skills on Duo Lake and portaging our canoes and camping gear 1.5 kms to the river. Day two we will get on the river which will involve continuous class 1 and 2 rapids, it is a steep express way as we drop out of the Wreneke Mountains. After this first day of paddling the river mellows out and we will enjoy multiple days of mountain views, beautiful rapids, hiking opportunities and gourmet food. Other highlights in the 300kms of the Snake River, include the Snake River Canyon rapid, glimpses of Mount Macdonald (the highest peak in the Mackenzie Mountains), a waterfall campsite and hike and wild blueberries. We will be picked up by float plane at a place called “Taco Bar”, only 2.5kms downstream of the Peel confluence.

The Snake River surges past layered and serrated ridges streaked with rust, ochre and maroon. Lofty glacial peaks like Mount MacDonald tower above the swift-flowing upper Snake, one of the most stunning wild rivers in the Canadian North. Its many side valleys invite exploration; we have included time to hike and explore. The wildlife is abundant with the opportunity to see Woodland caribou, Dal Sheep, and much more. The river is mostly Class 2, with a few class 3 rapids. Previous whitewater experience is necessary.

We acknowledge that the Snake River and Peel watershed are the traditional territories of the Gwitch’in Dene and Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nations who continue to use and live in these lands. We recognize that we are visitors to this land and will travel respectfully.

Wind River – Yukon

Our Wind River Trip in 2023 was a huge success, this year we have Snake River Dates scheduled. If you are interested in a Wind River Trip in 2024 please contact us to plan dates.

Located in East Central Yukon Territory, the crystal-clear blue waters of the Wind River travel from its headwaters high in the Wernecke Mountains into the Peele River. The Wind River finds itself in good company as one of six major tributaries of the Peel watershed alongside rivers such as the Hart, the Snake and Canadian Heritage River the Bonnet Plume.

A short portage gets us to the creek which we line up to get to the Wind River. Once we have made it to the River we celebrate our hard work with days of paddling clear swift moving water, surrounded by mountains enjoying gourmet food in the evenings. Together we will navigate over 250km of river from McCluskey Lake down the Wind River, onto the Peel River where we will be picked up at a place called “Taco Bar”.

This trip is great for anyone looking to expand their river repertoire and explore a classic Northern River. The Wind is a fast moving river with no significant rapids, however standing waves and obstacles in the water require previous paddling experience.

We acknowledge that the Wind River and Peel watershed are the traditional territories of the Gwitch’in Dene and Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nations who continue to use and live in these lands. We recognize that we are visitors to this land and will travel respectfully.