Raft one of the world's greatest free flowing rivers. The Romaine pulses through Quebec's vast Boreal forest. Spend a week exploring a landscape where few travelers have dipped their paddles or left their footprints. We fly in to a section that begins with a serene float by moss covered hills, then narrows into a fun whitewater gorge before arriving at the breathtaking "Bassin of Murales". Take part in this spectacular wilderness journey.
The Romaine River is under imminent threat from hydroelectric development. Find out more about the plight of the Romaine at www.allianceromaine.org
2009 Trip Dates
Sun. August 23 - Sun. August 30, 2009
Price
$2,650 Canadian Dollars plus taxes
Who’s this trip for?
This trip is for anyone ages 12 and up who is physically active. No previous whitewater or wilderness camping experience is necessary. Swimming ability is recommended.
.PDF Download
Download our complete trip information packet with trip details, packing lists and more. Click here to download
How do I join?
Call our reservations specialist toll free (866) 242-9383 to book your trip.
Photo Preview of Raft the Romaine Trip
Why join the Raft the Romaine?
1. Small groups
•
Maximum ten participants per trip. (Larger groups possible for private trips)
2. We take care of the details, it’s your vacation!
•
Specialized equipment provided making your packing list simple.
•
Trip price includes accommodations before and after expedition and airport pickup and drop-off.
3. The most professional
•
From your first contact with us to your complimentary trip DVD, our service will exceed your expectations.
•
Boreal River guides, safety standards, and equipment are the best in the industry.
Day 1: Rendezvous, welcome dinner, overnight lodging in seaside cabins. Day 2: Float plane fly-in to Romaine River. Raft to first camp. Days 3 to 6: Descend and explore the Romaine. Raft numerous rapids, hike side canyons, and camp at different spots by the river each night. Day 7: Mid-day float plane flight back to Havre-Saint-Pierre. Overnight lodging in seaside cabins. Farewell Dinner. Day 8: Breakfast and airport drop-off.
Getting started - From the Coast to the Interior
Boreal River guides greet you at the airport in Sept Iles and we depart for a beautiful drive along the coast to Havre Saint Pierre. Passing through small fishing villages we begin to get a feel for the culture of Quebec's North Shore region as we spot old but meticulously maintained churches and shops with friendly locals selling homemade jams and wild caught crabs. The area's natural attractions beam out at us as well: to our left, a roadless wilderness of rivers and forest and to the right, sweeping seascapes with distant islands and rocky bays.
In one of these bays, about fifteen minutes outside of the town of Havre Saint Pierre, we find our first night's accommodations. Those arriving in their own vehicles will meet at this spot. Here, a collection of cabins sit perched by the sea and look out at the islands of Mingan Archipelago National Park. A walking trail along the coast brings us to the out-flowing of the Romaine River. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know the rest of the group and guides. We go over the plan as well as some packing tips for the next day's departure.
The following morning a short drive brings us to the airport where we weigh in and board the float planes. The thirty minute flight offers superb views. Forest clad hills and hundreds of lakes spread out in front of us as we leave the coast behind and head into the wilderness.
Running the River
Over the next six days we descend the Romaine river running numerous rapids. We use 14 foot self-bailing paddle rafts, each holding up to six paddlers plus an expert guide. We also have a safety kayak guide who leads the pack. The first section of our trip contains mild current and easy whitewater providing for a great warm up. Guides explain river safety and we practice paddling and maneuvering the rafts as we build confidence.
Soon, the river narrows and we enter a canyon with numerous fun rapids. Exhilarating slides and big wave trains empty into calm pools where we can pause to take in the spectacular canyon scenery. Eventually we arrive at "Bassin des Murrailles" (the "Basin of Murals") where the gorge spills into a small lake surrounded by cliffs and cascading streams.
Over the course of the trip we encounter several unnrunable rapids around which we 'portage' all of our equipment. Guides take care of the rafts and heavier items and everybody takes part with the drybags and smaller items within their own level of comfort. We plan for extra time at these spots to rest and explore the areas around the falls.
Camping in comfort: Each camp has its own character and allows us different vantage points of the river valley. We set up tents on beaches and flat rock ledges and collect driftwood for a fire. Guides prepare ‘happy hour’ and you can change into dry clothes, relax with a book, take a swim, or go fishing.
Experienced anglers will rejoice in the quality of speckled (brook) trout fishing in the evenings and early mornings. We also bring along several fly fishing rods and guides will teach those interested how to flycast.
