CANOEING NORTHERN QUEBEC AND LABRADOR
Ugjoktok River
In 1995 we traveled from Schefferville to the upper de Pas River and then traveled east, going overland, following streams and ponds, and eventually getting to the headwaters of the George River. We followed a route that Bob Davis had taken to get to the Kanairiktok River some years before.
We travelled down the George a short distance and then headed upstream to Lac Au Goeland and then up to Lac Chapiteau.
We headed southeast from there, eventually getting to the headwaters of the Ugjoktok.
It was rugged country with lots of portages over rough ground. On a portage around a large canyon, we found the old campsite of our friends Stu Coffin, Dick Irwin and Bob Davis. Their cut tent poles and firewood were still around after 20 years. We followed the river to the Labrador Sea and then paddled up the coast to Hopedale.
This part of the Labrador coast was beautiful with plenty of islands for camping and wind protection.
All photos by Al Stirt except as noted: DB - Dave Brown, WS- Wendy Scott
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Ugjoktok River
Our crossover route.
Stuck for 3 days at our put-in on Iron Arm.
Waiting out the storm.
Heading upstream.
Portaging from pond to pond, heading east.
Desperation camping on Goose Poop Hill. WS photo.
A congested rapid on the upper George.
Heading up again.
Contemplating crossing Lac Aux Goeland.
Lake Chapiteau.
Scenic campsite.
Putting on bug dope before portaging. WS photo.
In the headwaters of the Ugjoktok. DB photo.
Below the first falls.
Portage on the upper river.
The whole river squeezes in this slot.
The portage around a canyon.
We find firewood and tentpoles left 20 years before by Stew Coffin, Dick Irwin and Bob Davis.
The river far below.
The end of the portage was over a rockslide.
Awkward canoe carrying.
At the end of the portage.
More rapids. DB photo
After portaging another canyon. DB photo
And more rapids.
Sunrise on the lower river.
The final falls before the Labrador Sea.
Islands in the sea. DB photo.
Heading down.
Sunrise over the ocean.
Hopedale.