Besnard Lake to Missinipe

Larger lakes dotted with islands combined with portages around rapids and waterfalls, and the opportunity to play in the rapids for those who are interested, makes this a spectacular northern Saskatchewan adventure.

After your put-in at Besnard Lake campground off Highway 910, the first portion of the trip going northeastward on Besnard Lake is characterized by beautiful open water with access to the lee wind of many larger islands. Several campsites are yours to enjoy along this stretch of your trip.

As Besnard narrows into MacDougall Bay, there are two ways to access the Churchill River. First, use either three portages along Besnard Creek into Black Bear Island Lake or a navigate the 2-km long quad trail. Second, make your way to Black Bear Island Lake via Hollowell Lake and Romaniuk Lake with two shorter portages and one long one. If you plan to explore Black Bear Island Lake to the west -rock paintings at High Rock Narrows and Swimming Stone Rapids, the second access way might be your preferred option. Several campsites dot the landscape as the Churchill descends into Trout Lake.

Trout Lake to Nipew Lake has two options. The more traditional route is to the north through Stack Lake and Mountney Lake; the less conventional and more challenging route is through Crew Lake and Torranee Lake. Navigating some rapids is mandatory at this portion of the trip regardless.

Nipew and Hayman Lake are the gateway into Devil Lake. To get to Devil there are two options. One is to portage around Sluice Falls and explore the rapids into Barker Lake; the other is to portage around Great Devil and Little Devil Rapids. Portage around Otter Rapids before finishing your trip at Missinipe. Montreal River Outpost has canoe rentals for this trip along with shuttles for your put-in and take-out.

Northern Saskatchewan trips like this one is paradise for the wilderness paddler!