Black Bay

Information

This route takes you from the cottages at Black Bay, along the rocky walled Barron River, to the scenic First Chute. The Barron River was formed 10,000 years ago as raging water from melting glaciers made its way to the Champlain Sea. This stretch of the river runs along the Barron River Provincial Park. Be sure to bring binoculars to view the plethora of wildlife, including sandpipers, turtles, herons, and turkey vultures.

How to get there

Travel about 19 km west of Pembroke on Hwy 17 (heading towards Petawawa). Turn left onto Murphy Rd (this junction is about 3 km west from the Town of Petwawa. Continue 2.5 km on Murphy Rd until the T-junction. Turn left onto Rantz Rd. Continue until the road skirts Black Bay. Park on the left hand side of the road close to the shoreline where the paved road turns to gravel. There is a yellow "Watch for Children" sign near the canoe launch area. Put in your canoes.

Directions

• Canoe up Black Bay past the cottages. Keep to the left shore moving up the Barron River.
• Pass Spug Island on the left. Note that the right hand bank of the river has signage stating no trespassing, as the property is Base Petawawa National Defence Property.
• In this stretch, the river runs between rocky walls.
• The river narrows, passing through a marshy area and by four cottages.
• Upon seeing First Chute the water is too low to continue. Take the unsigned portage on the left side of the river for a birds eye view of the falls. Caution is required when viewing the chute.
• A good spot to lunch is either on the portage trail or in the canoes listening to the water cascading over First Chute.
• Return the way you came.