Montreal

Been paddling the Montreal Canyon for quite a few years now, I guess it would be considered my home run. It is a great whitewater resource for just about everyone and offers challenging yet manageable rapids. The scenery alone would make the trip worth it. Access is currently via a steep set of metal stairs behind what usually appears to be a locked gate. Many if not just about everyone who has ever paddled here is hoping for slightly more friendly access in the future. A barrier to more frequent use is the lack of dependable summer rain events to bring flows into boatable levels. Often the river won't see many days in the green between Memorial and Labor Day. I'm hoping that the relicensing of the dams immediately above and below this stretch of river can include recreational releases in summer. The current takeout at highway 122 is well-marked via a large sign on river left. Parking is pretty much pulling off the highway and can fit a few vehicles. There is an ideal grassy landing style takeout just downstream of the bridge on the right side of the river and it can accomodate many more vehicles. It is typically behind a locked gate, however the gate could move just a bit and it could stay locked while still providing improved takeout access. This is another aspect of access that I and others are hoping can be included in the reliscening and improved upon.