B-09 Pigeon River
Geographic Location:
- Eastern Manitoba: north basin of watershed of Lake Winnipeg.
Name of Trip:
- Pigeon River
Major Lakes/Rivers:
- Family L, Amphibian L, Viking L, Vickers L, Pigeon R.
Source of Information:
- Maps:
- Topographical – Viking L, Magnusson L, Short L, Catfish L.
- Berrard Map – Little Grand Rapids.
Duration of Trip:
- 7 days paddling.
Total Distance:
- 125 kilometres.
River Rating:
- Class 2-4. The maority of the rapids are Class 2.
- The canyon can be run in May as the river apparently does not reach its peak until July (according to “Jim Johnston” of Northway Aviation). The last 2/3 of the canyon looks tje most dangerous as waves reach 4-5 feet. Properly surveyed, eddy exits are obvious and a gentler path can be found around the large waves. This section is a definite Class 3 rapid. The first third of the canyon is very deceiving as much back ferrying is required to line up for a path that is a narrow channel or gorge that moves a very high volume of water. Water in this section until this chute is somewhat shallow and you continually have to back ferry to avoid barely submerges rocks. Water moves much faster in this area than was noticed from land. If one chooses to run this canyon only do so empty and with a rescue cane at the end of it.
Portages:
- 24 portages. All portages are straight forward. Berard Map Portage #19 was the longest at 750 paces above the canyon.
Start (Put In):
- Family Lake by plane. Transport Co.: Northway Aviation ltd. or WAM Air.
Finish (Take Out):
- Windigo Lake by the same Transport Co.? Landing on Windigo can be dangerous.
Remoteness:
- Isolated.
Comments:
- Once you arrive at the Bloodvein I.R. there are a number of ways of returning to the west shore of Lake Winnipeg. You can go by canoe, by ferry, or you can find an Aboriginal to that you and your canoe over to Princess Harbour for a fee. The ferry runs daily but to be sure it’s best to phone the ferry operator at Pine Dock for frequency. If you have a large group (6 or more) let him know, he will do his best to meet you at the reserve.
- The Pigeon River abounds with water fowl.
