Adventures for Wilderness, Amisk Adventure Paddling the Sturgeon River – Jul. 15, 2023

July 15, 2023

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Photos and text by Lindsey Wallis

Led by Kirby England

 

We met at Rural River Rentals near St Albert, where we were able to rent canoes and put them in the water right from the shop! The channel we paddled down was full of bird song and the gentle lapping of water against our boats. Kirby pointed out a number of beaver lodges, day lodges and slides, as well as a couple of dams we had to navigate to make it a real adventure.

The heavy smoke meant when we floated into Lois Hole Provincial Park and Big Lake we could barely make out the far shore. But it did give a very atmospheric tinge to the day and our photos as we paddled past islands of bullrushes!

Lunch was enjoyed on shore at Riel Park before we continued along the river through town, where we were treated to an up close look at an enormous beaver castle (above). Kirby also showed and gave us a whiff of a scent mound and discussed how trappers use these to their advantage.

With a small city surrounding the river, there were a few sites to visit and discuss possible coexistence projects that could be undertaken. These would allow the beavers to thrive without damaging infrastructure.

We pulled out of the river in the late afternoon and enjoyed a cold drink at Kingswood Park.