From the border of Halifax Regional Municipality to Yarmouth
The south shore stretches from Lunenburg area down past Shelburne. There are hospitals in Shelburne, Lunenburg, Liverpool and Bridgewater. SAR resources may be
further away but Coast Guard response should be similar to Halifax area.
The Petite is a short river that flows out of Hebb lake near Bridgewater. A short, slow moving section connects to Fancy lake. After the river exits the lake it flows through an old mill site in Conquerall Mills, where the Crousetown and Conquerall roads meet. From here the river is divided into three sections (upper, middle, and lower), access points marking the start of each section.
The upper section from Conquerall Mills to the Watermills Road is the longest, winding through 7km’s of forest and marsh. There are very few visible houses or cabins along this section, giving it a more ‘backcountry’ feel. This section contains lots of slow moving water as well as small class I to II- rips and rapids. Where the river meets up with the road again, a large pond like still water is formed by the dam from the old mill. The dam marks the beginning of section II.
The middle section is the shortest section, but also the steepest. Over the next 1.5km’s the river drops around 15 meters. Multiple class II rapids are connected by very short flatwaters. The last 500 meters are the most exciting, as a class II+ and III rapid (III+ at highwater) are connected by a longer section of fun boogie water. Once you have mastered or portaged the rapids, the river joins up with the road again and a small driveway bridge crosses the river. Brown Branch Brook flows into the river here. This is one of the access points and the beginning of the lower section.
It is easiest to put in on the pond on the other side of the road, and then slide through one of the three channels that go under the road. Make sure there is nothing blocking the exit before doing so. The lower section consists of long stretches of class I boogie, and one 500 meter stretch of still water. This section is great for beginners and first timers. As you get to the community of Petite Riviere the highway 331 bridge crosses. This is where the river becomes tidal. Shortly before the bridge, the Petite Riviere fire hall is located on river right. If the surf is up, continuing on underneath highway 331 and paddling for 1km across a small lake, will bring you to a narrowing where the river flows between the beaches of Sperrys and Rissers out into the ocean. Because the river picks up speed here, incoming waves will stand up taller and carry on up the river. There are some great rides to be had, and parking is available beach-side at Sperrys.
Hazards
The Petite is a narrow river that is close to the ocean, meaning blow downs and sweepers are almost always an issue, especially on the upper and middle sections. Good scouting and boat scouting skills are necessary to avoid trouble.
The dam at Watermills Road looks like the perfect 8 foot boof, but the bottom is only 2-3 feet deep at medium to high flows. Nosing in at all will likely mean sprained or broken ankles and feet. It also has a backwash so if it is attempted safety needs to be set. It has been run successfully.
An ATV bridge crossing the upper section, and the driveway bridge at the beginning of the lower section will both become too low to paddle underneath and will need to be portaged. These can also be a good place to practice waiting to roll up, if you don’t want to walk around. Both cross deep enough water to safely roll.
The last rapid of the middle section is a tight boulder garden, where it can be quite easy to pin a boat. Scout well and set good safety.
The lower section passes many riverside cabins and houses. There have been ropes and lines tied across the river before, especially in a long left turn where the river flows around a pond.
Named Rapids
Mills Drop:
At the put in of the upper section, the river flows between a large mill structure. There is a small slide like drop here that is very easily scouted from the bridge. At most water levels the drop creates a small ledge hole that isn’t retentive and can easily be surfed out of or into. To run this rapid you’ll need to walk up and over the structure on river left. Once on the other side follow an atv trail to the river and start your paddle off with a bang.
Four-wheeler Wave:
After Mills drop the river meanders its way through the forest, with the occasional class I rapid speeding things up. At the end of a long flat section through a marsh the river narrows and flows into a round pool where an ATV trail crosses the river. The trail has been built up so all the water flows under the small bridge creating some faster current. At medium to high levels a series of small green waves form here which can be surfed in river runners and canoes. The eddies on both sides are deep and strong, so this can often be a great spot to work on skills.
Wake Up:
The next three kilometers after Four-wheeler wave are slower, with scattered class I rips and rapids. A small horizon line stretches across the river shortly before the river joins up with the road again, you are at wake up. The final hoorah of the upper section is a series of small scattered ledges that form some nice eddies, waves, and holes. The top ledge is best run on the right as it’s deepest there. Boat scout for wood.
Watermills Drop:
Paddling across the pond, a very even horizon can be seen before the Watermills Road bridge crosses the river. An old mill building is on the right, and a small platform is built just before the horizon line. The drop here is a human built dam, and is approximately 8 feet tall. The bottom is shallow so this should only be attempted at high water, and by paddlers with a strong boof stroke. Lining the drop up is very tricky so scout carefully and take a peek behind the curtain to check for rocks and wood. Middle right is best. Portaging is easy on both sides of the river, although river right is shorter and more straight forward. It is also easier to scout and set safety on river right.
