Flatwater

Trent-Severn Canal Trip - FEB 1st, TRIP IS FULL

As of February 1st this trip is full.

This trip is a 'followup of the trip I did last year (June 2023) on the Rideau Canal. The participants on that trip enjoyed it enough to ask me to organize another canal trip ... so I'm posting for June 2024 on the Trent-Severn Canal.
Presently it looks like this: Saturday June 1st - everyone gets their canoes and gear to Lock #45 Port Severn on Georgian Bay. We would do the shuttle that day (move most of the cars to the take out) and camp at this lock. We will begin paddling Sunday June 2nd, and paddle the canal for nine days. We will take out in Lakefield on June 10th. Camping throughout will be at the locks of the canal and cost 5.25/person/per night. Lake Simcoe can be a bit of an obstacle for canoeists (I have prior experience with this) and I am looking to arrange a shuttle of everything around the Lake (Atherley to the lock #41 at Gamebridge).
I have a home in Lakefield and, as such, it is a convenient place to end the approximately 200km trip. I will be able to park a bunch of cars in Lakefield over the course of this trip.
Much of the details of this trip will be worked out in the coming spring.
I will paddle the entirety of this trip. Anyone wants to join me for All, or parts, of this trip is welcome (if you only do a part you will have to work out your own shuttle). It IS a WCA trip so you must sign up and sign the waivers involved, regardless. As the trip leader I reserve the right to ensure that all aspects of the trip are safe, and that all the canoes and gear used is adequate to complete the trip safely.
Some will wish to organize their own food for the trip. Many of us will organize and share the meals together.
If you are someone who has been on one or two day trips but have never done a back country wilderness canoe adventure, then this is the trip for you to take a step in that direction. While it is 'glamping' in comparison, you will see how it is done as we will be self sufficient for 9 days on this trip.
Disclaimer: We may take in a pub meal or two along the way as this route affords that opportunity at the end of a day!

The Basics
Event Location: 
Trent-Severn Canal, Ontario
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, June 1, 2024 - 12:00
Registration Cut Off: 
May 15th, 2024
Event Duration: 
10 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
WCA members and guests
Maximum Group Size: 
7 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
1 boat
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

See description above. Averaging 25 km/day (18 to 29). Camping at the locks. Bathrooms available at the locks.

Required Items to Bring: 

Canoes and personal camping equipment. Details to be worked out as a group ahead of time.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Definitely rain gear, one PFD/person, one extra paddle/boat, and all canoes is GOOD working condition. Good maps for this route are already prepared and copies will be available for the cost of printing them.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

T.B.D

Carpool Info: 

T.B.D

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Please just be considerate and give adequate notice.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
iori miller
Phone: 
please email me

Gala on the Grand - FULL!

I am proposing to organize a paddle day on the Grand River, followed up by a dinner Cruise by Grand River Cruises. In the past people have organized a Grand River Paddle followed up by a wonderful BBQ afterwards, but it appears 'nothing is in the works' for this, this year, so i am proposing upping the ante a bit and going for a nice river boat cruise meal after a day of paddling. Sure, we'll all be sunburnt (hopefully a sunny day!????????), and maybe a little ripe, but we'll be sitting as a group and so NO PROBLEM for us!
The details:
You can google Grand River Cruises to see their boat, their menu and pics of the rivers.
The Cruise starts at 5, so presently I propose we paddle from Glen Morris to Paris. Its 10 km, generally easy paddling, bring a light lunch, we take out at 3pm and make our way to the Cruise launch. I am looking to get at least 8-10 people to do this. The dinner and Cruise is $75 (probably plus taxes). There are no bookings left for the size of group I'm proposing (sorry this was a last minute idea) for Saturdays in June to I'm proposing to do this as a Sunday event. Preferably Sunday June 18th (if that doesn't work, let me know if you'd be interested in June 25th).
If I get enough interest ... as in 10 people ... I will book the spots on the Cruise ship and proceed to work out the fine details of the canoe paddle that day.
If I get more interest, I will try to book more spots, too.
Preferably you have a partner in mind already, but if not, I will try to match people up. I suggest you have something better than a Kevlar boat, something a little more durable like a whitewater boat ?? as the Grand can be a little low in summer. But don't worry, as I have paddled it a lot and I know most of deeper routes.????
You must get in touch with me asap as the spaces on the Cruise ship will disappear quickly. If I get 8 people (myself included) I will make the booking right away, and then ask you to email transfer me the cost of the booking right away.
You can also rent boats at Grand Experiences (115 Grand River St N, Paris, ON - 888-258-2441) if you don't have one of your own.
Another possibility, you get yourself a hotel in the area so as to make your day less stressful when the Cruise is over.

