Introduction
Last year was a lot of fun so - even before we'd put the canoe back on the car - Martin and I decided to do another trip. I proposed the Chiniguchi River region despite my unease at doing all that driving for what would likely be a four day trip. Mostly because I’ve never been there and a lot of people say it’s beautiful.
But despite the promise of 12 hours in the car, Martin was game. This is a recurring theme with him. Apart from the swampy bits. But more about that later. And so the plan was hatched. Four days in fall to avoid crowds and take in the colours.
Reader’s Digest version
- Day one
- Wherein I take a wrong turn and we get all unloaded and ready to go on the wrong lake
- Day two
- Wherein we struggle against wind and waves and abandon plans to climb the Elephant
- Day three
- Wherein we paddle down Laura Creek to Matagamasi without incident with a hint of sun
- Day four
- Wherein we paddle down Matagamasi Lake and explore all manner of geographical forms, cottages etc while trying to find the car
Upsides to the ‘crown land’ approach to tripping:
- Free form schedule
- Cheaper
- “Pure” wilderness
Downsides
- Harder to find your way
- Campsites can be sketchy
- Sharing with ATVs, motor boats
This trip owes a lot - well, everything - to Canadian Canoe Routes’ Laura Creek Loop, Brian Back’s Chiniguchi writings at Ottertooth and Kevin Callan whose writings provided me with all the intel and helpful suggestions I used to do this trip. If Martin and I got lost, it’s on me, not them.
Also thanks to Friends of Temagami, for continuing to advocate for the preservation of this wilderness area.
Standard disclaimer
This is a narrative of one version of a trip many people have taken. We made it, but that doesn’t mean you would. I’m not an expert and I’m not offering any advice you can take to the bank or take on the water. With the water being quite cold, and there being not a lot of people around, things could go badly fairly easily. Please hire a guide, or join a club or get real advice.
