Colwells Wharf to Lower Musquash Island Lighthouse
Video
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

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.

Map
Trail Last Hiked: September 21, 2024.
Page Last Updated: December 28, 2024.