Snake River

Information

This canoe route runs up to the edge of the proposed Snake River Conservation Reserve due to this area being a provincially significant wetland system. Green heron may be seen fishing from the river banks. This is a small heron that has a metallic-looking blueish-green back and a neck that is dark chestnut. Here in Snake River, it is at the northern extent of its range.

Migrating ducks and other water birds stop-over on this side of Muskrat Lake in the spring and the fall. You will probably catch a glimpse of otters and muskrats, but only hear tales of Muskie, the Monster of Muskrat Lake. Samuel de Champlain, also passed this way in 1615, when he canoed along the lake on his exploration of the Ottawa River.

How to get there

Travel about 12 km west of the village of Cobden on Hwy 17. Turn left onto Cornerview Rd and follow the road to the next intersection. Directly ahead is the put in. Turn right at the intersection and park your car on the shoulder of the road.

Directions

• Canoe southwest down Muskrat Lake. Muskrat Lake, 14 km long, lies in a preglacial valley that occupies an old fault line. The western shore of this long, narrow lake abuts a clay plain while, to the east, an escarpment of Precambrian rock rises more than 60 m.
• Enter the Snake River, which flows into Muskrat Lake from the west
• Canoe under the bridge carrying Hwy 17, then the Snake River Line road.
• Continue canoeing into the reserve before returning the way you came.