Outaouais

Aigle - Désert River

Intermediate
★★★☆☆ 3.0
8
rapids mapped

About

The Aigle-Désert route combines diverse paddling through the Outaouais region with multiple Class I-III rapids and peaceful sandy beaches. This mixed-difficulty route features 16 rapids of varying intensity, including several Class 2-3 sections that challenge intermediate paddlers, interspersed with calm river stretches perfect for recovery. The route showcases typical Canadian Shield terrain with a notable waterfall at km 52, making it ideal for paddlers seeking variety. Access is good with established portages and numerous quality campsites.

Highlights

Sandy beachesMixed whitewater difficultyScenic waterfallCanadian Shield terrainGood portage system
Best season: June-September

Live water level

This route's document cites a hydrometric station. The links below open the operating agency's current reading.

The rapids this document describes

The document describes 16. The map shows 8, because it only places rapids a national survey publishes a coordinate for. The two counts measure different things.

RapidClassPortageSurveyor's note
R1 au km 52R1précède une chute
chute au km 52chute avec un R1 et du courant rapide à l'approche
R1yes
R2yes
R3yes
R1R1
R1Near 28km mark
R1Multiple R1 rapids in succession
R2R2 rapid near 29km
R1R1 rapid around 32km
R1R1 rapid near end of section
R1-2R1-2yes
R2R2yes
R1-2R1-2yes
R2R2yes
R1R1yes

This table publishes no position for any rapid. Where a surveyor's note mentions a kilometre, those are their words quoted as written, and the figure was read off a scanned map: use it to follow their description, not to navigate. Most of these surveys were written in French.

Surveyed by Charles Leduc, 2022-08. AigleDesertLeduc2022.pdf

The portages this document describes

The document describes 3 portage(s).

PortageLengthBankNotes
Propriété privée, demander la permission, paturage dominantnot statedprivate property, ask permission, dominant pasture
Multiple portage symbols visible throughout sectionnot stated
Chute-2mnot stated

The campsites this document describes

The document describes 13 campsite(s).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of Aigle - Désert River?

Aigle - Désert River is rated Intermediate. Whitewater ratings are not exact: grades change with water level and season. Verify current conditions locally before you paddle.

When is the best time to canoe Aigle - Désert River?

The best time is June-September.

Where is Aigle - Désert River located?

Aigle - Désert River is located in the Outaouais region of Canada.

View interactive map View original PDF map

Sources

cartespleinair.org · en.wikipedia.org · myccr.com · quebecwhitewater.com

Conditions change with water level and season. Grades and positions are for planning, not navigation. Verify locally before you paddle. Terms of use

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