|
|
 |
|
|
|
Paddling /
General /
Content Index |
Clearwater River Rafting
For 19th century voyageurs, laden with heavy pelts and bulky supplies, the rapids, waterfalls and rock canyons of the upper Clearwater River held little charm. But for today's experienced, well-equipped whitewater canoeists, the often turbulent ride through the boulder gardens and foamy chutes of this fast-flowing waterway is nothing short of spectacular.
Clearwater canoeing is a genuine northern wilderness adventure. Only one road, Highway 955, crosses the river at Warner Rapids - a 7 hour drive from the central Saskatchewan city of Saskatoon. Float plane access is limited to a few sections of flat water, campsites are rudimentary and other services on the river are minimal. Though its amenities are few, the Clearwater's supply of fresh air, clear water, abundant wildlife and dramatic scenery is limitless.
While intermediate paddlers will enjoy the broad, meandering sections of the lower Clearwater, as it crosses the border between Saskatchewan and Alberta, upriver paddlers will need top-notch skills to navigate the Class II and Class IV rapids.
The rapids just below Lloyd Lake, near the river's northern headwaters, are among the most challenging, running through a small, narrow streambed with several holes and washovers. Canoeists travelling the full length of the river will need to make up to 14 portages. Mid to late summer is the ideal time to run the Clearwater River, when peak flows have subsided and there is a greater potential for lining difficult sections.
Skull Canyon and Smoothrock Falls: The waters of the upper Clearwater twist and turn between the limestone cliffs of a massive glacial spillway. Below Warner Rapids, a popular put-in point, Granite Gorge, Smoothrock Falls and Skull Canyon - a jagged, rock-walled gorge split in two by a huge boulder island - are heart-revving highlights on a thrilling ride through the deep Clearwater valley.
If you want to experience the adrenalin rush of the swirling Clearwater rapids without the advanced skills needed to steer a canoe, consider a guided trip in a sturdy, eight-person rubber raft. While helmets and top-quality personal flotation devices are mandatory, river running experience is not. A sleeping bag, good raingear and a keen sense of adventure are all that are needed on your choice of upper or lower Clearwater rafting runs. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Paddlers can see the aboriginal "pictographs" along the Clearwater River route. |
| Learn More... |
|
|
|
|
|
Late summer rafters and canoeists on the Clearwater are a fortunate lot; the mighty moose can be viewed in their red-coated, velvet-antlered glory.
|
| Learn More... |
|
|
|
|
|
| Camping, fishing, boating and hiking in northern Saskatchewan. |
| Learn More... |
|
|
|
|
|
| The "resort villages" of the Fishing Lakes offer boating, swimming, picnicking, golfing, hiking, camping, craft shops, cottages and cabins. |
| Learn More... |
|
|
|
• Historic York Boat
• GPS - Technology for the Adventure Traveller
• Free Information for Paddlers
• Clearwater River Pictographs
|
|
|
|
|
| Many outdoor activities can be found in Saskatchewan's most outstanding provincial parks. |
| Learn More... |
|
|
|
| The vast grassland province has many national historic sites, museums, towns, cities and parks. |
| Learn More... |
|
|
|
|
| Though many think of Saskatchewan as a vast prairie, the grasslands would not flourish without their supportive river systems. |
| Learn More... |
|
|
|
|
| Saskatchewan offers hikers and bikers many wilderness places to enjoy their leisure. |
| Learn More... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
©2007 Digital Wizards (Ontario) Inc.
|
|
|
