Thanks for sharing this. I spent 4 seasons working in bush camps in this exact area and have paddled the Nagagami. Its gorge looked like it would be a hoot to run in a solo or kayak but the rest of the river I wouldn’t consider a white water paradise. Ive always wanted to go back and run the Shekak just because I spent so much time so close to it. The area is beautiful rolling jack pine and white spruce country full of small rivers and creeks.
The author does a good job selling the area but there are a few things to note.
1. I would consider these rivers seasonal runs and can run out of water pretty quickly. I was through there August long weekend this year and there was no you could float a boat. It’s a very well drained area. East of Hearst and Kapaskasing is the total opposite.
2. When water levels are prime, the bugs are horrendous, worse than anything I’ve seen anywhere else in the country. Even the artic. There is so many creeks and rivers in the area, it’s black fly paradise. Think seething masses. It’s quite spectacular.
3. Hearst is very French, and a blue collar logging town, and not all that friendly to outsiders. It’s safe enough, and I’ve walked down the streets late at night in an altered state many times, but you definitely don’t get that warm fuzzy feeling in the shops and restaurants. That said, Johns Place on its main drag is the best restaurant north of North Bay. I’ll take the double cheeseburger platter, fries poutine style, large Greek salad and a milkshake please!