one of the most spectacular places in temagami isn't even in temagami. the kipawa river empties into lake temiskaming on the quebec shore, not too far south of the matabitchuan river. for those of you who haven't seen it, you really should, it's only a 45 minute drive from new liskeard or an hour's paddle from the matabitchuan.
the kipawa runs 16 km from lake kipawa to lake temiskaming. over that short length, it drops an astonishing 90 m. that makes for near continuous class 3 to class 5 whitewater, as well as the 30 m grand chutes, probably the tallest and highest volume waterfall in the area (at least since they dammed the notch on the montreal). the river is nearly pristine, with very little development and huge pines. kipawa is known in the whitewater playboating community as the best run in eastern north america, with a river rally hosted at the outlet every spring (june 23-24 this year). but its really a shame that the kipawa isn't known or celebrated in the wider temagami environmentalist community.
les amis de la riviere kipawa was formed in 1998 to counter threats from hydro development. they have become one of the most successful environmental groups in the area, partnering with outfitters, industry, paddlers and the municipality of laniel on a wide variety of projects, from the river rally to hiking trails. they've also become quite adept at using the courts to oppose hydro quebec's tabaret project, which would divert the river for electricity generation.
until very recently the only way to see the kipawa was the hard way (by boat), and to do that you needed some pretty solid whitewater skills. however, in 2001 les amis completed the 7 km kipawa river trail. from a trailhead on the access road, its an easy 10 minute walk to the grand chutes.
you can support les amis by attending a benefit concert in toronto, sat. march 31, or by becoming a member.
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