Canoe Annapolis County

Route 21 – East Branch Medway River

Record #: MCA0387
Last Modified: 11 Apr 2019
Last Full Update: 08 Feb 2018

Comments

Public Bulletin This route is NOT recommended for NOVICE and INTERMEDIATE paddlers. 
Additional access from Route 4: Milford Lakes into Route 7: Hendry Lake.

Location

Located In Annapolis County
Where To Find Us
Access: Bridge at headwaters to the East Branch Medway River
West Dalhousie
Areas Served Annapolis County ; South Shore Region

Contact

Website annapoliscounty.ca/community-recreation/waterways-water-access/canoe-annapolis-county/474-canoe-annapolis-county-route-21-east-branch-medway-river
E-Mail dryan@annapoliscounty.ca
Phone 902-665-5010
Contact Debra Ryan, Recreation Manager

Description & Services

Information This route is NOT recommended for NOVICE and INTERMEDIATE paddlers. 
 
The route is comprised of the East Branch of the Medway River, the Medway River proper, and Port Medway Lake.  
 
Although there are a number of stillwaters along the river, the majority of the route is a series of “drop pools” connected by rips, runs and falls. Navigating these sections requires a high level of technical whitewater skills and safety consciousness. Navigability is affected dramatically by water levels, and is generally limited to spring and fall.  
 
River canoes equipped with air bags are recommended. Inspection of runs for obstacles and reading of water prior to navigating is also recommended. The route is recommended for EXPERT paddlers only. 
 
The river was traditionally used for log driving, and evidence of this activity can be seen in old dams and sluice-ways, and runs cleared of rocks. These old dams and sluice-ways must be approached with caution, as many iron bolts, spikes and other hardware are embedded in submerged timbers near them.  
 
The river flows through the former Bowater Mersey’s Medway District, now Crown lands, where logging activity may be encountered, and the Medway Lakes Wilderness Area, where vehicle access is restricted. 
 
The area is not developed, and offers the experienced paddler an opportunity for exciting paddling in a remote setting. 
 
Click HERE for launch location(s), map and route details.
Trail or Water Route Map

Special Information

Tags Active Transportation ; Annapolis Valley Connect ; Canoe/Kayak ; Maps ; NS Trail Guide ; Outdoor Recreation ; Recreation Categories ; South Shore Connect
Categories - General Canoeing ; Kayaking ; Maps ; Recreational Rivers