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hoz Says: We spent a rest day at Thunderhouse Falls. Jim and I caught this stringer of fish which we slow smoked over a fire and made nice fish jerky!
hoz Says: Thunderhouse is a special place. Sacred to the Cree and Objibwe who have lived in the area for thousands of years. When you stand at the brink of the falls you can feel the rocks moving with the power.
hoz Says: Pike, pickerel and smallmouth bass all inhabit the river. You may also see the giant sturgeon as you decend the Missinaibi. Some of our party saw specimens longer than 2 meters!
hoz Says: A bronze statue of a sturdy Voyageur stands carrying his canoe across the road in Mattice. A tribute to the thousands of men who traveled the Missinaibi River corridor ferrying 90 lb bales of trade goods and furs. Many lost their lives on the journey and are buried in...
History of the Missinaibi River
hoz Says: This plaque on the banks of the Missinaibi, in Mattice tells the history of the river and the important part it played in the lives of the natives and during the fur trade.
hoz Says: This monolith stands in Thunderhouse Gorge directly downstream of the falls. It is believed to be the home of powerful spirits by the Cree and Objibwe Indians who have inhabited this river corridorfor thousands of years. They still make pilgrimages to this sacred spot for...
Cafe DouDou: Don't miss the Poutine
hoz Says: There is one small cafe/bar/hotel in Mattice so you might as well stop for a snack. You can practice your French because it seems all the locals are French Canadian. Some speak ONLY French! They have delicious juicy cheeseburgers and if you want to be daring try the...
hoz Says: The only thing to eat is the fish you catch what food you bring in your packs, enough for 14 days in the wilderness. My favorite is fresh grilled fish.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and Dusk
hoz Says: If you are quiet you may get lucky and spot a bear or a moose. Most wildlife can be seen during dawn and dusk, when they are feeding. A small pair of binocs are helpful spotting elusive wildlife.
Gravel bar: Camping by the river
hoz Says: The evenings are spent primitive camping next to the river. Come casual and be prepared for any type of weather.
hoz Says: Owen and Denyse Korpela run Missinaibi Outfitters in Mattice.The will rent canoes, gear help plan your trip, arrange a guide if necessary and watch over your vehicle while you are on the river. They also have cottages to rent for a good rest the night before your journey. At...
The Polar Bear Express and the Little Bear
hoz Says: After you paddle down the Missinaibi River to Moosonee/Moose Factory you can catch the Little Bear train back to civilization.The train has a special "canoe car" for transporting your boats. The ride to Cochrane takes only 4 hours!BTW, if you don't want to paddle all that...
hoz Says: WaChay means "welcome". There is a big sign at the channel entrance to Moose Factory proclaiming "WaChay" to all. The local Cree will certainly make you feel welcome to their land. MeGwitch means "Thank you". You will make a hit with the locals with just these two words.But...
hoz Says: Your canoe trip ends about 20 kilometers from James Bay. You could paddle out there but the water is BIG and the waves can be treacherous. We negotiated with a water taxi driver to take us out to view the Bay.Not every driver wants to go out there so you have to ask around....
hoz Says: Be sure to spend at least one day visiting the native village of Moose Factory at the end of your trip.There you will find a friendly welcome from the Cree. Be sure to have lunch or dinner at the fabulous Cree Eco-Lodge, built entirely from green or eco materials and...
hoz Says: Mosquitoes, black flies and gnats are prevalent in the wilderness. Be prepared by carrying a bug suit and DEET. Bears can come into a camp and ravage the food supply. Keep a clean camp.No food or scraps left laying about. Clean your catch away from camp. Prepare your food at...
hoz Says: Before attempting the rapids of the Lower Missinaibi make sure you have the skills to safely negotiate them. There are over 30 sets of rapids not counting waterfalls! Several skilled canoeists have died on this river and many more have lost their gear and or canoes. It can...
Helpfulness
Luggage and bags: A good tripping Pack, Duluth, Ostrum, Granite Gear all make excellent packs for canoe tripping. I carry a Duluth #4 for my gear and a Duluth Cruiser #2 for my food.
Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: A sturdy pair of boots for hiking and river wading. A pair of tennis shoes for around camp. 3 pair heavy wool socks. 2 hats, one for sun and one for cold weather. Nylon shirt, and pants. (NO COTTON, NO JEANS, they get wet and take forever to dry. Can lead to hypothermia) A fleece jacket or vest for cool days, Polypro underwear. A good rain suit, tops and bottoms. Lightweight gloves. .
Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Toilet paper for 2 weeks, your personal meds, asprin, anti diarreal med. Water filter or purifier.
Photo Equipment: 35mm or digital camera.
Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Tent, pad, bag. Fishing equipment. Good lures include Rapellas, minnowstick baits, jigs, curly tails, Spinner baits.
Updated Jun 6, 2004
hoz Says: Most people are interested in simply getting over the 2300 meter portage around Hells Gate. But if you take the time to do a little exploring you will find hidden jewels in the woods. This waterfall is located approximately 2/3 of the way over the portage trail and 500...
Sometimes you have to portage (WORK)
hoz Says: If the rapids or waterfalls are too difficult to run you must carry all the gear and canoes overland to a safe spot downstream.
The Missinaibi River, a Canoeists Heaven!
The Missinaibi is a Canadian Heritage River flowing north through the wilderness from near Lake Superior all the way to James Bay. It was used as a primary route during the fur trade era between Lake...
Build your own Mattice page
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