Route description: Mississippi River at Pakenham

Posted by

cmkl

Date posted

Apr 5, 2003

Date last travelled

The put-in is close to Ottawa, the scenery is beautiful, and there will be a chance to see some less-than-exotic wildlife. The entire trip lies on the Arnprior 1:50,000 map sheet 31F/8.

The Mississippi originates in the highlands of Ontario in Lennox and Addington County. It passes through Mazinaw Lake, progressively building up from a small brook. It flows through the magnificent Crotch Lake, a favourite weekend destination for the Club. It then passes through Dalhousie Lake and provides some good whitewater, especially during the spring runoff. Near Lanark, the river comes off the rugged Canadian Shield and onto the flat St. Lawrence Lowlands. It swiftly changes character, from a narrow and turbulent stream into a wide and peaceful river. At several places brief rapids interrupt the tranquility. To the immediate west and north of the Mississippi watershed is the area drained by the Madawaska; to the east and south is the Rideau watershed.

The best time for this trip is the spring or early fall. During the summer, the flow is rather limited, promoting weed growth. Agricultural runoff can make the water somewhat murky. Swimming opportunities are mediocre. The Mississippi passes several towns. Heavy rains occasionally overload the sewage treatment plants, resulting in unsafe swimming downstream. This is especially serious during the summer. Most times, the swimming is alright, but nothing like a gin-clear lake in Algonquin Park.

Getting There

From the boathouse, go down Woodroofe onto the Queensway. Take the Queensway west. When the Queensway splits, take the fork going towards Arnprior. Continue along this busy route for about 24 `kilometres. At Antrim, turn left onto County Route 20, following the signs for Pakenham.

The road goes directly to the quiet village of Pakenham. You will cross the magnificent five-arched stone bridge across the Mississippi River. There is a nice park on the west bank. After you cross the river, turn left, going through the village on Graham Street. Follow the main street until you come to Jessie Street. Turn left onto Jessie Street, driving down to the river and passing the arena on the right. There is a good place to park. Launch the canoes here.

On the Water

Head upstream under the railroad bridge. After just over three kilometres, there is an interesting side trip. A high concrete culvert leads off from the west bank and under Highway 15 where Indian Creek enters the Mississippi. Follow up Indian Creek, being very quiet so as not to scare away wildlife. We saw a family of otters, a beaver and an owl on our last visit here. After about five minutes, you reach the head of navigation. Enjoy the solitude and return to the Mississippi.

About a kilometer upstream and on the right (west bank) is a small dock. A dirt road leads from here up to Highway 15. This is a second put-in; it shortens the trip by about two hours.

Keep going upstream. The river follows a wooded valley. The lands above it are mostly occupied by farms

Eventually you will reach the Blakeney Rapids. The hard Nepean sandstone cuts across the river valley here. The Mississippi crosses it in a series of beautiful rapids with lots of small islands and turbulent channels. It is a fine place for a picnic or to soak in the rapids. Some of the islands have poison ivy, so beware. After you've seen enough, paddle back to Pakenham. At both Pakenham and Almonte, you can buy excellent ice cream. There is a nice park at the stone bridge in Pakenham. If you decide to go wading in the rapids, remember that there is a deep hole in the rock just below the bridge. Several people have drowned here.

The total paddling distance from Pakenham to Blakeney and return is about 18 kilometres.