Exploits River

"The Exploits." The name itself hints at daring, intrigue, drama and undaunted spirit. Springing from the wild heart of an ancient, rugged island, flowing 246 kilometres north-east to the sea and draining an area of 1,100 square kilometres, the Exploits is Newfoundland's longest river. It is also its most famous, known for its Atlantic salmon, now free to run the river's length ; its big game - black bear, moose and woodland caribou; its natural resources - minerals, forests and hydroelectric power; and its mysterious, mournful history as the final refuge of the desperate, dying Beothuk. Near the banks of the Exploits, thick stands of spruce and fir continue to feed the valley's historic newsprint mill. On its waters, whitewater rafters and canoeists ride its rapids and riffles, and in the Bay of Exploits, where the river meets the sea, sea kayakers paddle their way among icebergs, islands, and the majestic, haunting beauty of Newfoundland's northern shore.

Focus on Flooding: The Badger Disaster of 2003
The February, 2003 flood that destroyed homes and businesses, contaminated water and sewer systems and caused the evacuation of Badger, on the Exploits River, may be the worst disaster in the town's history. Click here to Learn More.