The North Missisquoi River

The North Missisquoi River flows within traditional Abenaki lands and provides delightful aquatic outings by kayak or canoe. 

Source: Action Memphré-Ouest (AMO)

Others prefer stand-up paddleboarding

Source: Station O’Kataventures (Mansonville)

You are now on ancestral Abenaki land! “Wazowategok,” which means “the river that turns around” or also “silex water [flint]” is the name the Abenaki gave to the meandering river you are gazing upon. The toponym “Rivière Missisquoi” was officialised in 1968. For thousands of years, the river provided native populations with a means to travel between lakes Champlain and Memphremagog to carry out their hunting and gathering activities.

Some 144.5 km long, the river originates in Lake Champlain. Its first 35 kilometres are entirely on US soil. Then, after a sharp turn nicknamed “Fiddlers Elbow”, it crosses the border into Quebec for some 24 kilometres.

Today, locals and tourists appreciate the river’s sedate current and enjoy a variety of water sports such as kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. Station O’Kataventures of Mansonville offers water equipment rental and a variety of excursions on the North Missisquoi River. 

Stop and enjoy the river’s quiet and take a health break on its shores. Are you not tempted to dip your sore feet in its cool waters?