Matapédia Highlands

The Matapédia highlands form part of the forested Appalachian country between the St. Lawrence and Chaleur Bay. The Matapédia River runs through their valleys to join the Restigouche, while a portage from the head of Lake Matapédia reaches toward the St. Lawrence shore. Mi'gmaq families of the Restigouche used this route for travel, hunting and fishing. In 1824 two Mi'gmaq guides led a traveller up the river, across the lake and over the forest path to the northern coast.