Canoeing the lower Batiscan river

The Batiscan river ends its course in the St-Lawrence river between Trois-Rivière and Quebec city near the small town of Sainte-Genevièvre-de-Batiscan. Today we went more upstream at Notre-Dame-de-Montauban. For canoe landing coming from the south cross the bridge over the Batiscan river at Notre-Dame-de-Montauban, turn right after the bridge and follow the sign for the municipal parking. We went canoeing upstream the river from our parking spot. That was the only option since downstream there is a fall.

Above: canoeing landing spot is circled. Colored code map is from canoeing association Fédération Québecoise  de Canot-Camping

Contrary to the sandy Ste-Anne river banks (Ste-Anne flows just east of the Batiscan river), the Batiscan river banks are very rocky. The Batiscan river is a primary tributary of the St-Lawrence river.

Another train bridge. There is actually a rail track that follow the Batiscan river and its possible to plan with Via Rail company a train ride that drops you and your canoe directly on the river (look at Montreal-Saguenay train line at Via Rail for schedule and planing)

At several spots on the Batiscan river the rail track crosses the river and allow to see these fascinating structures. Its all of carved stones and hardcore iron beams.