questions sur la riviere romaine

[David Morissette]

Great project! I can give you a few clarifications about the river and the project based on some of the work I am doing, but I have never run it and it is not up to my level.

It is not really true that it is the last year you can run it, I am not sure about the schedule of the construction but for sure next summer the river will still be pretty intact except at Romaine 1 and 2 sites. The construction has already started and is well under way at the Romaine 2 site, so expect to see a lot of activity at KM 90 (55 miles upstream from the mouth) and I think the river is already flowing through the temporary diversion canal at that location. Expect a long portage at that site. Outside from this site you won’t see much from the river and the river won’t be altered (no rapids are flooded neither the flow change, only a short reach at Romaine-2 could be dry). Next year should be similar, although the works could have started at Romaine-1 too but the river will still be in its natural state.

As far as logistic, the Romaine is like 500km (320 miles) long so the length of the trip varies depending on where you land. I think most people who go for whitewater usually fly up to near KM 185-200 (120 miles upstream from the mouth) where the river really starts to drop, which would definitively make more than a 6 day trip unless you want to paddle like crazy. You probably would need to start downstream, people who have done it could suggest you a good spot. Furthermore the river losses most of its elevation in 3 separate reach of 3-5 miles long each, and the shores are boulders bigger than your car so reconnaissance and portage can be hard and lengthy. The last significant drop is approximately around KM 55-60 (35 miles upstream of mouth) and is a 120ft+ fall, La Grande Chute. After that the river is mostly flat except 1-2 rapid and the take out is not very far from the ocean, unless you would be able to make and arrangement to use the Hydro Quebec access road to shorten trip, which I doubt as it is gated and controlled.

For flying to the put-in I don’t have much clue locally, but if the ceiling is low likely you won’t be able to fly. The weather can turn crappy there went big system ride up the east coast. Havre-St-Pierre can be done in 10hrs from Quebec I think.

If you want something not as tight regarding the schedule and have the chance to experience the amazing North Shore wilderness, the Magpie could be a great choice, it’s approximately a 5 day trip.

Hope it helps!

[Auteur]

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