The Rupert River is one of Quebec’s ten largest rivers. The Waskaganish Cree village is situated at the river’s mouth.

Rupert River takes its source in Lake Mistassini, which is the largest natural lake of the province. Its waters flow 763 km (473 mi) downstream, until the river merges into Rupert Bay, which is located within the great James Bay. Rupert River’s watershed covers an imposing 43,400 square km (16, 752 sq. mi).

Upstream, at the mouth of Mistassini Lake, Rupert River is formed by a succession of lakes, which contain an impressive number of small islands. This creates the feeling of being in a real maze. Rupert Bay, which is situated at the South-East end of James Bay, is the coast’s largest indentation, as its mouth is 16 km (10 mi) wide and enters 32 km (20 mi) inland. In addition to Rupert River, the Nottaway, Broadback, and Pontax Rivers also flow into Rupert Bay.

Rupert River has an average flow of 900 cubic meters per second. The river contains many raging rapids, such as the Kaumwakweyuch Rapids, which are located near the James Bay route commonly known as the “Oatmeal Rapids.” These rapids are the perfect destination for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts, especially since Rupert River is passable throughout all 763 km (473 mi).

Let us delve briefly into the history of Rupert River. In 1668, Médard Chouart des Groseillers, a Frenchman working for the British government, travelled to the river’s mouth in the hopes of overcoming the French’s control over the fur trade industry. Des Groseillers christened the river in Robert de Bavière’s honour, who was also commonly known as Prince Rupert. De Bavière was the instigator of Des Groseillers’ expedition and had also financed it. Des Groseillers established a fort at the river’s mouth, which later became the trading station “Rupert House.”  It is the Hudson Bay Company’s oldest fur trading post, and it is on the banks of Rupert River that the Hudson Bay Company flourished. Today, the Waskaganish Cree village is located on the same grounds as this historical landmark.