Gaspésie

York River

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campsite mapped

The map draws the full river. This route covers a section of it; the description says which.

About

York River captivates most Atlantic salmon anglers with its emerald green waters, and the York River is one of the best salmon rivers in the country, with emerald green waters that run over nearly 100 km, where thrill seekers can go white water rafting with impressive rapids. This intermediate to expert river features 23 rapids from R1 to R4, requiring 10 portages with 6 campsites available. The main attraction is a bald eagles colony on its berges, and it's an important reproduction site for Atlantic salmon. The river is navigable in spring during high water or after heavy rains, suitable for canoe, raft and river kayak. A premier wilderness river combining excellent whitewater with outstanding wildlife viewing.

Highlights

Bald eagle colonyEmerald watersSalmon habitatExpert whitewater100km wilderness
Best season: May-July

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 23. The map shows 0, because it only places rapids a national survey publishes a coordinate for. The two counts measure different things.

RapidClassPortageSurveyor's note
premier seuil 4il est recommandé d'arrêter sur la rive droite au sommet du premier seuil 4 pour effectuer une reconnaissance
deuxième seuil 4Le deuxième seuil 4 qui s'enfile à droite
R1R1
R2R2
R3R3
R2-3R2-3
R3-4R3-4
R1R1
R2R2
R1R1
R1R1
R2R2
R3R3
R2R2
R2R2
R4R4
R3R3
R2R2
R2R2
R2-3R2-3
R2R2
R3R3
R3R3

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, 2025-05. YorkFaubert2025.pdf

The portages this document describes

The document describes 6 portage(s).

PortageLengthBankNotes
Section Anot statedPortage: 0 à 4
Section Bnot statedPortage: aucun
S3-1m de chaque côté de l'ilethe source recorded 1000 m, but the only distance this row states in words is the height of the drop, so the figure is not served as a carry lengthchaque côté de l'ile
S4-2m passage à droitethe source recorded 2000 m, but the only distance this row states in words is the height of the drop, so the figure is not served as a carry lengthdroite
S3 (1m - 1.5 m) Vagues à surfthe source recorded 1250 m, but the only distance this row states in words is the height of the drop, so the figure is not served as a carry lengthVagues à surf
S3-1m PàDthe source recorded 1 m, which is the height of the drop beside this portage rather than the length of the carrydroite

The campsites this document describes

The document describes 6 campsite(s).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of York River?

York River is rated Advanced. 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 York River?

The best time is May-July.

Where is York River located?

York River is located in the Gaspésie region of Canada.

View interactive map View original PDF map

Sources

cartespleinair.org · saumongaspe.com · chic-chac.com · yorkexpedition.com · quebecmaritime.ca

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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