Petawawa river “Where one hears the sound of the waters”

Algonquin Parkʼs Petawawa River is a wonderful run of Class 1 to 3 rapids. We’ll start with river running at Lake Travers or Radiant lake after some bush wacking from the road, then head 50 km downstream to McManus Lak

Extract from Becky Mason’s blog :

“The origin of the name Petawawa, is not clear but the explanation I like best is that it’s an altered version of an Algonquin word meaning “where one hears the sound of the waters.” On the stretch from Cedar down to Travers, you’ll definitely hear the waters, as this is for more the more experienced paddler and is best done earlier in the season. But it is a beautiful, exciting ride with a bit of a respite and some great fishing at Radiant Lake.

The lower section from Travers down is the classic two- to three-day trip. We would drive up on a Friday afternoon and Dad would always want to try to camp on his favourite sand beach on Travers. Heading downstream the next day, we were always torn as to whether to camp at the last takeout to Crooked Chute or push on to the spectacular cliffs and campsite below the Natch. Either way, we were never disappointed.

At Crooked Chute, we would camp right at the river’s edge and feel the Pet’s true power as it violently forced its way around a dog-leg corner tumbling through rapids below. We would see many remnants from the log-driving era here, and always marvel at the old channel that loggers once blasted to straighten the dog-leg so they might more easily drive the timber downstream.

When we camped below the Natch, we would find the path on river-left and hike to the top of the cliffs for the view. It is believed that Tom Thomson painted along this stretch and it certainly always inspires me to get out the paints.

Links:

• Carte de la Petawawa