Little River - Indian Lake Route | Wolastoq Watershed Paddling Network

The 15 km paddle down the Little River and into Indian Lake covers a variety of landscapes and is a spectacular journey. Starting at the bridge over the Little River on Route 10, the route goes through deeply forested areas in an almost canyon-like setting that opens into a magnificent wetland area before entering Indian Lake. Across the lake is the take out at Sand Point Road. If you time it right, the sunsets at Indian Lake are often glorious. This route requires a two-car shuttle, but the drive between is quick and straight forward. The area is generally part of the Grand Lake Meadows, which is one of the greatest wetlands in North America and features a host of waterfowls. Indian Lake is home to nesting loons. If you’re lucky and spot them, their call is unforgettable. This seldom-paddled route starts just 30 minutes from Downtown Fredericton.

Route Type

Great River Run

Seasonality

All Seasons

Difficulty

Intermediate

Community

Grand Lake

Capital Region Rural District

Route Length

15.7

Key Highlights

Community: Grand Lake; Capital Region Rural District
Route Type: Great River Run
Number of segments: 1
Difficulty: Intermediate due to length of route, with twisting, flowing water with the odd riffle, but no major rapids or hazards.
Total Distance: 15 km
Seasonal Information: All-season, spring until late fall. In drought or late summer conditions, the first 500 metres of the route could require some short hauls over sandbars.

Little River Route 10 Bridge to Sand Point Road

This a great wilderness adventure paddle. You’re likely to have the route to yourself. A set of field binoculars will come in handy for watching for wildlife. The route starts with a nicely flowing current, twisting with gentle riffles from the bridge. After about 500 metres, the current lessens and the river flows through thick forests and around small islands. The next section is several kilometres and truly spectacular as the paddler passes through a stunning valley with steep walls, in an almost canyon-like setting. Eagles and osprey patrol the area. Paddling through, there are no access points to the river and a sense of remote wilderness, but Station Road is just up over the valley wall. After 5 km through pristine wilderness, the route enters the spectacular wetlands at the northeast end of Indian Lake. Eagles, osprey, ducks, cormorants, and loons are common here. The sheer number of waterfowls in the area is amazing. It is 4 km through the wetlands to get into Indian Lake, about 10 km into the journey. It’s here that paddlers sometime encounter the nesting loons, at the mouth of the channel, into the Lake. It can occasional be windy on the final stretch across Indian Lake up through The Narrows to the Sand Point Road take out, but this is easily countered by following closely to the shoreline rather than crossing the middle of the lake.

Near by Amenities

Country Lane Bed & Breakfast in Lakeville Corner, off Macquapit Lake on the Fulton Island Loop.