CANOEING NORTHERN QUEBEC AND LABRADOR
Clearwater River
In 2005 Wendy and I paddled with Dick Irwin, Dawn Morgan and Rick Morrill from Kuujuarapik on the Hudson Bay coast up to Richmond Gulf.
We paddled and portaged up the Wiachouan River through a series of ponds to the Clearwater River. We went up the Clearwater for a while, intending to get to Seal Lake and the Nastapoka River.
Because of a few short-lived illnesses and a bad back, we fell behind schedule and decided to go down the Clearwater to Richmond Gulf and then up to Umiujaq on the Hudson Bay Coast. We had only sketchy maps but managed to navigate with no problems.
The Clearwater has many falls and beautifully clear water. The banks and hillsides are pretty brushy so we did not get many hiking opportunities. There are two long portages: one by a large falls and another as the river drops into Richmond Gulf.
The Hudson Bay coast from Kuujuuarapik to Umiujaq is very beautiful with lots of sand beaches separated by rocky points. It is thinly wooded with lots of hiking opportunities.
All photos by Al Stirt except as noted: DI - Dick Irwin, WS - Wendy Scott
Clearwater Map
Up the coast then upriver, then down to the coast and up to Umiujaq.
Beautiful camping on this part of the Bay.
Fossil stromatolites in Manitounuk Sound. DI photo
On the open Hudson Bay. DI photo
Entering Le Goulet. DI photo
Le Goulet between Richmond Gulf and the bay. DI photo
Watching the tide ripping through Le Goulet.
Old tepee poles on a portage. DI photo
On the portage route to the Clearwater. DI photo
Dick Kneading bread.
Wendy portaging up the Clearwater.
Al cooking fish for lunch. WS photo
One of the many falls on the Clearwater.
Ledges on the river. DI photo
Clearwater canyon falls.
A tricky spot.
On the last portage to Richmond Gulf. DI photo
Gathering fresh water on the brackish gulf. DI photo
On Richmond Gulf. DI photo
Evening paddle. DI photo.
Landing at Umiujaq. DI photo
The crew with Eddie Kumaluk and friend. DI photo