Log Jam:
After the Watermills Road a 250 meter stretch of class I boogie brings you to a split up section of river. A small class II- rapid makes its way around small islands and boulders. The right channel will lead back into the middle channel. The middle channel is the place where many trees get caught, hence the name. Scout carefully as the logs are very hard to see. Starting down the middle channel and instantly turning into the left channel will likely be the best route. Experienced paddlers should go first to make sure.
Vineyard 1:
A short section of flatwater after log jam leads you to the first of the vineyard rapids. A large flat rock at the top can be fun to rock spin. The second ledge consists of boulders that can cause minor pins, so stay right for the straight forward line, or shoot left for a large eddy. Another short flat and the river dives back into the forest on the right.
Vineyard 2:
As the river enters the forest and narrows it picks up speed again. As it turns to the left catch an eddy on river left to check for wood in the drop. Three boulders in the middle of the flow create fun fast eddies to catch, before you enter a small pool.
Vineyard 3:
The river exits the pool to the right and enters vineyard 3. This is only a short fast rip, but a nice standing wave across the width of the river is the standout feature. Not much eddy access, so catch on the fly, and watch for overhanging trees.
Vineyard 4:
A short right turn after vineyard 3, a boulder garden that is vineyard 4 leads into a large flat water. Small boulders make for fun and tricky eddies. Stay middle left to avoid scraping.
Kajtek’s Rapid:
After the vineyard rapids an open flat water, where a field on river right comes down to the waters edge, leads to another narrowing in the river. Leave lots of space between paddlers, as there is only a small eddy on river right to catch before the first of the ‘big two’. If unfamiliar, get out and scout from this eddy. Be courteous of the owners of the land and small cabin. Two ledges lead into a rock wall where the current splits. The river continues left but a lot of water gets pushed right into a swirly eddy. The left line is the easier one. A right to left diagonal leads into a somewhat sticky hole that can easily be punched with speed. Left to right momentum is key. The right line is narrow and only goes at higher water. Stay just left of the pyramid rock sticking out, and a strong left stroke will pull you through. The river flattens out again shortly.
The Meat Grinder:
After Kajteks, a flatwater pool leads into 200 meters of class I and II boogie water. If unfamiliar with the river, stay closer to the left shore as the boogie leads straight into the biggest rapid of the Petite, The Meat Grinder. As you pass trees on river right that have buoys hanging in them, look for a large somewhat washed out eddy on river left. Get out here to scout. A well worn portage trail will lead you directly to the rapid that is made up of strewn boulders that create multiple sharp turns, small drops, and pour-overs. Make sure to take a close look at the main s-turn move as there are often logs stuck there that can be hard to see. Following the main flow from river left, through the s-turn to river right, and staying middle, middle right for the rest is the most obvious and straight forward line. Taking the top drops on river right sets you up for a small boof that has caused a few backenders. This line avoids the s-turn. If portaging, go further downstream than you think. The boogie water after the rapid is shallow so getting back in after will save your boat some hurting.
Petite Wave:
After the Put in for the lower section (driveway bridge) paddle through a short section of class I. Where tree branches hang over the river from the left side, and a backyard comes down to rivers edge on the right, a VERY small river wide wave forms. The eddy service isn’t good, but when caught on the fly, it’s one of the best waves to learn how to surf on for a first timer.
Flat Water Drop:
At the end of the only still water on the lower section, a row of piled up boulders that are likely part of a man made dam create a small drop. The river right drop isn’t runnable unless water levels are extremely high. River left is a clean straight shot. A small wave forms at medium to high flows. At lower water a hole forms in the middle that isn’t an issue, yet can be a fun challenge to surf in and out of. This rapid has shifted at highwater, due to the loose boulders so lines may change. Boat scouting is very easy to do.
Risser’s Wave:
After Flat Water Drop the next 1.5km to the community of Petite Riviere are continuous class I to II boogie. Just before getting to the takeout a sharp left turn leads into a right turn. In the middle of the two turns a small drop creates a wave on river left with good eddy access. Risser’s wave can be a quite a rowdy surf depending on water levels. If you’ve got energy left, burn it here, you’re almost at the takeout.
Access
Conquerall Mills (Upper Put-in):
At the intersection of Conquerall and Crousetown Road, the river passes through a mill structure and underneath the bridge. Getting in, in the pool above the bridge is easiest. Drop the boats here and then go to the Conquerall Mills Community Hall to park and gear up.
Watermills Road (Upper Take-out, Middle Put-in):
Where the Watermills Road meets the Italy Cross Road, an old mill building is right next to the intersection. There is a small gravel pull off here that will fit two cars. Make sure to park far enough off the road to not block visibility to the intersection.
Old Italy Cross Road (Middle Take-out, Lower Put-in):
Where the Italy Cross and Old Italy Cross Roads meet, Brown Branch Brook flows into the Petite. Putting in on the pond here, and sliding through one of the channels below the road is the easiest way to get into the river. Make sure to check if the channels underneath the road are clear of debris. You can park along the Old Italy Cross Road , just make sure to not block visibility for the intersection.
Petite Riviere Fire Department (Lower Take-out):
Ample parking is available at the Petite Riviere Fire Hall. Park Alongside or behind the Fire Hall. The general store across the street sells beer and lots of other post river goodies.
