The Simon River in the Laurentides offers a diverse paddling experience ranging from calm flatwater to expert-level class IV-V rapids, with difficulty increasing significantly at lower water levels. This versatile route features multiple difficulty zones, from intermediate class II-III sections to challenging expert runs with complex hydraulics and technical lines. The river flows through beautiful Laurentian wilderness with good camping opportunities and reasonable access points. Spring runoff provides the best conditions, while late season paddling becomes significantly more technical and demanding.
The document describes 15. The map shows 8, because it only places rapids a national survey publishes a coordinate for. The two counts measure different things.
| Rapid | Class | Portage | Surveyor's note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montée Constantineau rapids | R2, R3: intermediate R2-3 | Rapids downstream from Montée Constantineau | |
| Montée Constantineau to km 0 | R3-R4, S4-S5: expert R3-5 | Expert level section from Montée Constantineau to km 0 | |
| R3-4 | R3-4 | jusqu'au pont du chemin Nelles. C'est le lieu illustré sur la couverture du Guide des Rivières Sportives du Québec, de Gilles Fortin | |
| R3-4 | R3-4 | plus facile en aval du chemin Nelles | |
| R1-2 | R1-2 | ||
| R1 | R1 | ||
| R2 | R2 | ||
| R1 | R1 | ||
| R2-3 | R2-3 | ||
| R2 | R2 | ||
| R2 | R2 | ||
| R2 | Multiple R2 rapids in upper section | ||
| R3 | R3 rapids in middle section | ||
| R4 | R4 rapid | ||
| R3-4 | R3-4 classification rapid |
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, 2025-04. SimonLeduc2025.pdf
The document describes 3 portage(s).
| Portage | Length | Bank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring portage of isothermic combination recommended | not stated | Recommended in spring | |
| First passage obstructed, large rocky passage in center-left, passage in center or in corridor to right | not stated | Multiple route options available | |
| P 10m | 10 m |
The document describes 5 campsite(s).
Simon 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.
Simon River is located in the Laurentides region of Canada.
cartespleinair.org · ukriversguidebook.co.uk · paddlingmag.com · in4adventure.com · myccr.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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