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Exploring New Brunswick One Paddling Route at a Time

Kennedy Lakes Natural Protected Area

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Colwells Wharf to Lower Musquash Island Lighthouse

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Quick Facts

Features historic wharf, lighthouse
Access boat launch
Route Difficulty easy
Water Body Type river
Current Type minimal
Route Type linear
Route Distance 1.9 km
Portage Distance none
Estimated Time 2 hrs return
Elevation Change 3 metres
Scenery Rating beautiful
Cell Reception medium
Fees none

Description

Note: These waterways are fairly well protected by surrounding trees but wind conditions can still drastically vary the speed and difficulty of your trip. Please plan accordingly. Wind can be especially strong near the mouth of Washademoak Lake

Channel between Colwells Wharf and the Lower Musquash Island Lighthouse on the Wolastoq (St. John) River

From Colwell’s Wharf, head downriver to the left. The channel is wider than the channel to the right, but it is still tree lined, which provides some protection from the wind. Boat traffic is heavier because this channel provides access to Washademoak Lake. After paddling for 1.5 kilometres, Washademoak Lake opens up on the left. It can be windier here if the wind is coming off the lake. Just past the opening is Hog Island, and just past Hog Island is another opening onto Washademoak Lake. In the past there has been a black tern colony on Hog Island. The grassy island makes a great place for wildlife viewing.

Across from the first channel into Washademoak Lake, look for the Lower Musquash Island Lighthouse. This small lighthouse on stilts was used to mark the entrance to the channel when viewed from Washademoak Lake. Check out this video from our visit to the Lower Musquash Island Lighthouse.

For a longer adventure you can continue down the channel for 6 kilometres to where it meets the main channel of the Wolostoq (St. John) River. Go around the corner to the right and you will soon come to a narrow channel that accesses Lower Musquash Island Lake. It is about half the distance to access this lake from the Queenstown Wharf on the other side of the river, but coming from this direction means you don’t have to cross the main river channel and navigate boat traffic.

Sunset over the channel between Colwells Wharf and the Lower Musquash Island Lighthouse near Washademoak Lake

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Gallery

Lower Musquash Island Lighthouse Route Gallery

Directions

For directions to Colwells Wharf go to the Colwells Wharf page.

Boat Launch at Colwells Wharf on the St. John / Wolostoq River

Trail Last Hiked: September 21, 2024.

Page Last Updated: December 28, 2024.