Centre Acadien, Université Sainte-Anne

The Annual Canoe Trip – In 1973, a group of canoe enthusiasts, including Jean and David Melanson and 5 or 6 others, decided to take a canoe course. Upon their return to Clare, they decided to organize a little canoe trip in the region.

Clare, with its many lakes and rivers, seemed the ideal place for such an excursion. For two days, they followed the flow of the rivers and crossed lakes, spending the night in a friend’s cottage.

After this first memorable experience, the Canoe Trip grew in popularity and became an annual event, attracting many athletes, even from more distant regions through word-of-mouth. It is estimated that the number of canoeists surpassed 800 in the 1980s. Even today, there are around 300 to 400 participants each year.

Today, this 40-km long route requires two (quite short) portages and crosses six lakes and several stretches of rivers. It begins in Concession near the old CJA (Colonie jeunesse acadienne) and ends at the Salmon River Bridge, almost reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Trip participants are sure to face many challenges with some difficult passages, as illustrated in this photo, but above all, it is an unforgettable experience with friends and family.

Topic: Sports and Leisure

Date: 03 April 1991

Reference: CNÉ Collection Centre Acadien Folder March-91

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