Sperrys Beach (Surf Take-out):
If the surf is good and you have decided to catch some waves, use the parking lot at the end of Drews Hill Road at Sperrys beach for quick and easy beach side access.
Gauge
There is no gauge for the Petite. The Petite doesn’t have much of a headwater, so levels need to be gauged on amounts of rain in Bridgewater. The Lahave gauge can be a decent indicator, at 2.4m or higher the petite is likely at a medium level.
Media
2 - Lantz Falls
Park’n’Huck, Creek
Class: IV+
Length: Park’n’Huck, Creek
Location: Lake William
Character: Creek
Gauge: Weather forecast
Contributor: Lukas Dee
General Description
Lantz Falls is the only known rapid on Solomon Brook between the communities of Lake William and Farmington. Where the road crosses the brook, a small rapid begins to form and leads into a 90 degree turn. After the turn a “Fast and Furious” style slide with a few diagonal waves leads into a 10 foot drop. At the bottom of the drop is a deep pool that is followed by slow moving current. The slide is the most important part of the rapid as it
will either make or break you before going over the drop. Careful scouting is needed to hit the line. The drop can be run from river center to river right. On river left the water slams into a rock wall and would make for a very unpleasant experience.
Hazards
Setting safety is only possible after the drop, meaning any mistakes before will likely end up hurting. Safety is easy to set up by the pool after the drop, although it requires climbing down a steep embankment which could also cause some problems in case of an evacuation. Good communication and a solid plan in case of emergency is highly recommended before running the drop.
Wood and strainers are also very likely as the brook is only about 3-4 meters wide in most places.
Access
Park alongside the road. Lantz Falls is located 50 meters downstream and can be heard from the road.
PUT IN
There is no gauge for Lantz Falls, or Solomon Brook. This feature will only run after large rain events. If the Lahave River gauge is showing an increase in the river level of 0.75 meters or more in the span of one day, Lantz falls is likely runnable.
Media
3 - Maggi Maggi (Ernst Brook)
Park’n’Run, Creek
Class: III
Length: Park’n’Run, Creek
Location: Mahone Bay
Character: Creek
Gauge: Weather forecast
Contributor: Lukas Dee
General Description
Ernst Brook which is known to the locals as The Maggi Maggi, is a small brook that
drains from Blockhouse into the Mahone Bay harbour. There is only one known rapid
which is located 500 meters up from the harbour, where the brook drops into a small
gorge. When there is enough water the many ledges turn into one continuous raging
slide-like run that is approximately 50-75 meters long. A creekers dream. As the brook
exits the gorge an old mill site creates a river wide feature that, at runnable levels
becomes a surfable wave. Continuing down to the harbour is possible but the entire run
would need to be scouted and cleared of any trees.
Hazards
As this is a very small brook, any trees that fall in the river are bound to get stuck and
cause major problems. Before running, the entire section needs to be scouted. Removal
of trees is rather easy as the brook is so narrow, except for in the gorge where the
vertical rock walls make it impossible during high flows. Some locals often check to
make sure trees are not in the gorge before major rain events.
When there is enough water for the rapids to be runnable, the sides of the brook will
overflow in some places, eliminating most of the eddies. When scouting make sure to
have a plan where to exit after the gorge after running the rapid.
Access
Park here and walk south on the Bay to Bay trail. After about 100 meters you will come
across a bridge that crosses Ernst Brook. A few large rocks next to the bridge mark the
entrance to a wide walking trail that can be followed along the brook all the way to the
main rapid.
There is no gauge for Ernst Brook. There will only be enough water after major rain
events where large amounts of rain (50mm+) fall in a short amount of time. It is only a 2
minute walk from the road, so checking it on the way to other rivers is not hard.
This river run / park’n’huck is located mostly in the Keji National park, as such you will need a park pass to enter during the operating season.
PUT IN
The put-in for the drop is just past the information center in the first parking lot.
Gauge
The gauge is located just below the drop, and should be accurate. Anything under 1.0 is scrapy and can hurt as the rocks are really close to the surface
but it has been run as low as 0.875, but it was bumpy.
Media
5 - Upper Gold
Upper Gold
Class: II,IV
Length: ~12-30km
Location: Chester Basin NS
Character: Gorge, Constricted, Flatwater, Remote
Gauge: 40mm+ rainfall in New Ross
Contributor: Karl Vollmer
Hazards
This is a relatively remote run, and also a long one with some of the more significant rapids early on in the day. Risk assesments should
be done as such. There is also spotty cell phone coverage, and even if you could reach help it there are no roads, and very limited quad
trails to evacuate if needed.
Named Rapids
Skerry Falls
First rapid, run right, at high water don’t go too far right or you might pin on right above the falls
Salmon Falls
Always go left along the far river left side, the main channel has two dangerous undercuts
Salmon Falls Gorge
Strait shot
Big water split
Right branch, and stay right as there are some big holes.
