Skill Level: Advanced
Distance: 65 km (river only)
Number of Days: 5-7 (river only)
Route Description: The Pukaskwa River cuts a tumultuous course through some of Ontario's most remote wilderness. A treat for advanced whitewater paddlers, it features class I-IV rapids, scenic waterfalls and rugged portages. A highlight of the trip is Ringham's Gorge, a 3-km-long whitewater canyon.

Access the Pukaskwa River via Paint Lake Road (off of Highway 17, north of Wawa) and the Domtar 600 Road. From Wawa, it takes about 2 hours to reach the put-in.

The upper reaches of the Pukaskwa are creek-like with lots of rugged, practically non-existant portages. The river is often obstructed by dangerous sweepers in this section. Open canoeists should plan on a gruelling day-and-a-half of portaging and paddling (in that order) before reaching the hydro lines. From here, the river becomes wider and volume increases.

The Pukaskwa is best run in medium to high water. At this level, many of the river's 57 rapids can be run. Still, there are a number of serious class V rapids to be portaged, as well as several waterfalls. In extreme high water, be prepared to land upstream of traditional portages landings.

Ringham's Gorge is the Pukaskwa's piece-de-resistance. If you choose to run it, be aware that there's no turning back. The gorge is best run in medium water levels. The alternative is the arduous "Two Pants Portage", which is 2.5 km long and takes the better part of a day to complete.

From it's mouth at Lake Superior, it's a 90 km paddle north to Hattie Cove, or a 90 km paddle west to Michipicoten. Plan on a minimum of 4 days to complete this section, and be prepared to be windbound. Alternatively, boat shuttle pick-up can be arranged.
Maps and Guide Books: NTS (1:50,000) 42 C/6, 42 C/5, 42 C/4 (river only); 41 N/13, 41 N/14, 41 N/15 (Lake Superior section)
"Canoeing the Pukaskwa River" by George Drought
The water guage on the Pukaskwa River is found here:

Great videos on the Pukaskwa may be found here:

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