Quebec's Endangered West Magpie River Now Accessible To Adventure Travelers

Feb. 22, 2010 - PRLog -- Next August rafters can for the first time paddle the remote West Magpie River. Until now only elite kayakers have experienced the endangered waterway near the Quebec-Labrador border, a tributary of the renowned Lower Magpie. But from this point on, anybody can join tour company Boreal River for the 13-day West Magpie Expedition. Travelers will enter by floatplane into a virgin landscape to ride exciting rapids and explore untouched forest.

When a group of professional river guides from around the world went to 'scout out' the section last summer they expected to find an expert-only run. Instead, they realized that they could safely bring recreational rafters along and that it had the makings of a world-class trip with non-stop whitewater and rugged pristine beauty.

While week-long trips on the lower Magpie -- a section called "Quebec's Mona Lisa" by Robert Kennedy Jr. -- are recommended for everyone experienced or not, an excursion on the steeper West Magpie is for admitted enthusiasts.

"This trip is for people who have tried rafting before, who have done some camping, and who now want to take it to the next level with a longer, more exciting, more exclusive trip," says Montreal-born wilderness guide and company director Danny Peled. "But it's not just about the thrills. An extended trip in wilderness is rejuvenating. People emerge feeling connected to nature, healthy, happy, relaxed, and alive."

The future health of the waterway is uncertain though. The nearby Romaine River is being dammed and Hydro Quebec is studying possibilities on rivers throughout the region, including projects on the Magpie. Most of the river remains unprotected despite efforts by local groups and paddlers.

Boreal River thinks now is the time to safeguard the whole watercourse for future generations to enjoy. "Everybody who floats down this river has the same reaction," continues Peled "they think it should be a National Park".

Participants on the first-ever West Magpie Expedition will meet their guides in Sept Iles on August 24th. They will raft over 100 sets of rapids along 180 kilometers of river as they travel from source to sea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kd_t280bUz8



For further information: Danny Peled, Local (514) 475-7039, Toll Free (866) 242-9383, danny@borealriver.com; http://www.borealriver.com

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Multi-day whitewater trips in Quebec, Canada. Join the 8-day Magpie River Adventure to raft and kayak in pristine wilderness or the 13-day West Magpie Expedition for the best rafting in North America. Trips depart in August from Sept Iles, Quebec.