This is a novice event. Your do not have to have white water skills for this ... although the Grand in this region does have a few swifts.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Grand River - Glen Morris, Ontario
Date(s) & Time: 
Sunday, June 18, 2023 - 09:00
Registration Cut Off: 
June 1, 2023
Event Duration: 
One day
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
WCA members and their friends
Maximum Group Size: 
7 boats?
Minimum Group Size: 
4 canoes
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Meet at put-in by 9am sharp. Shuttle - half an hour. Paddle and light lunch ending at 3:00. Shuttle and be at the Cruise dock by 4:45.
All details are tentative. I will firm them up once we actually know that there is a group interested.
Put-in: Parking lot beside the river in Glen Morris
Take-out: Parking lot near dam, east side of river near the dam in Paris.

Required Items to Bring: 

Must have a canoe, 3 paddles per canoe, PFD's, a light lunch, rain gear.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

I suggest a Change of clothes for the 'Gala' dinner after our day of paddling. It will be a lot cooler than the day.

A healthy appetite.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Specific details to follow once you have signed up and paid the monies required.

Carpool Info: 

TBD

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Once you have paid, you're aboard, so to speak. If we have a waiting list and you wish to withdraw .... we can talk.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
iori miller
Phone: 
please use email

Easy Backcountry-Restoule P.P.

Suitable for seniors. Easy put in. Short paddle to site. Base camping. Explore area via boat. Nearby hiking trails.I paddle two small kayaks. I am not a canoeist. BYO boat, food, gear, etc., etc. Pay fee at office. Meet at access point on Stormy Lake at noon. Motor boat traffic on lake. Crown land with cottages in the area.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Restoule PP
Date(s) & Time: 
Monday, June 26, 2023 - 12:00
Event Duration: 
3 nights
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Seniors preferred
Maximum Group Size: 
3
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

See description

Required Items to Bring: 

See description

Recommended Items to Bring: 

See description

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Hwy.11 north to Trout Creek exit. Exit 301. Left on 522 to 524. Right on 524 to 534. Left o 534 to Restoule PP

Carpool Info: 

NA

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Sharon Hutton
Phone: 
Text 519 993 1476 Landline after 4pm 519 855 9919

FULL Minesing Wetlands Adventure: Willow Creek Launch to Edenvale

EVENT SIGNUP IS FULL; please contact organizer (Tom Connell) re wait-list or confirmation. This one-day 18km trip will take us down the Willow Creek into the heart of the Minesing Wetlands (designated internationally significant), through an often flooded silver maple forest, and onto the Nottawasaga River, ending up at Edenvale Conservation Area. Scenery is highly dependent on water levels, which can very greatly depending on the time of travel and spring runoff. You may need to get out and pull your boat at some places in the heart of the wetland.

The Basics
Event Location: 
George Johnston Rd, Minesing, ON L0L 1Y0, Canada 44.422132, -79.823497
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, May 6, 2023 - 09:00
Registration Cut Off: 
Friday, May 5th, 2023
Event Duration: 
One Day
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
WCA members, etc.
Maximum Group Size: 
Currently at limit
Minimum Group Size: 
2 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Gather at Willow Creek Boat launch, and unload boats and gear. At 9:30am, shuttle cars to Edenvale Conservation area. Parking fees at the boat launch can be paid using a mobile phone app (MacKay Pay). Aiming to be on the water by 10am.

Required Items to Bring: 

-- Standard safety gear for your canoe
-- Appropriate footwear for getting out in shallow spots or pulling over logs
-- Lunch / drinks / snacks for trip
-- Seasonally appropriate clothing, to deal with wind/rain/cold/wet.
-- Be prepared to improvise for bathroom needs; firm ground is sporadic

Recommended Items to Bring: 

-- Sunscreen / bug spray
-- GPS / compass
-- Masks for car shuttle

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

2302 George Johnston Rd (Simcoe County Road 28), about 2km south of community of Minesing, ON L0L 1Y0, Canada
44.422132, -79.823497

Carpool Info: 

Car shuttle will take vehicles to Edenvale Conservation Area on Highway 26 (44.453896, -79.902065).

