Hwy 533

[Ozzy30]

Has anybody driven the back road from Mattawa yet this year.  I was wondering if paved yet or still that limestone covering?

Thanks

[Fort Wisers]

We drive it all the time and have done the full length twice this month (June).

I'm assuming you're referring to the sections that were left as gravel for a bit after the flood?
Most of 533 is still as it has been for many years.
All the sections that got damaged by the flooding are now paved over (they did a nice job).

Hope that helps, safe travels.

[Greg]

I found last year, on the way to Kipawa, the corners and low spots were well paved but LOTS more gravel on straightaways - I had many rock chips on the boat surface which I wasn't to happy about - now the marks worked themselves out with all the water blasting on them, but still some evidence.

We took the full highway paved route through North Bay on the way home - and now knowing you feel it is the same as it has been for many years.. I know I am headed through North Bay in 18 days.

Thx!

Greg

[Fort Wisers]

LOLOLOL @Greg
Yes, pulling a boat through 533 is certainly an adventure.
We pulled our boat through there, on route to kipawa, a few times and it was always the longest part of the journey.

You have me wondering now if there is any gravel left, apparently my memory aint what it used to be.
I'll have to drive it again soon and report back but I BELIEVE the gravel is now all paved over.
But don't quote me on that, when I know we have to travel 533 the routine is usually to grab a coffee in Mattawa and take it easy on that stretch, I tend to worry more about the odd moose or logging truck than I do the actual road. That road has never been all that great, especially if you have something in tow. I'll try to find the time this weekend to make a quick trip up it and make better note from the perspective of towing something up.

If you ever do come up 533 again, and have the time, feel free to stop in to camp for a beverage.

[Ozzy30]

Thanks guys for the info. We are heading up the end of July this year but I am looking at getting a removable bar for my trailer hitch with flaps on it.  Friend of mine just bought one and looks like it would work really well on the gravel roads.

[Greg]

@Ozzy30  - if you have any, please post any info (where to purchase, picture, model #, etc.) of this removable bar with flaps.

I started a thread last year of options I was considering and I just let it go and didn't worry about it (... you know, life got in the way) and now I feel like I should have done something.

Thanks!

Greg

[Ozzy30]

I'm taking my son to hockey in Kanata Thurs and going over to princess auto where my friend got his, I will let you know what I find out.

[Fort Wisers]

Gents,
With the hot forecast this weekend we'll likely want to get out of the bush for a bit and take a drive, so we'll take a wander up 533 and send back a decent report earlier next week.
Sorry, I'm going by memory from the last couple of times I went up (early june) and I guess its obvious I didn't pay that much attention other than noticing a few repaired sections that got damaged during the spring flood.

Might save a long trip through the North Bay route.......
Cheers

[Captain Hali]

Just drove back on 533 this past Sat. the only gravel is what has spilled onto the edge of the road from drivers going too fast through the curves ( which is most of the Hwy. ) and spreading gravel onto the road . A number of curves have been re-paved recently and the rest of the road is in good shape.

[Greg]

Just FYI... the route through North bay is a much higher average speed (could usually do about 110km/hr verus doing 25km/hr in some of the tight corners and then accelerating up to 90 only to slow down again for the next 30km/hr or 40km/hr turn)...towing a big heavy boat, I much preferred the better, smoother and wider highways...

I found last year, that the difference was only 25 more minutes of driving time.   AAAAANNNNNDDDD, there is a Tim Hortons to stop into quickly in North Bay if you want a coffee or bio-break.

Personally, I would MUCH rather save the fiberglass on my newer boat - I'll be taking the North Bay route every time until I hear significant improvement (ie. it is pretty narrow in some places) has been done on 533 - as Captain Hali says, the gravel spilled on the road from drivers going fast through the curves is not going to go away soon.

Greg

[Fort Wisers]

Thanks for the update Captain......that was sort of the impression I had driving through the last few times.
IE: it was decent but it was still what 533 is.
When I mentioned that most of it was like it has sort of always been I just meant bumpy, twisty and full of potholes.
The gravel stretches were something new, as of last year I believe, that typically wasn't the norm on this road.

Personally, I normally enjoy the 533 drive as there tends to be less traffic, the scenery is nice, and the likely hood of seeing wildlife is greater.
BUT, that all only applies IF we're not towing.
If we were towing anything more then a small utility trailer I found myself looking in the rear view mirror constantly worried about if the item being towed had survived.
We've had a few close calls, one snowmobile trailer that almost got away on a slippery corner in the winter and some weld damage on the boat trailer just due to the potholes.
SO, if you have something of significance in tow, and regardless of the gravel, then I agree with Greg, the North Bay route sure is likely the way to go, and really not much longer in terms of drive time as he explained above.

If we still had the boat, I can't honestly say we'd still be pulling it through the 533 route, gravel or not.
Anyhow, now I'm just rambling, enjoy the nice weather everyone.....hot one this weekend!

Cheers

[Fort Wisers]

Back home for a few days and missing the camp routine already.....kids and I head back Monday.

Anyhow, although the Captain has already reported on this, I figured we'd report as well since I said we would.
With the given heat, finding reason to get out of the camp wasn't difficult.
We took a ride up to Timber lake to swim and take the canoe's out for a paddle.
As a result we traveled most of 533 and this time I paid better attention to the road conditions.
There are no graveled sections as there had been last summer.
The worst of the worst corners and pot holes have been either repaired or paved over entirely.

All in all, I found it to be in decent shape for what it is, it's still 533 so take it with a grain of salt, but it's certainly been worse.

[Greg]

Thanks Fort Wisers...

I picked up my new rock guard and am going to install it on the weekend - I am probably going to try the 533 next Saturday morning.

Greg

[Fort Wisers]

Hope it goes well, good luck!
Brent