| Valley Explore |
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| McManus to Whitson Lake
| DIFFICULTY: | Moderate. | | START / FINISH: | McManus Lake. 15 km from Sand Lake Gate | | DISTANCE: | -20 km there and back
-2 portages. However, they both can be avoided by lining canoe up the swift moving water. (see article for details)
-90 m
-500 m | | PORTAGE MARKINGS: | Excellent. |
Information
This canoe route travels through a series of long thin lakes on the east side of Algonquin Provincial Park. McManus, Smith and Whitson Lakes are part of the Petawawa River, a famous whitewater river, who’s headwater originates near the western boundary of Algonquin Park and flows to the Ottawa River. This day trip takes you past forest destruction caused by a severe windstorm in 1999 that passed through Algonquin Park.
How to get there
Drive north west of Pembroke along Hwy 17 and turn onto Doran Rd (Cty Rd 26). Travel 300 metres, and then turn right onto the Barron Canyon Rd. Drive 26 km on pavement, then gravel to the Sand Lake Gate at the Park boundary, where you can buy a day-use vehicle permit and excellent publications by The Friends of Algonquin Park. Continue west for 6.4 km beyond the gate. Turn right (north) and procede 8.3 km to the south end of McManus Lake.
Directions
- Canoe north up McManus Lake. The forest destruction on both sides of the lake was caused by a severe storm which impacted about 6500 hectares of Algonquin Park in 1999.
- At the swift either take the portage on the left or line the canoe up the rapids.
- You are now in Smith Lake, continue north to the end of the lake. Take the portage or line the swift.
- Canoe up Whitson Lake. Lookout for the Silver Maples on the islands. Silver Maples are uncommon this far north, except here on the Petawawa River.
- At the end of Whitson Lake, return the way you came. In the swifts in low water look out for rocks.
- DO NOT proceed beyond the south end of McManus Lake. The River goes through a live firing range of CFB Petawawa.
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