The put in is actually a nearly one km walk down an old abandoned road. Park at the base of the hill where it turns up towards the end of Glengarry rd. There will be an old overgrown road there. Walk down that
and then when you feel like it bush-wack down to the Lake. You can also put in at the top of the lake, but that adds about an hour or more of flatwater to the day.
The shortest take out option is to paddle up into the swamp where the road meets the small stream, and then hike up the hill. This road is extremely poor, and should only be
driven by high clearance 4x4 trucks. SUV’s are not sufficient. This take out creates about a 3-4 hour run with time for shuttle, the take out itself is sometimes hard to see
You can also take out at the normal gorge run takeout, but that’s about 8+ hours of paddling.
Gauge
The gold river doesn’t have a gauge, so levels have to be guessed from rainfall, and general moisture in the ground. The water-source for the gold is up in New Ross so rainfall amounts in Kentville/New Ross can be used as an estimate. Usually 24-48 hours after heavy rain in Kentville the gold gorge will be up.
The crux move of this river comes right after a easier double drop and at highwater can have significant retentive holes. There is minimal time between the two to recover and get out of the
river so care should be taken at higher water levels, even if you’re planning on walking Kayak Falls.
There are also a number of trees in/near the river so blind corners should be scouted to make sure there isn’t new wood since the last flood.
Access
Put-In
Upper Branch Rd
Put in at the bridge, there is almost no parking available here, we were able to fit one car at the put-in. Take care to make sure it is all the way off the road, and not blocking the
view from someones driveway.
Take Out
Cookville Provnicial Park. There is plenty of room for 2-3 vehicles here. The take out can be identified, as it is just after you pass a large house with solar panels on
river left, with significant river infilling with rock, which is a striking difference from the normal shoreline.
Named Rapids
Hirtle Falls II-
This is a serious of small Class II rapids with large boulders, as the water drops this could become more like going down a pinball machine.
Double Drop II+
After the right takes a lazy right turn just as you come out of the boulder garden there is a gentle double drop of about 1-2ft per drop. At mid-levels
there were no observed significant hazards beyond shallow rocks. Pick your line and have fun
After a series of S-turns in the river comprised of small Class I/II rapids you wil come to a calm section with a horizon line. This is the Ledges. This rapid can be scouted from the road as you
are driving up to the put in. At mid levels this is a realitivly safe 2-3ft drop/slide following by a 4-5ft drop. There are multuple lines available. There can be a significant consequence if you
swim here as there are very few places to get off the river between Ledges and the crux rapid Kayak Falls. Care, and potentially safety should be setup.
This is a four ledge drop just after a hard right turn in the river. Each Ledge is 2-3 feet high with about 10-15ft between them. At mid-to-low runable levels there are multuple lines,
with one of the safer ones being staying far river left all the way down. This should be personally scouted every time as depending on levers there can be significant partial or river wide holes.
At the low end of runable there was a signifcant river right on the 3rd ledge with a boil line ~6ft away from the drop, this should be run with care.
Near the end of the run the west branch merges with the [Main Branch]/south-shore/main-branch/ at Darrs Falls below the only hazard in the falls and makes for a really fun finally to the run, especially at higher water
Gauge
This uses the LeHave Gauge. At flood levesl the class of the main rapids significantly increase, as such significant care should be taken if you are running it at or near flood conditions.
As this feature is run on the ebb there is some risk of being flushed out into lobster bay, however there are numerous islands / locations to get off the water as you are flushed out. Proper group rescue skills and incident management should mitigate most if not all flushing risks. The feature only works as the water is starting to get shallow so there is some risk of hitting rocks near the eddy line on river left. If you paddle above the bridge pillars there is also potentially a significant risk of pinning especially in a sea kayak – due to it’s length. Care should be taken to avoid pin risks, and a pin kit should be available, and multiple group members should be comfortable with it’s use. Either eddy (especially river right) provides ample opportunity to exit the flow if swimming for experienced swimmers, but should not be depended upon.
Access
Eddy access to the feature is best from river right however the preferred parking location is on the west side at the end of old oak road. As always please be respectful of the location and make sure not to obstruct the road or damage the surrounding property.
Gauge
The feature forms during spring tides, the low tide level must be below 0.6m as measured from Yarmouth. The wave forms on the ebb ~3.5 hours after high tide in Yarmouth.
Cooks falls is a series of Ledges in close proximity. The primary hazards are holes on each ledge, and fishing gear on River Left during the fishing season. This rapid is easily scouted by parking in the parking lot and walking up and down the shore. At the levels we’ve observed river right has always been a safe path down. At higher levels a large hole appears on river left that looks retentive, and should be avoided.
The primary risk in cooks falls are the rocks in the bottom, it’s often shallow and on river right the final drop is deep but a large shallow rock is a few feet downstream, so if possible being upside-down should be avoided.
Access
You can park your car in a parking lot across from Here. There is a slippery path down to the water there. There is a second area just above the falls that isn’t technically a parking lot, but you can drive up and drop the boats there to avoid the carry.
The top two rapids have very deep pools under them, which do technically have under-cuts, at high water levels they should be four to five feet below the water level, and less of a concern, but they do exist. There are also minimal places to rescue, or get out of the river after the top drop until the very end of the gorge – making for a very long and rough swim if you capsize early.
