Bastien Creek Spring

## Overview Bastien Creek Spring is a public drinking spring located along the scenic Highway 17 corridor in Papineau-Cameron, Ontario, just south of the historic town of Mattawa. Situated in the heart of the Ottawa River valley — a region shaped by ancient glacial activity and rich in natural groundwater sources — this roadside spring has served as a convenient stop for travelers and locals alike. The area surrounding Mattawa, where the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers converge, has long been significant as a fur trade route and gathering place for Indigenous peoples, and the abundance of natural springs in the region is a testament to the area's deep geological heritage of Canadian Shield bedrock and glacial till aquifers. The spring emerges near Bastien Creek, a small waterway that feeds into the broader watershed of the Ottawa River system. Visitors have historically used this spring as a source of fresh drinking water while passing through the area, and it has been reported to offer clean, cold water year-round. ## Directions 1. From the town of **Mattawa, Ontario**, head south on **Highway 17** (Trans-Canada Highway). 2. Travel approximately **5–6 km south** of Mattawa. 3. Watch for the spring on the **northeast side of Highway 17** (the left side if heading south from Mattawa, the right side if heading north from North Bay). 4. The spring is located near the road at GPS coordinates **46.306536, -78.629565** (close to the 4102 Highway 17 address marker in Papineau-Cameron). 5. Pull off safely onto the shoulder or any available turnout to access the spring. ## What to Expect Bastien Creek Spring is a roadside spring, making it easily accessible directly from Highway 17 without the need for a hike or trail. The spring is situated on the northeast side of the highway in a lightly wooded area typical of the Canadian Shield landscape — expect mixed forests of birch, pine, and spruce framing the site. As a natural groundwater spring, the water tends to run cold even during the warmer months. While visitors have reported the water to be good drinking water, conditions can change seasonally, and no official water quality testing results are publicly available for this site. Those collecting water should be aware that spring conditions may vary, particularly during spring snowmelt or after heavy rainfall. The stretch of Highway 17 between Mattawa and North Bay is a popular route for road-trippers and outdoor enthusiasts heading to Algonquin Provincial Park or Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, both of which are nearby. Bastien Creek Spring makes for a refreshing stop along the way. The area is especially beautiful in autumn when the surrounding hardwood forests put on a spectacular display of fall colour.