Little White River: Highway 639 to Little White River Lodge (3 days / 34 km)

This trip report outlines a 3-day paddle down the Little White River. An exciting river filled with many twists and turns, swifts and class I-II rapids depending on the water levels. There is a road that runs closely along portions of the river so many, if not all, of the rapids, can be portaged along the road or by lining the canoes. There were four of us plus an Australian Sheppard named Dutch on this trip and we paddled the Little White River as part of a 10-day trip exploring the Algoma region, Sault St. Marie, Chippewa and Lake Superior. The second part of the trip was car camping along the coast and rock climbing.

Trip Completed: September 2021

Summary

Starting Point: Just north of where the 546 and 639 highways intersect. The turn-off is on the left just before a bridge that crosses the Little White River. Coordinates: 46.6589, -82.81744.

Ending Point: Little White River Lodge on highway 546, Coordinates: 46.56523, -83.01568.

Total Distance: 34 km

Number of days: 3 days

Number of Portages: 1

Difficulty: Intermediate

Location

This route is located in the Little White River Provincial Park, a non-operational provincial park located in the Algoma region North of Iron Bridge and Elliot Lake. 

Traditional Territory:

Maps and Resources

Maps: Topographic map on Avenza: 041J07, Iron Bridge

We had the opportunity to drive the road which runs close to the river prior to planning the trip.  We gained a lot of insight into the characteristics of the river which are detailed in this trip report.

Campsite Reservations: N/A – All campsites are first come first serve

Permits: No permits required.

Outfitters & Shuttles 

Outfitter: For this particular trip, we borrowed a friend’s canoe. There is one outfitter in Elliot Lake that would be able to provide a canoe or you could pick up a canoe at an outfitter in the Sudbury area.

Shuttle: We did a self-shuttle for this route, leaving one car at the put-in and o...