Meals are delicious, wholesome, and plentiful. We cook sauces on a stove, grill meats and vegetables over open fire, and bake desserts in a dutch oven. We use as many fresh, locally bought ingredients as possible: produce from a greenhouse near Sept-Iles, organic Quebec farmed cheeses and meats, and wild caught seafood from Matane and Havre-St-Pierre. Some imported items still make it in...we have a soft spot for wines from the world over.
Evenings are relaxed with a crackling fire and a pot of fresh picked Labrador Tea as we settle in for nights under the starry northern sky. August is the time for meteor showers and if we’re lucky, dazzling displays of Northern Lights.
Grand Finale Our final camp is at the magnificent Grande Chute, a powerful 30 meter (90 foot waterfall). Awaking after our fifth night on the river we enjoy breakfast and a relaxing morning taking in our last moments in these spectacular surroundings. Today we will get picked up by the float planes and return to Havre Saint Pierre. The comfortable seaside accommodations provide the perfect atmosphere to ease back into 'civilization'.
Dinner is spent recounting stories and memories from our incredible week and discussing plans for future adventures. In the morning we say our goodbyes before heading onwards. Those flying out of Sept Iles this afternoon will depart after breakfast and we can stop along the drive for souvenirs and final photos of the North Shore.
Click any photograph for a larger version. You can navigate between the larger version of the photographs using the arrow keys on your keyboard or the buttons on the top left corner of each large image.
Experienced Kayakers & Canoeists
The Romaine is an advanced/intermediate boater’s paradise: many class II, III and IV rapids with numerous runnable lines and tons of surf waves. While friends or family paddle close by in the rafts, you can kayak or canoe with a guide. The Romaine is similar in nature to the Quebec’s Gatineau, California’s Cal-Salmon, and West Virginia’s Lower Gauley.
Boaters considering this option are required to have a solid whitewater roll and to have experience with both big and technical water.
Bring your own boat or choose from one of ours:
Kayaks
Dagger Nomad 8.5
Dagger RPM Max
Wavesport Big EZ
Wavesport Diesel 65
Wavesport Diesel 75
Canoes
Mad River Outrage
Mad River Outrage X
We will provide you with a boat and a straightshaft 197cm paddle. Please indicate your boat choice from the above options with your reservation to insure its availability.
You need to provide your sprayskirt and we recommend that you bring your own pfd, helmet, paddling top, and paddle for comfort and familiarity
.
Packing List
The Romaine typically has great weather in August with warm sunny days and cool starry nights. The river is fairly warm and full wetsuits or drysuits are not necessary.
We will, however, be relatively far north and any combination of strange weather can occur. We carry a full set of ‘river clothes’ as well as ‘camp clothes’. It is best to dress in layers.
The first layer is a ‘wicking layer’ of thin material that sends moisture away from our body. Next are some thicker synthetic (fleece) or wool “insulating layers” and lastly is an outer layer that provides a barrier from wind and water.
Cotton garments should be avoided as they dry very slowly and steal body heat when wet. Please follow the packing list closely and let us know if you have any questions.
Equipment that we will provide for you:
- A giant drybag in which to keep all of your personal items.
- A smaller drybag that will be accessible during the day in which you can keep your rainwear, sunscreen, etc.
- An expedition tent. Shared for couples, individuals will get their own.
- An inflatable mattress
- A cozy sleeping bag
- A sleeping bag liner
- A pillow and pillow case
- Whitewater helmet and flotation device
- Wind and waterproof ‘splash’ jacket
.PDF Download
Download our complete trip information packet with trip details, packing lists and more. Click here to download
Your Packing List
River Clothing:
- 1 pair of shoes for the river. The ideal river shoe is lightweight and draining yet supportive enough for walking on portages and scouting rapids, with a grippy sole. These can be lightweight running shoes, water shoes with a supportive sole, or sturdy sandals with toe covering.
- 1 pair of thermal socks for the river. Wool, fleece, or synthetic.
- bathing suit / surf shorts
- lightweight synthetic t-shirt
- top and bottom medium-weight long underwear.
- longsleeve neoprene ‘surf’ top or longsleeve medium-weight fleece top
For Camp:
- 1 pair of shoes
- 3 pairs of thermal socks
- undergarments
- lightweight t-shirt
- lightweight long-sleeve shirt
- lightweight ‘quick dry’ long pants
- top and bottom medium-weight synthetic or wool long underwear
- heavyweight fleece or wool sweater
- rain gear top and bottom
- toque (wool or fleece winter hat)
- sun hat
- small quick-dry towel
- small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- sunscreen, lip protection, and insect repellent
- water bottle, 1 litre
- sunglasses with strap
- prescription glasses with strap if necessary
- toiletry kit with biodegradable soap and shampoo as well as personal medications
- optional: reading material, journal, binoculars, camera (waterproof or with very waterproof case)
- optional: fishing rod with tackle and hard carrying case. We provide permits and basic equipment but experienced anglers will enjoy using their own specialized gear
General:
- some clothes for the trip home
- travel documents (passport) and medical insurance cards or policies.