Access
Put-In
Beech Hill Rd. There is a small pull-off and a path down to the water here. This puts you in above all of the main rapids, you can paddle down and then eddy out right right to scout the gorge before running it.
Take-Out
Old bridge Rd. This road is easy to miss so slow down as you approach, there is room for 3-4 cars at the bottom in a small parking lot.
Gauge
The gold river doesn’t have a gauge, so levels have to be guessed from rainfall, and general moisture in the ground. The water-source for the gold is up in New Ross so rainfall amounts in Kentville/New Ross can be used as an estimate. Usually 24-48 hours after heavy rain in Kentville the gold gorge will be up.
The entire River middle to river left section of the falls has exposed rock, and an unfriendly ledge at the base. In addition to the unfriendly entry there is a small pocket that a kayaker could easily get trapped in at the base of the falls, during the summer at lower water swimmers get stuck in the pocket eddy. At high water it may be possible to exit without external aid. Shore safety including live bait is highly recommended when running this drop.
The drop should be run river right along the slide with some lateral momentum to avoid getting pushed into the small eddy pocket on river left
Access
During the open season you can park your car at the parking lot less than 200m from the falls and walk in. During the off season, when the levels are likely to be sufficient for running the falls the gate to the park will be closed, so you will have to carry your boat about 500m down the road to access the falls. There is limited parking in front of the gate, room enough for 2-3 vehicles at most.
Gauge
use the Lahave River Gauge. It is runnable above 2.1m
The Medway river is a series of pool drops with very few continuous rapids or hazards. The section normally paddled is between Greenfield Nova Scotia and Buggy Hole a few Km downstream. At Greenfield on river left there is significant concrete and re-bar from an old mill in the river. The suggested put-in is below this obstruction. You can put in under the bridge at Greenfield but should ensure that you do not approach river left.
Depending on the time of year there can be fishing gear in the river, wood eel weirs and fishing platforms have sometimes been left in the river creating strainers. Some of these features can take up most of the river. While you are often able to spot this hazards long before they become a problem, it’s advised on any blind rapids to scout ahead first to ensure new fishing gear hasn’t been placed in the river.
At Bangs Falls there is concrete and some wood on river left under the bridge. It’s advised to stay river right under the bridge. This hazard is easily identifiable from upstream, but care should be taken at higher water levels as a swim at Perfect wave above the bangs falls ledge drop could drift into this dangerous area.
Bear Falls is the next major hazard on the river, and one of the few higher classed rapids on the river. It has multiple lines during almost all water levels. Fishing equipment is sometimes placed in this area so it should always be scouted before running.
Access
PUT IN
Taking care to stay to river right you can put in at the bridge in Greenfield, there are also numerous land-owners who have graciously allowed paddlers to launch from their river-side property in the past. Please contact local paddlers for more information.
DO NOT park in anyone’s driveway, or along anyone’s road. There have been issues where a paddlers car has obstructed access for emergency vehicles. Please reach out to the local paddlers for more information, and safe parking locations.
TAKE OUT
1 Hour Run: For a very short river run you can take out on right at Bangs Falls just after the bridge.
2 Hour Run: For a medium run you can take out after Bear Falls on river left. Do NOT approach Bear falls on river left as there is a large dangerous hole from river centre to river left. For all but experienced paddlers it’s suggested you portage around the falls from river right, and then paddle back over to river left below the rapid. There is a campground on river right which provides an easy portage path.
3 Hour Run: For a long run you can continue on from Bear Falls down to Buggy Hole about one km downriver. The take out is on river left in the pool just after the rapid where the road abuts the river.
4+ Hours Run: For a full day run you can continue down to Charleston, this lets you experience the following additional rapids. Little Salmon Falls, Rocky Falls, Black Rattle, Glode Falls, Poltz Falls, Hemlock Run, Salmon Falls, Island Falls, Salters Falls.
Gauge
CKNS and MetOcean are pleased to offer Nova Scotia paddlers real-time water levels of the beautiful Medway River. The Medway River is a 75 km river in Queen’s County, with a medium-volume stretch of class II/III whitewater between Greenfield and Buggy Hole. This section is home to popular play features such as Perfect Wave and Fisher’s Hole, and well-travelled rapids Bangs Falls, Bear Falls and Buggy Hole.
The river level is measured in real-time using a custom made gauge built for us by our friends at MetOcean. The gauge uses satellite communication and ultrasonic technology to send data to the CKNS website conveniently available to you on your computer or smartphone.
The gauge was built by MetOcean engineer and local paddler Leigh Woltman . The gauge installation was aided by the generous volunteer efforts of local paddlers Karl Vollmer and Dave Dunne. In other words this is a community project that was completed by paddlers for paddlers, with generous help from CKNS and MetOcean!
An easy class II rapid comprised of a series of wave-trains. This is the first rapid you meet after leaving Greenfield. Little to no manoeuvring is required. This rapid is formed where the river narrows and bends to the right. It’s suggested to stay River Middle as on occasion trees have been observed on the edges. There is one more unnamed section of Class II water after mountain falls. There are large pools in-between them allowing time to deal with any upsets.
