Magpie river

A justifiably renowned multiday classic, the Magpie is a great outing for the intermediate to advanced paddler. There is some good fishing on the first part of the river as well!

After waving goodbye to the float plane, you are on your own for several days of fantastic paddling. There are several companies that run rafting trips, a good option if you have reservations about the paddling skill needed to push a loaded boat on a large powerful river.

There are detailed maps in the FQCK Magpie Guide, but be aware that this resource also describes the Magpie Ouest as well. You will be starting part-way down at the end of Lac Magpie.

To get to the take out; The usual take out is on river right, just above the dam. There is road access through a gravel pit to the west of the bridge in Magpie. To avoid 5 km of flat water and portages around the final gorges, there is an alternative access used by some of the rafting companies on the left bank. For up to date info on this alternative finish, check with the rafting companies.

To get to the put in; Lac Magpie is reached by float plane, either from Sept-Iles or Havre-Saint-Pierre (Labrador Air Safari, 418-538-3866 or 418-962-4639). Flights from Havre-Saint-Pierre are cheaper. The flight in a Beaver (4-5 people and gear) was $1090, and an Otter (5-6 people and gear) was $1600 in 2016.