Panier 0
 

A festival dedicated to the preservation of rivers

 
16-PG-130-2.jpg
 

The Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival – What is it?  

The Festival above all is a weekend of fun on the majestic Gatineau River. For 25 years, hundreds of paddlers from the four corners of Quebec, Ontario and the United States have made an annual pilgrimage to Maniwaki to participate in the Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival. With the enthusiasm of our sponsors, volunteers and, most importantly, that of our participants, the Festival has established itself as a ‘happening’ among the most important of its kind on the continent.

Whether you are an experienced high-end paddler or if you have never set foot in a whitewater boat, we have the means to get you on the river. All you have to do is get here. We’ll look after the rest!!!

 

When ?

 

August 23, 24, 25 – 2024

 

AUGUST 2024

Where ?

 

211 rue Henri-Bourassa, Maniwaki

 
 
 
 

 
 
2011 - PG - FEVHG (46).jpeg
 
 

Title Sponsors

Branchaud_NewLogo.jpg
 
 
2017 - CB - FEVHG-hires-0422.jpeg
 
 
2018 - Jonathan Samson - 26082018-_MG_9584_2.jpg
 

Registration

Information on the river

The Gatineau river is not a river for beginners. There are many class 4 rapids and, depeding on flow, a few class 4-5 rapids. It's Éric Leclerc from the Guide des rivières sportives du Québec who describes it best :"The majority of rapids are class 4 and 4-5, but there is always an easier passage, usually class 3. This section is therefore accessible to well-supervised intermediaries.". Also, for all class 4 or higher rapids on the Haute-Gatineau River, there is a portage trail.

Here is a description of what a class 4 rapid can be: "Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended."

Please take into consideration the description presented above, your skills and experience before deciding to register for the Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival.

Four other relevant informations

Child packages are for humans 15 years old or less.

Taxes are included in the prices.

For other details or any other questions, see our frequently asked questions section.

When done, click the cart icon on the upper right corner of the screen to proceed with payment.

The cart and checkout pages are in french only. Our web site provider doesn't allow us to translate those two pages. If you have any trouble going through the process, drop us a line at info@gatineau.org and we'll gladly help you.

FESTIVAL (2 DAYS)

AN - 2 jours - Adulte.png
AN - 2 jours - enfant.png

HALF-FESTIVAL (1 DAY)

AN - 1 jour - Adulte.png
AN - 1 jour - enfant.png
 

RAFTING

Rafting makes the Gatineau river accessible to everyone.* Only one thing is necessary to take a rafting trip down the Gatineau river: a taste for thrills!!! Once again this year, it's the Coopérative Aventures Matawin that takes care of rafting trips at the Festival.

For more information, don't hesitate to contact the Coopérative Aventures Matawin directly:

By clicking on the images below, you will be redirected to the Coopérative Aventures Matawin website where you will be able to purchase your rafting trip

Rafting the Gatineau river

** The purchase of a rafting trip includes : **

  • One trip down the magnificent Gatineau river (3-4 hours)
  • The gear (helmet, pfd and paddle)
  • Shuttles to and from the river
  • A professional guide

** Build your weekend **

You have the possibility to add to your experience, the meals (two breakfasts and Saturday's supper) as well as camping and access to all the facilities and activities of the Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival. You could even decide to take a rafting trip on Saturday, another one on Sunday, meals and camping and live the full Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival experience !!!

*Rafting is a sport activity of moderate intensity. Participants must weight at least 90 poinds.

 

 
2018 - Jonathan Samson - 26082018-_MG_9188.jpg
 

 Festival Timetable

Friday

Evening schedule

5pm-10pm -

Registration

9pm-10pm -

The Reel Paddling Film Festival

10pm-??am -

Campfires

2016 - PG - IMG_1032.jpeg

Saturday

Day schedule

7am-9am -

Breakfast

8am-9am -

Registration

9am-12pm -

Shuttle service to put-in

1pm-5pm -

Return shuttle service

Evening schedule

4pm-7pm -

Gear Swap

6pm-7pm -

Supper

8pm-9pm -

Auction and door prizes

9pm-??am -

Music and campfires

Sunday

Day schedule

7am-9am -

Breakfast

9am-11am -

Shuttle service to put-in

1pm-4pm -

Return shuttle service

2012- PG - FEVHG 2012_6.jpeg

Collaborator Sponsors

 
 
 

Major Sponsors

 
2011 - Pascal Girard - FEVHG (250).jpg
 

Frequently Asked Questions



The Upper Gatineau Whitewater Festival – who’s it for?

 

The obvious answer is that ‘it’s for paddlers! But we do try to offer something for all levels of skill and experience including…

  • the main 9 km run, on the Gatineau River between Maniwaki and Bouchette. This run is for whitewater paddlers with their own boat and equipment.
  • a park & play under the covered bridge at Grand Remous, the infamous ‘Guelle du Lion’, for high-end paddlers.
  • rafting... no experience no equipment necessary.

For details concerning these four options, go to the "River" page (Coming soon...).


How do we determine the cost of your weekend package?

Back to the questions

Our goal is to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our rivers. We think the best way to achieve this is by maximizing participation at the Festival and we do this by minimizing the ticket price of the weekend pass as much as possible. To this end the contributions in goods and services of our sponsors and the efforts of our dedicated team of volunteers are invaluable.


What is included in the package?

 

The festival pass includes:

  • Shuttle buses for Saturday and Sunday
  • Saturday and Sunday breakfasts
  • Saturday evening dinner
  • A tent site on the Festival grounds
  • Access to all our facilities and activities
    • Washrooms in the high school
    • Showers in the high school (Note – hot water is rarely available)
    • Additional ‘Johnny on the Spots’ on the grounds and at put-in and take-out.
    • The Reel Paddling Film Festival
    • Friday and Saturday nights campfire
    • Music and dance floor on Saturday night

Does the Festival make a profit?

Back to the questions

It is imperative that we cover our costs and a small profit allows us contribute to river preservation funds as well as ensuring the future of the Festival.


Where does the profit go?

 

Half the profits are donated to two entities:

  • Canot Kayak Québec for the Rivers Preservation Fund
  • The Foundations Rivières

Can I save some money if I’m not interested in the complete package?

Back to the questions

We offer two alternatives: single day and a no Saturday supper package.


What is the supper menu?

 

Included with all the options:

  • Vegetable soup from the valley (products from a farm in the region)
  • Traditional coleslaw
  • Rotini salad with vegetables (tomatoes, olives, peppers and parsley)
  • A dessert that remains to be determined...

Meat option:

A beef burger (3/8 lbs of dead beef, lettuce, tomato, cheddar and condiments of your choice)

Vegetarian option:

A Vegetarian burger (carrot and chickpea patty, lettuce, tomato, cheddar and condiments of your choice)

 
 

Sponsors

 

Title Sponsors


Collaborator sponsors

 
 
 

Major sponsors


Regular sponsors


Official Media


The Upper Gatineau whitewater festival would also like to thank the following organisations for their help.