The Palmer River system in Chaudière-Appalaches features challenging whitewater with 22 rapids ranging from R1 to R3-4 including significant drops and waterfalls. This technical waterway demands intermediate to advanced skills with only 3 portages over demanding terrain through Appalachian valleys. The river offers exciting pool-and-drop character with granite outcrops and mixed hardwood forests typical of southern Quebec's mountain region. Spring conditions from April to early June provide optimal flows, though the river can be run into summer with adequate precipitation.
The document describes 22. The map shows 3, because it only places rapids a national survey publishes a coordinate for. The two counts measure different things.
| Rapid | Class | Portage | Surveyor's note |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-1-2 R1-2 | |||
| R-1 R1 | |||
| R-1 R1 | |||
| R-1 R1 | |||
| R-2 R2 | |||
| R-1-2 R1-2 | |||
| R-1 R1 | |||
| R-1-2 R1-2 | |||
| R-1 R1 | |||
| R-1-2 R1-2 | |||
| R-1 R1 | |||
| R-1 R1 | |||
| R-1-2 | R-1-2 R1-2 | ||
| R-1 | R-1 R1 | ||
| R-1 | R-1 R1 | ||
| R-1-2 | R-1-2 R1-2 | ||
| R-1 | R-1 R1 | ||
| R-1 | R-1 R1 | ||
| R-1-2 | R-1-2 R1-2 | ||
| R-1 | R-1 R1 | ||
| R-3-4 | R-3-4 R3-4 | Rapide de classe 3-4 | |
| R-3 | R-3 R3 | Rapide de classe 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 Pierre Clermont, 2002-06. PalmerClermont.pdf
The document describes 3 portage(s).
| Portage | Length | Bank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-4 | not stated | Portage associé au rapide R-3-4 | |
| S-3 | not stated | Portage près de la chute | |
| S-4 | not stated | Portage après la chute |
The document describes 1 campsite(s).
Palmer 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-June.
Palmer River is located in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Canada.
cartespleinair.org · quebecwhitewater.com · aventurequebec.ca · paddlingmag.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