The map draws the full river. This route covers a section of it; the description says which.
The Rivière Bécancour is a significant waterway offering diverse whitewater paddling with 13 sets of rapids from Class 1 to Class 3, plus technical Class 5 sections for experts. The 185-kilometer river features 2 portages and 2 established campsites, flowing from the Appalachian Mountains to the St. Lawrence. While scenically appealing, water quality concerns from historical asbestos mining and agricultural runoff impact the paddling experience. Spring and early summer provide optimal flows, though the river faces environmental challenges that limit its recreational appeal compared to pristine Quebec waterways.
The document describes 13. The map shows 24, because it only places rapids a national survey publishes a coordinate for. The two counts measure different things.
| Rapid | Class | Portage | Surveyor's note |
|---|---|---|---|
| long rapide R2 | R2 | 1 km qui se transforme graduellement en R1 jusqu'aux trois seuils | |
| rapide en amont de l'île du portage | yes | avec ses vague de fortes amplitudes | |
| R2 | R2 | ||
| R2 | R2 | ||
| R2-3 | R2-3 | ||
| R1 | R1 | ||
| R2 | R2 | ||
| R3 | R3 | ||
| R2 | R2 | ||
| R3 | R3 | ||
| R1 | R1 | ||
| R2 | R2 | ||
| R2-3 | R2-3 |
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 André Faubert, 2021-04. BecancourFaubert2021.pdf
The document describes 2 portage(s).
| Portage | Length | Bank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| portage aérobique de 250 m sur ce chemin de terre | 250 m | nous conduit au 10 ième rang | |
| K-5m | the source recorded 5 m, which is the height of the drop beside this portage rather than the length of the carry |
Bécancour River is rated Advanced. Whitewater ratings are not exact: grades change with water level and season. Verify current conditions locally before you paddle.
The best time is April-July.
Bécancour River is located in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Canada.
cartespleinair.org · fondationrivieres.org · canot-kayak.qc.ca · avenza.com
Conditions change with water level and season. Grades and positions are for planning, not navigation. Verify locally before you paddle. Terms of use
Something wrong on this page? Report it