North Bay Rivers
North Bay sits at the confluence of a transcontinental historic river system that links the St. Lawrence Seaway to the Great Lakes via Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake. With so many waterways flowing together, there are ample opportunities for paddlers and anglers looking for rivers to fish, canoe, kayak or paddleboard, from a short day trip to minutes away from downtown North Bay.
La Vase River
Watercraft, including motor boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and even paddle boats can be put-in at the Champlain Park boat launch on Premier Road, only 10 minutes from downtown North Bay. There’s ample free parking for boaters launching south into Lake Nipissing and paddlers or anglers heading North up the La Vase looking to explore or discover that perfect river fishing spot.
The La Vase river connects Lake Nipissing to the Mattawa River, and includes three historic portages along its 11-km distance. “La Vase” means “the muddy” river, aptly named by French fur traders for its coffee-coloured waters and marshy, muddy areas closer to the Mattawa River. To avoid said portages and mud, choose the 6.8 km out and back loop at Champlain Park heading North away from Lake Nipissing and turn-around at the first small eddy you encounter at about 3.4 km. Expect to spend 1.5 – 2.5 hours depending on your desired pace.
The river feels both secluded and quaint – the tree-lined west bank is almost entirely unpopulated while charming year-round cottages dot the east bank for a portion of the waterway, including a tent and trailer campground favoured for family fishing trips.
Catch sight of a variety of turtle species basking in the sun on floating logs, fish jumping near lily pads and the ever present Great Blue Heron hunting reedy areas and fallen trees along the river’s edge. Navigate around sunken trees that are home to a variety of bird and plant species, and ideal spots for fishing on a river, as the Heron’s presence tells you. Be sure to keep an eye out for deer sightings. Location: La Vase River, Champlain Park, North Bay
Mattawa River
Canoe and Kayak Day Trips
The Mattawa River is an exceptional freshwater river to kayak, canoe, boat or fish due to its many desirable features suitable for short day trips and multi-day excursions: calm flatwater, swifts, waterfalls, 20 meter sheer granite cliffs, inland lakes, designated camping spots and an extensive portage system to highlight a few. Named by its original stewards, the Algonquian peoples, Mattawa translates as “junction of waterways” aptly describing the Mattawa’s confluence with the Ottawa River and connection to Lake Nipissing via the La Vase River Portages. A short 20-minute drive from downtown North Bay, the Macpherson Drive boat launch provides free parking and easy access to the Mattawa River headwaters as well as entry to the east-end of the busier Trout Lake.
Wildlife and River Fishing Hot Spot
Encompassed by two provincial parks, the river is largely undeveloped along its 52 km route from Trout Lake to the Ottawa River. Keep your camera ready, as the landscape is home to quintessential Canadian fauna like loons, otters, white-tailed deer, moose, black bears and over 200 bird species. Old growth red and white pine trees line the shores. The river is also a sport fishing hot spot for lake and brook trout, walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike and sturgeon. With its low traffic, mild current, shallow shores leading to steep drop offs, underwater vegetation for feeding fish and boulder piles that attract bait fish, the Mattawa boasts all of the best spots for river and shore fishing. Beginners and experts alike are sure to land a few.
Paddling Routes
Mattawa Headwaters to Turtle Lake – 6 km one-way
Embark on a serene flatwater adventure from Macpherson Drive boat launch in Corbeil. Paddle 6 km eastward to Turtle Lake, passing the historic Stepping Stones, with hiking trails on the adjacent shore, and the submerged Portage de la Tortue. Explore Turtle Lake’s islands, including Wharton Island, and a designated campsite, perfect for a picnic lunch. Enjoy prime fishing spots for bass and muskie and scenic views before returning to the launch point. This accessible day trip offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and relaxation for paddlers of all skill levels.
Pimisi Bay to Talon Chutes – 2 km one-way
This is one of the most popular day trips for kayakers and canoeists and is perfect for a short adventure with children or beginners. Start at the Pimisi Bay Picnic Stop on Hwy 17, 30 minutes east of North Bay, where you will find free day parking. Head upriver (west) and in just over a kilometre you will find yourself gazing in awe at ancient 70-foot granite cliffs, a small waterfall, a dam at the end of the chutes previously used to transfer logs, and a portage where you can safely swim and explore the gigantic potholes left by glaciers. Have your picnic by the portage or head back to the Pimisi Bay Picnic Stop only about 2 km away.
Pimisi Bay to Paresseux Falls and the Indigenous Ochre Mine – 5.5 km one-way
Experience a thrilling half-day ‘bucket-list’ adventure suitable for all ages at Paresseux Falls. Starting from Pimisi Bay Picnic Stop, navigate five short portages, each under 100 meters, to reach the stunning six-meter waterfall. Along the way, encounter the smaller Petit Paresseux Falls. After marvelling at Paresseux Falls, paddle around the bend to spot the ancient Indigenous Ochre mine, named the Porte de L’Enfer or ‘Gates of Hell’. This 12,000-year-old site surrounded by dark red crumbling rock-hematite that was used for rock painting and is visible from the water, offers a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural history.
Mattawa River Map
It’s always advisable to purchase an official map of waterways you plan to travel, even for day trips. Refer to this google map by Discovery Routes to get a sense of distances, amenities and land features.
Sturgeon River
Paddling Day Trip from North Bay
The south end of the Sturgeon River is suitable for easy paddling and fishing day trips. Just 20 minutes west of North Bay at the town of Sturgeon Falls, the Sturgeon River empties into Lake Nipissing’s northern shore where there is a boat launch at Minnehaha Bay Marina. Adjacent to the marina is the Cache Bay Wetland Conservation Reserve, a waterfowl breeding ground and spawning fishery for Lake Nipissing – making Cache Bay a great spot for casual paddling, bird watching and surprisingly good pike fishing, as evidenced by the annual Pike Tournament held here.
Backcountry Canoe Tripping
The Sturgeon River is long, at 230 km, has a wide variety of features as it flows south-easterly from the Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park in the Temagami region, and it is well-known by experienced paddlers for its challenging backcountry canoeing and kayaking with over 65 Class I and II rapids.
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