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From the Tourist Information Centre, travel 3.8 km. west along Highway 101, called Algonquin Blvd. in town. Turn left just before the bridge over the Mattagami River and park near the waterfront launching area. There is lots of room to launch the canoe and to leave your vehicle during the trip. Once in the water, you will travel north downstream passing under the Mattagami Bridge.
On the right is Domtar-McChesney Sawmill that was one of several that has played a big part in boosting the economy of Timmins. The lumber was not just used to build homes and other buildings. In the early days and even today, timber is needed to shore up the underground workings of the mines. This site was one of several located on the Timmins waterfront. Logs cut in the winter were shipped down the Mountjoy, Grassy and Mattagami Rivers to be sorted and collected by the various mills located along the river. Each log had a stamp on it to identify the company to which it belonged.
After you pass under the bridge, you will notice a park on the west bank located on low-lying land which until the early 1960s was a residential area. Floods at that time convinced the city to relocate the homes and build a park and a conservation area. This land is still flooded occasionally, the most recent occurrence being in 1999, when the spring flood threatened some businesses in the area. As you travel north, you will see homes with their backyards on the river. They enjoy access to water for their boats and float planes. Further north, farms are found along the western shore and rather nice homes along the eastern shore. Many home owners live along Kraft Creek Road which parallels the river on its northern bank. Some homeowners have beautiful lawns and gardens extending down to the river bank.
Once you get past the farms and homes, you will enter an undeveloped area of the river with quiet waters and trees extending down to the water's edge. About 13 km. down the river, you will see the hydro barricade across the river.
The trip up to the power station is about 14 km. Allow 6 - 7 hours for the return trip.
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