Perfect Wave Class II-
This is a small ledge directly above the Bangs Falls ledge, within view of the Bangs Falls Rd. bridge. At all but the highest water levels this is only passable on river right. River left of this feature is a very large eddy. This feature is one of the three primary play-boating features on the river. At most levels this is a wave feature that can fit 3-5 play boats at one time with direct eddy service. The neighbouring eddy is very large and can easily hold 20+ paddlers unless the river is in flood.
This feature is not recommended for beginners as if you come out of your boat you will likely have to swim over Bangs Falls and then over another small ledge under the bridge. A swim here is not hazardous, but the nearest easily accessible eddy is about 30-40m downstream on river right.
Bangs Falls Class III-
This rapid is the ledge drop just above the Bangs Falls Rd Bridge. At any but very high water this feature is only passable on river right. Directly below this feature is a hazard on River left under the bridge, so even at high water this feature should be run on river right.
Bridge Wave Class II
This is a small ledge/constriction created by the bridge just below Bangs Falls. The wave can be dropped in on from above, or accessed from below by paddling up directly behind the centre bridge pillar. When approaching this from above care should be taken that you do not pass under the bridge to river left of the right-most pillar, as there is concrete/re-bar and other hazards on river left under or directly after the bridge.
This is the second common Play-boating spot, it’s easily accessible from above or below the bridge on either side. This feature is primarily a steep wave, but at some water levels you can get a small hole at the surfers left of the feature.
Fishers Hole Class II
About 75m downstream from the Bangs Falls bridge is another small ledge drop, with a small play feature in river centre. There is a wooden bridge leading out to the play spot, this bridge is not in the river and is not a safety concern, but allows you to easily access this rapid from river left.
This feature is a hole, at optimum water levels it is deep enough for loops and other advanced play-boating moves. Swimming here is low risk, there are small Class I/II waves directly below it before it settles out into a pool. There is a large eddy river left of the feature. If you do swim and fall below the eddy it’s easiest to take out on river left and walk back up, but it is sometimes possible to attain back up the river.
Bear Falls Class III/IV
The most significant safety hazard on the river Bear Falls should be approached with caution. There can be fishing platforms and gear placed directly below the falls so it should always be scouted by taking out on river right and walking through Bear Falls camp-ground.
The most common line is the Sneak Route located on river right between two small shrubs. This feature can safely be done by most any paddler it is very low risk and pushes you into the eddy on river right at the bottom. At lower water your boat can hit rock, so swimming could result in minor injury, but the entry for the line is very simple, and requires minimal manoeuvring.
There are multiple other lines between the Sneak Route and River centre that can be run depending on the water level. They should all be scouted and relevant safety should be set-up. River left should be avoided at almost every water level due to a strong and retentive hole extending from river centre all the way to the bank on river left. River centre’s holes can be retentive at some water levels so care should be taken when running the centre line.
Buggy Hole Class III
This feature is located a little less than a kilometre below Bear Falls where the river jogs to the right and then takes a hard left as it comes up against a large slab of rock that extends most of the way across the river. The easiest line on this rapid is to simply maintain a position river centre and punch through the various holes and wave-trains. None of these features are retentive, and it ends in a calm pool so even a swim down the centre of this rapid is nothing more than a roller-coaster ride.
If you are off-centre to river right there are some large boulders which could be hazards, make sure if you are going to come in contact you lean towards the boulder to prevent any possibility of pinning. In past runs these boulders have had large pillows on them, but that may change depending on the water level.
There is a Class III ‘move’ that can be quite fun. As you approach the rapid charge river right aiming for the edge of the large rock forming the bend in the river. There is a small (4-5 boat) eddy behind this rock protected by a eddy fence that can be upwards of 2 feet tall. If done properly you will launch into the eddy dropping 3-4 feet. Exiting the eddy can be complicated as there is a large boulder directly below and it often has a very significant eddy fence. This move is so fun, often we portage back up to run it multiple times.
Little Salmon Falls:
After a longer section of flat water following Buggy Hole, the river flows between
multiple little islands. The main current leads you to a small narrowing where the are a
few standing waves and a rock wall on river left. The eddy that is formed by the rock
wall can give good access for surfing the waves at the right level.
Rocky Falls:
Once you are through Little Salmon Falls, you will already be able to see the horizon
line where the river narrows again. This is Rocky Falls, one of the longest rapids on the
Medway. With good water reading skills this rapid can be paddled without scouting,
although care should be taken as there are some large features towards the end of the
rapid that can dish out a mean beatdown. River center is the most straight forward with
some maneuvering. Scouting is easiest on river right.
Black Rattle:
After Rocky Falls a meandering section of river, leads to a left turn. A long series of
standing waves and scattered boulders stretch approximately 250 meters down the
river. This is the Black Rattle. No scouting is necessary as you will be able to see all the
way to the flat section below. Some boulders turn into holes at high water.
