Skill Level: Intermediate
Distance: 56 km
Number of Days: 4-5
Route Description: Starting from Sand Lake at Mile 136.25 on the Algoma Central Railway, the Sand River cuts a meandering course through Lake Superior Provincial Park before emptying into Lake Superior. The river contains a nice mix of wildlife-rich lowlands, whitewater, portages and spectacular waterfalls.

Access the Sand via the ACR. Ask the conductor to be let off at Mile 136.25. Alternatively, it's possible to link a series of lakes (beginning at Mijinemungshing or Gamitagama) and access the Sand at its midway point, just upstream from Calwin Falls.

There are 29 marked portages on the Sand River, bypassing most sections of moving water and all waterfalls. Up to 15 of these portages can be eliminated by skilled whitewater paddlers.

The Sand River is only runnable in high water--typically May and early June. After heavy rains it may also be run in September or October. It is a remote, wilderness river and should only be attempted by those with some river canoe tripping experience. In particularly high water, some portage landings are quite close to the brink of waterfalls and dangerous rapids.
Maps and Guide Books: NTS (1:50,000) 41 N/10&11, 41 N/7
Lake Superior Provincial Park map (available from the Friends of Lake Superior Provincial Park)
"A Paddler's Guide to the Rivers of Ontario and Quebec" by Kevin Callan (Boston Mills Press)
Algoma Central Rail Passenger Schedule

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