Beginner-intermediate-expert
300 miles long
Rapids – class I-V
Access – drive in, paddle in, fly in
The Berens River starts modestly in a weed-choked marsh just west of the height of land that separates the Berens watershed from the Albany River watershed. Although currently in a state unchanged and untouched since the glaciers retreated, these two river systems are among Ontario’s most threatened Rivers with logging and road construction to start in the not too distant future in and around their headwaters. The Berens grows quickly from a modest meandering stream to a river of incredible power and might as tributaries such as the Serpent and Throat Rivers feed its volume. Moose, woodland caribou, bear and most animals and birds that inhabit the boreal forest can be seen frequenting its shores. As you approach the river mouth you can also expect to encounter the bird with North Americas second longest wingspan – the white pelican. A fishery of great quality also awaits those who take the time to wet a line.
The Upper Berens consists of long channels broken by powerful falls, rapids of which a few are runnable, and beautiful sparkling lakes. Unmaintained portages are old, mostly short and seldom trodden by man, as they should be on a truly wild river.
Eventually the Upper Berens ends tangibly at Berens Lake. It is here the river changes character and becomes a pool and drop system of picturesque rock rimmed lakes interspersed with a few channels of whitewater, which is typical of rivers flowing into the eastern shores of Lake Winnipeg. Downstream of Berens Lake is the village of Pikangikum, one of several First Nations communities along the way. These also include Poplar Hill, Little Grand Rapids and Berens River. At Family Lake the river divides into two parts the southern portion becomes know as the Pigeon River, the northern portion remains known as the Berens River. From its headwaters to its mouth, trading posts to pictographs the Berens River is a wonder to explore and experience.