About Dumoine River – Lac Benoit Program
Embark on a 7-day wilderness canoeing expedition down the Dumoine River in Northwestern Quebec, a stunning Canadian Shield waterway rich with history and natural beauty. You'll paddle 63 of the river's 90 kilometers, navigating exciting class 1–3 rapids while camping under the stars and immersing yourself in one of Canada's most scenic river corridors. This adventure is designed for paddlers with some whitewater experience—the trip launches immediately with a long class 1–2 rapid, so you'll need foundational skills before departing.
The Dumoine River originates near Machin Lake in the La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve and flows southward through the Canadian Shield into the Ottawa River. Its significant elevation drop creates an unusually high concentration of whitewater compared to sister rivers like the Noire and Coulonge, making it an excellent choice for paddlers looking to advance their rapids skills on a classic, well-established route. Your journey will include a stop at the historic Dumoine Hunt Club to explore a 200-year-old post office and other heritage buildings—tangible reminders of the river's rich past as a fur trade and logging corridor.
Your experience begins with a comfortable first night at Dumoine Valley Guides lodge, where you'll meet your professional guides and fellow paddlers. The next morning, you'll shuttle by van to Lac Benoit for your first view of the river before diving into the action. Over the following days, you'll paddle through pristine wilderness, portage around the spectacular Grande Chute (the trip's longest portage), and eventually paddle into the Ottawa River. All meals are provided throughout the journey—from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 7—and you'll sleep in comfortable tents equipped with thermarests.
MHO Adventures provides comprehensive support for this adventure: all group equipment, canoes, paddles, personal flotation devices, helmets, and safety gear (including a satellite phone and rescue kits) are supplied. You'll have a 60-liter waterproof barrel for your personal gear, and interior camping permits are included. The outfitter also arranges your van shuttle to the put-in and boat shuttle back at the end, plus parking for the duration of your trip. A sleeping bag is available to rent if you don't have your own.
This trip acknowledges the Dumoine River's location within the traditional territories of the Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) and Anishinabek Nations, recognized under the Williams (1923) and Robinson-Huron (Treaty 61, 1850) Treaties. You'll travel as a visitor to this ancestral land, deepening your connection to both the natural landscape and its indigenous heritage. Whether you're seeking to sharpen your whitewater paddling, experience remote Canadian wilderness, or simply disconnect and reconnect with nature, the Dumoine River offers an unforgettable 7-day journey perfect for intermediate paddlers ready for a classic adventure.