Resources

Maps

The following topographical maps -- from the National Topographic System produced by Natural Resources Canada -- are required for this trip:

31 K/11 Lac Bruce
31 K/7 Lac Duval
31 K/2 Lac Usborne
31 F/15 Fort Coulonge

Note: A short stretch of the river, just south of the confluence with the Corneille, is missed between the first and second topo. If you want absolutely complete topographical coverage, add 31 K/10 to the list, but you won't miss anything critical without it.

These, and other maps, can be ordered online through Dog Ears, World of Maps, or Federal Maps Inc., the last of which boasts a number of international dealers.

Quebec Canoe Camping Federation

Guide 04-13-00-00 Riviere Coulonge -- a 20 page booklet with detailed route maps at 1:50,000 scale. More detail on surrounding areas than Hap Wilson's guide (see below) but not nearly as useful for finding campsites, running rapids, and such. Purchase online at World of Maps.

Books

Wilson, Hap. "Rivers of the Upper Ottawa Valley"
PUBLISHER :The Boston Mills Press, c1993

The definitive route guide for this, and several other trips including the Coulonge's sister streams, the Dumoine and the Noire. Highly recommended for the trip, and a good read besides. Purchase online at Amazon.ca. If you're lucky, the Canadian Recreational Canoe Association may have a few leftover copies of the 1st Edition at a discount.

Callan, Kevin. "Further Up The Creek"
PUBLISHER: The Boston Mills Press, c1999.

Callan's latest collection of 20 canoe routes throughout Ontario & Quebec. One of them describes a "long weekend" trip from Lac Jim to the take-out. I'd heartily recommend both the book and the trip ... though I'd strongly suggest you put-in at Mr. Callan's alternate starting point at Rapides Enrages. At Amazon.com and Dog Ears amongst others.

Sloan, A. Tony. "Blackflies and white water"
PUBLISHER Toronto : McClelland and Stewart, c1977.

Has a great chapter devoted to a Coulonge trip in the early seventies, while they were still lumbering on the river. It's out of print, but Amazon.com will try to scare up a used copy for you.

Outfitters

Noire River Canoe Expeditions

Our outfitter for this and subsequent trips (canoe rental & shuttle assistance), Michel Pouliot, is a knowledgable and personable soul -- flexible enough to work out whatever arrangements suit your needs. Good prices and an intimate knowledge of the area and its rivers.

Unfortunately, he appears to have taken down his website, so you'll have to reach him the old-fashioned way:

Exp?ditions Rivi?re Noire, Michel Pouliot
(819) 778-6347

Trailhead Rentals

Trailhead is the store, Blackfeather is their outfitting subsidiary. Impeccable credentials and pedigree in wilderness canoe tripping. I've had many dealings with Trailhead over the years and have never been left unsatisfied. A little more expensive, maybe a little less personal, than Michel Pouliot, but they can handle volume. A good choice if you're looking to outfit an expedition.

The Black River Inn

Although I can't vouch for these folks personally, I've heard good things. Certainly an option if you're coming from a long way out and wouldn't mind a night of wining, dining, and general pampering before setting off into the bush.

History, Culture, and Other Links of Interest

Larry Kenny has put together an interesting, casual, and eclectic personal site with historical photos and other info on Fort Coulonge. Check out these old lumber camp photos!
The PPJ's CycloPark pages provide a very thorough introduction to the Pontiac County region -- geography, history & culture, and leisure opportunities plus some great photos. Cyclists, in particular, will find this site almost irresistible but there's also plenty of background info for the well-rounded paddler. A site for leisurely browsing.
Richard Munn describes his Canadian Canoe Routes site as "a meeting place for Canadian wilderness paddlers". More than that, it is quickly becoming the national repository for Canadian canoe tripping info.

Info For Visiting Paddlers