Quebec's canyon country runs deeper than you think
Beyond the famous gorge, northern Quebec holds lesser-known canyon reaches on the Harricana, Bell, and Nottaway rivers — wild, remote, and rarely visited.
The Harricana and Bell River canyons
The Harricana River flows north through the Clay Belt, carving shallow canyon sections where it crosses bedrock ridges. The Bell River's lower canyon near Matagami is flanked by spruce forest and exposes a clean cross-section of Archean metavolcanic rock. Both rivers are navigable by canoe in late June through August with prior scouting.
Nottaway canyon reach
The Nottaway River drains one of Quebec's largest northern watersheds into James Bay. Its canyon reaches in the upper Broadback tributary are among the least-visited whitewater in the province. Access is float-plane only — no road reaches this section. The isolation is the point: undisturbed boreal canyon scenery spanning dozens of kilometres.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get to the Harricana canyon sections?
- Highway 109 north from Val-d'Or reaches Amos; from there gravel forestry roads give river access. A canoe or kayak is needed to see the canyon faces.
- Are there guided canoe trips in the region?
- Several outfitters based in Matagami and Val-d'Or run guided trips on the Bell and Nottaway. Check the Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak directory.
- What is the best season to visit northern Quebec canyons?
- Mid-June through September. Ice break-up ends by late May; autumn colours peak in late September before early freeze-up in October.
Get in touch
Canoe route questions, access road updates, or outfitter recommendations — local knowledge shared freely here.
routes@abitibicanyons.ca