Salmon River Wilderness Route

North of Grand Lake, near Chipman, and about a 50-minute drive from downtown Fredericton, the Salmon River offers a great wilderness paddle and is one of the Wolastoq Watershed’s Signature Routes. Because of the distance and the sometimes rugged carry-in launch sites, this route is best suited for more adventurous intermediate paddlers. It also requires a two-vehicle shuttle, but it’s worth the effort to travel through New Brunswick’s deep forest on a gentle, consistent current. It’s flatwater all the way, with just a few riffles and no significant rapids.

This section of the river is divided into three paddling segments. Those up for a longer day paddle can start upriver at Castaway, travelling 13 km down to a Route 123 highway lay-by, just 500 m past the mouth of the Gaspereau River.

It’s another 7.5 km downstream to the easier take-out at Steward MacLeod Park for the second leg. Most paddlers will exit at this lovely park. From the park, the final leg is just another two kilometres to the Chipman Marina.

The route can be paddled easily in all but the worst drought conditions. Despite the remote feel, you’re never too far from riverside cottages and friendly locals. The south side of the river is entirely forested, so keep an eye out for deer and even the occasional bear. Beaver and muskrat are common, and there is abundant birdlife.

Route Type

Signature Route

Seasonality

All Seasons

Difficulty

Beginner-Intermediate

Community

Grand Lake

Route Length

21.8

Key Highlights

Community: Grand Lake
Route Type: Signature Route
Number of segments: 3
Difficulty: Intermediate, some riffles, no significant rapids.
Total Distance: 23 km
Seasonal Information: All-season, spring until late fall. In times of excessive drought, the Castaway option may become shallow in places.

Castaway to Route 123

From Castaway, the paddle travels almost entirely through wilderness, with just a few cottages and farms along the northern side of the river. The south side is fully forested, creating a wonderfully remote feeling trip despite Route 116 running just a few hundred metres from the river.
About 7.5 km into the paddle is Eagles Rest Campground, accessible via a steep set of wooden stairs from the riverbank. It’s possible to camp here and run the river, but be prepared to carry your boat down a long set of stairs.
Between the campground and the mouth of the Gaspereau River, the south side of the river becomes more agricultural, with additional cottages.
From the Gaspereau River to the lay-by at Route 123 is just 500 m. Paddlers will encounter mostly flatwater, with just a few sections of mild ripples, but no significant hazards or rapids.
- Eagles Rest Campground

Route 123 to Stewart McLeod Park

Paddling from Route 123 to Stewart McLeod Park is only 7.5 km, but it offers spectacular opportunities to explore side backwaters about 3 km into the route. There are several chances to venture into these wildlife-rich areas, and it’s well worth taking the extra time to explore.
This segment features slow-moving flatwater throughout, with no hazards.
At 4 km, the river splits into two channels. It’s best to stick to the main left-hand channel unless water levels are high and you are confident it’s possible to continue along the right-hand channel.
Most paddlers will choose to take out at Stewart McLeod Park. It’s a beautiful spot and a great place for a picnic lunch. It also offers a spectacular loop paddle that shouldn’t be missed.
The Grand Lake Municipality offers kayak and canoe rentals from the park.
- Stewart McLeod Park

Steward McLeod Park to Chipman Marina

- Stewart McLeod Park

Nearby Amenities

Grand Lake Rentals at Stewart McLeod Park (kayaks & canoes)