Rivière et lac Mékinac

The Mékinac River rises in the lake of the same name and flows southwest into the St-Maurice River.
It flows for 26 kilometers through a mountainous, semi-wild environment.
Its waters are shallow, but can be descended without a portage in medium and high water.
The water level is controlled by a Hydro-Québec dam at the lake’s outlet.
As a result, it may differ from that of the natural-flowing rivers in the area.
The most interesting section begins at the foot of the dam, and descends for 10 km to the St-Joseph-de-Mékinac bridge.
We cross several R1 and R2 rapids on sight.
Signs put up by the FQCK when the river was developed in 1976 are still there.
Finally, the last 16 km are calmer, except for a 500-metre stretch with category R2, R3 and R4 rapids.
For a calm-water ride, you can start upstream of the dam and follow the eastern shore of Lac Mékinac.
At first, the lake widens rapidly.
The lake is then flanked by large, high walls.
Halfway along, you’ll come to Baie à la Croix, from where you can see Montagne de la Tortue.
Four kilometers further on, Cap à l’aigle offers a superb viewpoint.
A group campsite is located next door.
To lengthen the trip, you can take the middle river a good distance upstream.
On the way back, near the dam, you can also explore Long Creek up to its rapids.
You can also camp near the dam, and do as many do, one day on the lake and another down the river.