Cruise the Gateway to Northern Ontario

Plan a trip along this historic waterway for an adventure you'll never forget.

By Craig Nicholson—The Intrepid Cottager Craig Nicholson is a freelance journalist, writer and communications consultant who specializes in motorized recreational activities

April 12, 2023

For centuries, Ontario's Ottawa River Waterway has been the gateway to Northern Ontario. PWC enthusiasts looking for the ultimate adventure can do the four-day, 700-km expedition from Pembroke (pop. 14,360) to Temiskaming Shores (pop. 10,400) as we did. But if time is short, there are two overnight rides: Pembroke/Mattawa (330 km/200 miles, return) or the 338 km/210 mi round trip between Mattawa (pop. 2,033) and Temiskaming Shores.

I started this Mattawa-Temiskaming Shores Sea-Doo ride from the riverside Valois Motel & Restaurant on Highway 17. The Valois offers waterfront housekeeping rooms, tasty home-cooked meals (fabulous desserts!), and also has its own boat launch and ample parking. Alternatively and just north under the railway bridge that spans the Ottawa, you can fuel up, dock or launch at the Mattawa Marina. It’s located near the Mattawa & District Museum and the History of Trading Post on Explorer’s Point. The downtown of historic Mattawa is also within walking distance, as is the Clermont Duvals Art Gallery, which displays historic paintings and art of the Ottawa River. Other Mattawa sights to take in from the river include the three white crosses on the Quebec hill facing the marina, Moose Mountain and the Otto Holden Hydro Dam, both located upriver.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO AND FULL ARTICLE

Plan Your Boat Trip on Ontario's Waterways!

Find Your True North

First name

Email address

We will never spam you and will never share your e-mail. Please see our privacy policy.

Thank you for subscribing!

About Craig Nicholson—The Intrepid Cottager

Popularly known in the summer as “The Intrepid Cottager,” Craig Nicholson is a freelance journalist, writer and communications consultant who specializes in motorized recreational activities, including personal watercraft. As an avid Sea-Doo rider, Craig logs over 100 hours and 3,000 kilometres (1,800 miles) on the water most summers on many waterways in Ontario and Quebec. His one-of-a-kind Intrepid Cottager website features his Sea Doo tour articles, PWC riding tips, product reviews and comment.