Lower Portage
The Lower or Third Portage, marked by the green line on the above map, is really no longer a recognizeable trail other than at the original trailheads. The shallow water and numerous rocks that necessitated the original portage, especially for the mammoth Canoe d'Maitres - almost thirty feet in length, still require lining and wading in several locations. However, the current waterway is manageable for most comtemporary paddlers and is the preferred route rather than carry though a subdivision, across Lakeshore drive, and a driving range to reach the river again.
Starting at the north end of the trailhead, the river turns sharply from east west to north south, and runs over sharp, shallow rocks just below and old Mill site. Wading or lining with good foot wear is appropriate. Billy Bobs appears river right just before a small waterfalls under Lakeshore Drive and is the standard stop for fish & chips and a cold drink on La Vase Portages Canoe Day each summer. The rocks come and go as you work towards the backside of a golf course - watch out for flying golf balls as you paddle by, shortly after which you will reach the deeper water at Lake Nipissing water level. About a half an hours further paddling will bring you to Lake Nipissing itself.
James Woolford, 1876 "First Portage on Little River"
The bend in the river pictured at left is still easily recognizeable to anyone crossing the same place nowadays on the Kate Pace bike path bridge that crosses La Vase River about a mile upstream from the Lake Nipissing mouth. Many golfers would also recognize it as it marks the end of a present day driving range.