The Albany river flows from its headwaters at Lake St. Joseph and Lake Osnaburgh all the way to James Bay, a 792km length. Historically, part of a trading route frequented by both the Coureurs des bois and the Voyageurs, that ultimately reached all the way to Lake Winnipeg. During that time several trading posts were established along its route. There are a number of First Nation communities throughout the Albany watershed basin.
HOW TO GET THERE
Take highway 599 which begins at Ignace on highway 17 and runs north 137 kilometres (85 miles) to Savant Lake and a further 150 kilometres to Lake Osnaburgh. Logistically, it may be convenient to park at Savant Lake (a Via Rail train stop) and arrange a shuttle or fly-in to the put-in, returning by train from Armstrong. Alternatively, your trip could begin in Wabakimi Provincial Park, accessing the Albany via Rockcliff Lake and the Misehkow River. Of course, to shorten the trip, a fly-in or fly-out could be arranged. There are outfitters on both Hwy 527 and 599 providing flight services.
OUR ROUTE MAPS
We now offer two routes that include, perhaps the most interesting 200 kilometre section of the Albany and which end in Wabakimi Provincial Park to the South. Both leave the Albany at Gowie Bay and follow the Attwood River and Witchwood River to Whiteclay Lake, with a choice of endings from there.
|