Glode Falls:
About 1km down from Black Rattle is Glode Falls. As the river turns slightly to the right
the road appears on river right. A small series of waves and rocks leads into a ledge
where larger waves and holes are formed. Center-Right is the most straight forward
where most of the water flows and with sufficient speed all features can be punched
through. On river right there is a large boulder that looks like it forms a cool eddy to boof
into, although after looking at it from below, you will be able to see a piton rock hiding
just behind the boulder. It is known as Parrott’s Piton. This rapid will need to be scouted
as there is a fishing station set up on river left, and fishing gear can find it’s way into the
main current. Easiest way to scout is stopping on the shuttle drive as the road is next to
the river here. If on the water, getting out on river left and walking along the road is also
very easy.
Poltz Falls:
After Glode Falls a long paddle across flatwater, where snacks and good friends help
keep spirits high, leads you towards a narrow section of river that splits as it wraps
around an island. Both channels are fun yet quite different in character. River left is
more mellow, although there are two ledges along the island that create eddies to hop
into. They are similar to the Buggy Hole eddy move, but a bit smaller and more
forgiving. At high water the eddies can become sticky holes. River right has more water
flowing through it. Large standing waves and a few holes create fun features to either
punch through or play in. At the bottom, the two channels merge back together and the
river flattens out again.
Hemlock Run:
Two wide sections of river which are connected by a short burst of faster moving water
as the river splits and narrows around another island. Not much of a rapid to speak of,
but river right will be the shorter option.
Salmon Falls:
The second wide section of river will narrow again abruptly as it enters Salmon Falls.
More standing waves form and become rather large in size towards the end of the rapid.
At high water the river becomes quite confused as it flows out of the rapid, and can
easily catch out a paddler who has let his/her guard down too early. At lower water a
large boulder sticks out at the bottom of the rapid and should be paddled by on river left.
Island Falls:
Shortly after Salmon Falls, the river turns right and narrows again. A long series of
ledges and boulder gardens are split up by small islands in the river. As you enter the
rapid there is a standing wave on river right that is super fun to surf. Eddy access on
river right makes catching the wave fairly easy. Read and run your way down the rest of
the rapids that stretch for about 750 meters when including the last two ledges that take
you past Oak Island.
Salters Falls:
After you’ve paddled another section of flatwater, you will join up with road again where
it crosses a small tributary over a bridge. The river narrows and flows over three main
ledges. The first one leads into a large wave train where the paddlers with enough
energy left can grab a good surf. There is a boulder towards the end of the wave train
on river left that marks a large eddy where paddlers can take a look at the features
ahead. As the wave train flattens out the river drops over the second ledge. This ledge
is best paddled river center and the paddler should be ready to do some fast
maneuvering to avoid multiple large and sometimes sticky holes. Paddling past the
holes the last ledge creates a series of smaller and more confused wave trains. The
takeout is now just a few paddle strokes away.
At lower water this is a friendly river with only one rapid requiring some maneuvering, however at flood levels the river flows into the trees, and there are often trees that fall across the river creating significant hazards. Extra Care should be taken if it hasn’t been run in a while, or right after, or during flood levels. Scouting of blind corners should always be done. This river is also relatively remote, as there are few cottages along it’s banks, limiting access to help.
Access
Put-In – Full Run
Cornwall Rd Put in at the bridge, there is no parking available here, the private land owner who owns the driveway doesn’t mind if you put your boat in, but do not leave your car here.
Put-In/Take Out
Half Run McKay Bridge. There is a larger shoulder here to park one vehicle, you can either put in or take out here
Take Out
Full Run McKeen Rd. There is plenty of room for 2-3 vehicles here. The take out is at a large tree with a rope swing.
Named Rapids
Salmon Chute
The first drop of note on this run and should always be scouted. It currently has some sweepers just around the corner after the drop so care should be taken if you swim, to swim away from the sweepers. You can usually eddy out river right if you’re quick. This all changes when the river is in flood. After Salmon Chute there are a series of Class I / II Rapids before you come to McKay Bridge.
Just before McKay Bridge the river flattens out and has multiple paths. The first ledge after McKay Bridge has some fun play features at non-flood levels. After the ledges at Mackay”s bridge, there is a slow moving section that leads into Cabin Drop
Cabin Drop
Cabin Drop (fancy’s pool), which should be scouted to make sure it is still clear of debris is a strait-forward rapid. It is a center river smooth drop with fun pools and play waves below. There is a sneak route on the right if you want to avoid the larger waves. After Cabin drop there are a few Class 0/1 rapids before coming to the next named one.
Black Rattle
This rapid is hard to scout due to the treeline and comes up rather quickly as you are coming around a bend to the right. You go first river right over the first drop, but then immediately get river left, then center for the last part of the run. This is definitely the most fun run on the river, and takes some skill to line up as you can’t just let the river take you or you’ll be over some big ledges. When the water is high, the standing waves at the bottom are big. There are several places you can eddy out and play, but the current is strong when the water is high.
After Black Rattle the remaining river is Class 0/1 all the way to the take out.