Traveling by air
Arrival rendezvous: Sept-Iles Airport, Sept-Iles, Quebec. Flight arrival prior to 4:00pm, Day 1. Look for your Boreal River guide holding a paddle.
Departure point: Sept-Iles Airport, Sept-Iles, Quebec. Flight departures from 1:00pm, Day 8.
Air Canada, Provincial Airlines, and Air Labrador offer daily flights to Sept-Iles connecting through Montreal and Quebec City.
Note: Trip participants traveling from overseas, Western Provinces and States will likely need to plan for a night in either Montreal or Quebec City in order to make it to Sept-Iles for the 5:30pm rendezvous time. Our reservation specialists would be happy to help you with hotel and activity recommendations for stopover destinations.
Traveling by Automobile:
Arrival rendezvous: Auberge de la Minganie, 17 km West of Havre Saint Pierre, Quebec. Arrive by 4:00 pm, Day 1.
Departure point: Auberge de la Minganie, 17 km West of Havre Saint Pierre, Day 8.
Driving to Quebec’s North Shore makes for an excellent road trip. We highly recommend allowing ample time to rest and enjoy the many sights en route. Expect about 12 hours of driving time from Quebec City to our hotel rendezvous point in Riviere-au-Tonerre. From Quebec City there are two route options:
1) Via Matane
Follow Hwy 20 East to Matane where you will board the Matane - Godbout or Matane - Baie-Comeau ferry. Once you have crossed the river, follow Hwy 138 East to Riviere-au-Tonerre. *Note- this route is slightly faster, following major highways. However, you must co-ordinate your schedule with the ferry as it only crosses up to twice per day and space can be limited.
Matane Ferry Reservations- 1-877-562-6560.
2) Via Tadoussac
Follow Hwy 40 East to St. Anne-de-Beaupre. Continue on Hwy 138 East all the way to our rendezvous point. There is a short free ferry that crosses the Saguenay River from Baie-St-Catherine to Tadoussac. It runs hourly 24 hours a day. *Note- This is the more scenic route. The hourly ferry allows for crossing at any time. The historic village of Tadoussac perched on the Saguenay fjords, is an excellent choice for an overnight stay. From Tadoussac it is approximately 8 hours to our rendezvous point.
Return to top Greyhound buses travel daily to Sept-Iles.
Arrival rendezvous: Schedule your pickup at any Sept-Iles location for prior to 3:300pm, Day 1. Look for your Boreal River guide holding a paddle.
Departure point: Schedule your drop-off at any Sept-Iles location from 1:30pm onwards, Day 8.
Train/Boat
For those with extra time available, an adventurous and perhaps the most eco-friendly route is to take a passenger train to the town of Rimouski followed by the weekly boat Relais Nordik* to Sept-Iles or Havre Saint Pierre. Reservations for the boat must be made well in advance, as it is a weekly boat you will need to plan for extra days around Sept-Iles before and after your trip.
*This ship then continues to the remote lower North Shore, for a six night round trip voyage, carrying supplies to some of the most isolated villages in Quebec as well as providing sleeping berths and meals for passengers.
Return to top
FAQ's
Where do we meet?
Flying - Airport, Sept Iles, Quebec (Airport code YZV)
Driving - Auberge de la Minganie, 17km West of Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec
What is the meeting time?
Day 1 before 4pm. Guides will meet you upon your scheduled arrival.
When is the trip over?
Day 8 after breakfast. Schedule return flights for 1pm or later.
What’s included?
- All ground transportation and float plane flights from meeting points onwards.
- All accommodations for seven nights. (two nights shared hotel room, five nights individual tent).
- All delicious food from day one dinner through day eight breakfast.
- Some wine and spirits for evenings at camp.
- High quality camping equipment: large drybag, expedition tent, inflatable mattress, sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner, pillow with pillow case.
- River equipment including personal flotation device, helmet, and splash jacket.
- Basic fishing equipment and fishing permits.
- Professional guide staff always available.
What’s not included?
- Airfare or ground transportation to and from trip meeting points.
- Personal items. See packing list.
- Alcoholic beverages for evenings in Riviere-Au-Tonnerre (nights one and seven).
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Optional guide gratuities.
