Canoeing the Du Nord river from St-Canut

Canoeing day was october 9th. Du Nord river (North river) is a primary tributary of the Ottawa river in Quebec. It ends in the Ottawa river around 30 km upstream Montreal island. The Du Nord river in St-Canut area as a small slope and therefore is fairly easy to paddle upstream. Despite being into an urban area, this section of the river has generally well preserved banks; not bad for a river section 30-40 min drive from downtown Montreal. To get access to canoe landing spot in St-Canut take highway 15 North from Montreal island. Then take St-Canut / route 158 exit (if you start climbing the Laurentian mountains you pasted the exit) . Take route 158 west toward St-Canut. Take St-Canut exit (around 5km from highway 15). Turn left on St-Canut boulevard (main street).  Turn right at Rita-Audet park just past the basketball field. You can go into the woods up to near the waterfront. Here are some pictures. Again since I was on my own, went upstream the river.

Above: Du Nord river section described in this blog. Color coded map is from canoeing association Fédération Québécoise du Canot-Camping

Above: Turn right at this sign on St-Canut boulevard for canoe landing.

Above: canoe landing spot. Upstream is on the right.

Above: Soon going upstream you will find that nice little R1. Little waves perfect to familiarize with canoe surfing. Passing the rapid with feet in the water over the rocks easy from the left side.

Above: Little island just upstream the rapid. Easier to paddle upstream on the right side.

Above: Tangle of logs and branches behind the island gives an idea of spring water levels.

Above: River banks has still a few of traditional decent size country houses.

Above: This traditional style country house respects the river high waters.

Above: The bridge of St-Canut.

Above: Little stream ending in Du Nord river on the left side of St-Canut bridge.

Above: Another little stream ending in the river on the left side of St-Canut bridge.

Above: The river banks on this section of the river is in general very well preserved.

Above: Minks are making a comeback in urban areas where rivers banks are decently conserved.

Above: Anywhere on river sections with low slopes you will find musk rats and their huts.