Nova Scotia has several North Rivers but New Germany’s North river takes the prise…for sweetest North river I guess. When all of the creeks in the Cobequid Mountains run dry many river running and creeking enthusiasts set their sights on the North. This short but quality run has it all, big water, a great slide, creek lines, and some nice beat down potential at high water. The various forks and channels make for a “choose your own adventure” style run that is sure to please.
Hazards
The run starts off with a good sized rapid and a couple of nice holes to punch. Shortly afterward the river splits into two separate channels, the left more of a creek style slide and the right more of a river running scoot. Afterward the two channels reconnect before splitting again at the next drop. This time river right brings you to a tighter more technical section of small drops and boogie water while the left channel holds the runs crown jewel. On the left channel you’ll find one of the cleanest slides in the province that is good to go at almost all levels when run center left. The last rapid is a short ways downstream and has a hole in the middle that can dish out a mean beat down at high flows. Either than that is relatively straight forward. Take out after this rapid.
Low water– class III (Below 2.5)
High water class III+-IV
Although more of a river than a creek the North requires solid river skills and the ability to read more difficult whitewater. All lines should be scouted, and care should be taken especially during high water.
Access
Put In
North River The put in requires a decent amount of walking along a dirt road, so allow time for the hike in.
Take Out
North River Rd.. Take out on river left just before the bridge over North River rd.
Gauge
Anything below 2.4 on the gauge is likely extremely bony, and lacks sufficient water for the slide. As the water level rises the mid-sections will become less bony, but the rapids will also get more intimidating. 2.45 is a good level for a intro creek run.
Tidal race next to Corkums Island is surfable in a longboat just south of Lunenburg on the way to the Ovens Natural Park. The wave forms about halfway through the tide, and works on mid to spring tides. The small wave can be surfed by sea kayaks on the south side of the rock that splits the channel indicated by the location. The Blue Arrow is the direction of the current on the flood and points to the location with small standing wave.
Hazards
This is a very low risk tidal race that happens on the flood tide. If you swim it flushes to calm water inland. In the tide race the water is shallow so a helmet is a must and a tough paddle is recommended as you may hit some rocks.
Access
PUT IN
Next to Garrets Cove where the water is right next to the road provides the best access to this feature.
Gauge
Shortly after the tide starts coming in the waves should start forming up.
Media
16 - Roseway River
Indian Falls provincial park
Class: SURF
Length: Park’n’Play
Location: Seaforth NS
Character: Sheltered SE Point Break
Gauge: Surf Forecast
Contributor: Matt Delong, Karl Vollmer
Hazards
There are the remains of an old concrete structre just past Best Drop, especially at lower water levels, or when swimming these can present a hazard. Scouting is recommended.
After the cottage wave there is a Hydro dam that must be portaged around. make sure to give yourself ample time to exit the river before getting too close.
Below the powerline rapids there is often significant wood, and trees in the river so make sure to scout all blind corners before continuing.
Access
PUT IN
196 Bowers Rd make sure that you don’t block the small rural road with your vehicle, or park on someones lawn.
Just after the put in, this short rapid leads up to best drop, you can safely takes this on river right, with plenty of space for eddy turns, at higher water levels you can increase the complexity of this rapid by attempting to duck’n’weave through the larger boulders river center and river left.
Best Drop III-
Should be scouted, high water there’s a sneak route river left that becomes sketchy as water level drops. Main chute can be easily run strait center line or right a river-right lateral movement to jump into the eddy just below the falls.
Mill rapids II/III-
Nearly no consequence this small series of ledge drops of no more than a foot or two can be run almost any way river right of center, however above the last ledge you can practice a thread the needle by starting left, cliping the top wave and then catching the current towards river center / river right.
Cottage Wave II/III- (Park’n’Play)
This rapid is around a corner where the river drops over a smooth nearly river wide rock, it does create a small recirculation at the bottom of the rock, this has never proven to be highly retentive, but it can hold a boat for 1-2 seconds after capsize at lower levels, it’s easy to boof over, and at higher levels starts to turn into more of a wave and less of a hole.
Power line II
After Cottage wave you must take out before the NSPower Hydro dam, you can take out river left above it and walk around it. Putting in below it there is a small play wave river centre, it can be accessed via the eddy on river left via the very long seem, it can sometimes require a bit of practice to ride the seem all the way back to the centre of the river, this rapid continues until the Highway 103 Bridge. below the Dam the river will fork you want to take the far right channel first.
Stairway II
The rapids after the HW103 bridge, the river will fork just past the bridge, take the far left. There are sometimes small surfable waves with eddy access along this route, water level dependent, just keep your eye out and catch them as you can, none of them are road accessible and thus not listed as park’n’play, they are also primarily front-surfing only.
Harbour rapids II
Just before the Harbour the river will branch again into three sections, we take the centre branch as it has the most water, but there has at times been logs, or trees across this last section as it’s littered with rocks, so care should be taken and blind corners should be scouted especially after any flood events, or significant water level drops which may uncover previously submerged logs. This rapid is a series of wave trains, small drops and minor manoeuvring.