Main Southwest Miramichi
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Quick Facts
| Features | river |
| Access | road |
| Route Difficulty | easy |
| Water Body Type | river |
| Current Type | moderate |
| Route Type | linear |
| Route Distance | 11.3 km |
| Portage Distance | none |
| Estimated Time | 2-3 hours |
| Elevation Change | 18 metres |
| Scenery Rating | must-see |
| Cell Reception | variable |
| Fees | none |
Description
Note: Weather conditions can drastically vary the speed and difficulty of your trip. Please plan accordingly.
Before you put your canoe in the water, you need to check out the Priceville Footbridge. This cable suspension bridge is an exciting way to check out the river. You can also read about the unfortunate history of the bridge.
This paddle usually has lots of water. The river is wide and gravelly. If the water is low, you can usually see if you are coming up to a shallow, gravel bar and adjust accordingly. The places you have to watch are when you are passing by islands. The islands split the channels, making them shallower and narrower. In low water conditions, you may have to get out and walk a bit if you pick the wrong channel.
The river at the footbridge is wide and usually deep. It stays that way until you get to the first island in about two kilometres. You can go around the island either way but there is a long gravel bar that goes out to the right. If you choose to go right, go way right.
It is clear sailing for another four kilometres but then you come to a set of five plus islands (called Amos Islands on Google Maps) that provide you with lots of options. The best path through the islands is to stay right at the first island and then stay left while passing all the other channels (it shows as Kelly Channel on Google Maps). This will give you the best option for getting through without having to get out and walk.
Most of us stayed right the whole way based on some vague advice we received. Near Nelson's Hollow it got narrow and shallow so we had to get out and walk some. If you feel ambitious, climb up the hill at Nelson's Hollow to see the covered bridge. It's just around the corner from where the stream flows into the main river under the old train bridge (about 100 metres from the river).
From the islands, the river makes a big turn to the right as it passes Big Hole Brook valley on the left. After the Big Hole Brook valley there are cliffs along the shore. In a short distance you will come to Weaver Island. Stay to the right of this island. If you are ending at Storeytown Cottage you will be going to shore on the left, just past this island. They usually have signs.
If you are continuing to the highway bridge in Doaktown you will paddle for another four kilometres. You will pass by one more island about half-way. Stay right while passing this island. At the head of this island on the hill on the right, you will see the red roofed Atlantic Salmon Museum. If you have time, stop by and check out the museum and gift shop. They usually have large aquariums with salmon on display. In the museum you will find a photo of George Donald. That is my grandfather!
A strong headwind picked up during the second half of our paddle. This made paddling more difficult and strenuous.
Map
Directions
For this trip you will be leaving a car and shuttling from Doaktown. We rented canoes and got a shuttle from Storeytown Cottages. They also provide shuttle services if you have your own canoes. To get to Storeytown Cottages, turn onto the Hazelton Road on the northeast side of the highway bridge over the river in Doaktown. If you are coming from Fredericton you will drive through Doaktown and then cross the bridge. If you are coming from Miramichi you will turn onto the Hazelton Road before you cross the bridge.
After 500 metres on the Hazelton Road, turn left onto the Storeytown Road. Drive for 4.2 kilometres and you will see the sign for Storeytown Cottages on the left. You will need to call ahead to reserve a shuttle or rent canoes.
If you are using your own shuttle and canoes, the best place to leave a vehicle is on the Doaktown side of the highway bridge. On the low side of the bridge you will find a small access road. This access road takes you down to the old bridge abutment. There is a boat launch to the right of the old bridge abutment. Using this as your end point will add another 4 kilometres (1 to 2 hours) to your trip.
Once you have dropped off your car in Doaktown, drive on Route 8 towards Fredericton. From the highway bridge, drive for 8.7 kilometres and then turn right onto the Carroll's Crossing Road. Here you will start seeing blue signs directing you to the walking bridge. Drive for 5.9 kilometres and then turn right onto McNamee Footbridge Lane. This road takes you a short distance across a field to the footbridge. The boat launch is to the left of the footbridge and there is a parking lot on the right.
Other Routes nearby
Trail Last Hiked: June 2, 2024.
Page Last Updated: January 11, 2025.