What type of experience do I need?
No whitewater experience necessary. This trip is the perfect introduction to river travel. However, experienced paddlers will be satisfied with the quality and challenge of numerous class 3 and 4 rapids.
What type of physical condition should I be in?
Expect five to seven hours of guided adventure activity per day. You need to be comfortable walking on uneven terrain. Swimming ability recommended.
I am an experienced kayaker/canoeist. Can I paddle the whole river in my own boat?
Yes. If you are a confident class 3/4 kayaker or canoeist you will love this river. A kayak guide will lead the way down every rapid. See Kayak/Canoe option tab at the top of this page for more information.
Who will my guides be?
Your guides are professionals who have years of whitewater experience, and are excellent instructors, talented chefs and knowledgeable about the area. They love their jobs and want to share their passion for the river with you. Visit the about us page for more information about our guides.
Besides rafting and kayaking, what other guided activities can I do?
Fishing, short side hikes, photography, forest interpretation and looking for edible plants. We can also show you how to bake the perfect dutch oven cake!
How much ‘downtime’ per day to fish and pursue other activities?
You can expect on average 2 - 3 hours per day in the late afternoon to pursue these activities. Or just relax with a book and a glass of wine or cup of tea around the fire.
How is the fishing?
Excellent. This area is very rarely visited let alone fished. The river is clean as can be and the speckled trout populations are very healthy. Pike, bass, and lake trout can also be caught.
Will we eat well?
Meals are plentiful, delicious, wholesome, and freshly prepared. Snacks are always available. Our guides love to cook and eat well.
How do we go to the bathroom while on the trip?
We carry a portable toilet, set it up at a beautiful and private location at each camp and voila!...a room with a view.
Regional Info
The Romaine River flows through the heart of the expansive ‘Cote-Nord’ or North Shore region of Quebec. This zone follows the St-Lawrence from the Saguenay Fjord to Labrador. Along the rugged coastline, river after river - all wild Atlantic Salmon runs - bring freshwater to sea. These rich estuaries are feeding grounds for whales, seals, dolphins, and colonies of puffins. Inland, on the glaciated rock shield, vast stretches of Boreal forest extend into Quebec’s central mountains and to the tundra. This is one of the three biggest areas of intact forest in the world. It is home to common Canadian animals -- black bear, moose, beaver, loons -- and rare and endangered ones like lynx and woodland caribou.
The earliest human inhabitants of this area arrived eight thousand years ago. For the last two thousand years it has been the home of the Innu or Montagnaise people, who used to live as nomadic hunters. The first Europeans appeared on Viking and Basque fishing fleets. Then, the French settled in fishing villages along the coast.
Visit a Souvenir shop in Sheldrake, Quebec
Today, the region is on the frontier of ‘development’. Highway 138 connects the villages and few roads extend inland. With the collapse of the Atlantic fisheries, the main industries are now mining and aluminum processing (in the biggest town of Sept Iles). Potential imminent projects are the extension of the road past Natashquan into the ‘Basse-Cote-Nord’ or Lower North Shore -- where tiny villages, some French, some Innu, some English, are currently only accessible by a weekly supply boat or snowmobile in the winter -- and controversial massive hydroelectric projects for the Romaine and Little Mecatina Rivers.
There is small scale tourism developing as well. It is easy to travel through this welcoming area. Villages and lodgings are charming and well kept. People are very talkative and interested in visitors. Adventure opportunities abound.
Some regional activities
- A road trip to Natashquan, the end of the Highway, only connected to the rest of Quebec since 1996. Jumping off point for boat or snowmobile trips to the Lower North Shore.
- Sea kayaking or boat trips to the islands of Mingan Archipelago National Park to see monoliths (rock statues carved by the tides) and marine wildlife.
- Slow down and absorb the relaxed seaside charm of Riviere-Au-Tonnerre, Sheldrake, and Romaine.
- Whale watching in Tadoussac, the historic town at the confluence of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence Seaway.
- Visit Anticosti island for spectacular canyons, cliffs, and salmon fishing.
Today, the region is on the frontier of ‘development’. Highway 138 connects the villages and few roads extend inland. With the collapse of the Atlantic fisheries, the main industries are now mining and aluminum processing (in the biggest town of Sept Iles). Potential imminent projects are the extension of the road past Natashquan into the ‘Basse-Cote-Nord’ or Lower North Shore -- where tiny villages, some French, some Innu, some English, are currently only accessible by a weekly supply boat or snowmobile in the winter -- and controversial massive hydroelectric projects for the Romaine and Little Mecatina Rivers.