June 10, 2012 - Heritage Paddle and Gatineau River Celebration

It was a glorious sunny day, although a bit windy. Paddlers from various points on the Gatineau River from Wakefield to Cantley paddled kayaks and canoes to La Grange de la Gatineau. Others came by land to join the festivities in celebration of Canadian Rivers Day. The tone was set by local musicians playing traditional music. Displays included historic Gatineau River photos and maps, Cantley 1889's exhibit of traditional logging tools and historic artifacts from Gatineau River, and the "Sacred River: A short history of the river" artistic exhibit. Multi-media artists from "L'art de l'ordinaire" were on hand, demonstrating and displaying their art. A pontoon boat escorted passengers to nearby Phillips Island where biologists presented examples and information about local wildlife, birds, flora and fauna. More than 150 people gathered at the end of the afternoon for a raftsmen's supper. This was a highly successful family event organized by Cantley 1889, Friends of the Gatineau River and the Gatineau Valley Historical Society.



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