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Event will occur rain or shine; reassess day before if weather is awful
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Tom Connell
Phone: 
00000

The Rideau Canal - Kingston to Ottawa! Or parts thereof.

"From May to October, the canal is open as a 202 km-long navigational waterway for boaters and paddlers. This historic lockage system and UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of 29 individual locks, and facilitates travel up and down the canal through many remote environments and townsites." I have paddled the entire length of the canal 1.5 times. This May I am organizing a paddle for WCA members. There is an article in the Nastawgan ('Tripping Ontario's Two Great Canals') that was published in the Fall of 2022, on my adventures on the Rideau, and the Trent Severn Canal. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04PjIiLpqdA) This is a sort of 'glamping' trip, ideally suited for flatwater paddlers who might wish to try a long trip for the first time, without the stress of back country camping. All nights on this trip will be either at the Rideau canal's locks on nicely mown grass, or in a proper campsite such as exists at a Provincial Park.

The Basics
Event Location: 
The Rideau Canal, Ontario
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, May 27, 2023 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
May 20,2023
Event Duration: 
10 days (see Itinerary)
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
All WCA members and their friends
Maximum Group Size: 
8 boats/canoes
Minimum Group Size: 
1 boat
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We will paddle from Kingston, all the way to Ottawa, ending at the last locks which sit just above the Ottawa River. More than likely we will do a short portage with canoes up to do a photo opportunity with the Parliament Buildings in the background.
While we will plan to cook our own food along the way, and share in a lot of the meal preparation, but we will also take the opportunity to sample some of the food at restaurant/pubs that are accessible along the way.
As the occasion approaches we will work out a 'functional' itinerary. TBD
** It is possible to ride every lock just like the power boats. But that adds an extra cost (they charge by the foot, and its best to buy a pass. Personally, I skip this as I need to get out and stretch ... so I portage most of the locks. Occasionally the lock masters/people who work the locks just let you through for free.

Required Items to Bring: 

All your own canoeing and camping gear. Be prepared for cool nights and the occasional rain storms. As this is a flatwater trip there is NO need to bring a heavy whitewater canoe. If you are portaging all the locks a Kevlar boat is best.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Bring cash/debit card for camping costs ... its $5/night/person at the locks. The few nights at the provincial parks will be more. I will give more details as the time approaches. I will have maps available for people that I can copy if anyone wants their own. Cell coverage is pretty decent ... google maps works most of the time. Bring a charger ... there are outdoor plugs at a lot of the Lock stations.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

TBD

Carpool Info: 

TBD

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Just let me know, please, a reasonable amount of time before the trip.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
iori miller
Phone: 
contact me via my email

Lower Don River - Past, Present and Future

This will be a journey through time, as we assess the current state of the Don River, look at signs of its past, and get a sense of what the future holds. Sponsored by the WCA Conservation Committee, this outing will put-in at Corktown Commons and proceed north up the river to the area of the Prince Edward Viaduct (a distance of just under 3km). Shallows and minor current towards the north end of the route will influence how far up-river we proceed. We will then return to Corktown, and take a look south towards Keating Channel to see what's going on with the Portlands renaturalization and flood protection project.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Corktown Commons, Toronto
Date(s) & Time: 
Sunday, October 23, 2022 - 08:30
Registration Cut Off: 
10/18/2022
Event Duration: 
Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Anyone interested
Maximum Group Size: 
5 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
2 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Meet at 8:30am at Corktown Commons at corner of Mill Street and Bayview Ave (southern point of Bayview). Various on-street parking options are available. Portage canoes under rail line, approximately 300m to put-in location off Lower Don Trail. Head-off to north by 9am. Aiming to be back to Corktown Commons by noon (no car shuttle required!).

Required Items to Bring: 

Standard safety gear for each boat and seasonally-appropriate clothing.
Footwear appropriate for stepping out of canoes, depending on water levels up river.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

- snacks and water
- rain gear
- Don River lore

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Meeting point is Bayview Avenue at Mill Street (43.652842N, 79.353135W)

Carpool Info: 

Participants can come to arrangements as event approaches.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Event will occur rain or shine; reassess day before if weather is awful
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Tom Connell
Phone: 
xxx-xxxx

Trent-Severn Canal: Buckhorn to Lakefield

An easy paddle of a section of the Trent-Severn Canal, to give people a taste of this 'clamping' paddle-holiday adventure. If you haven't done any serious tripping/back country camping this is a wonderful opportunity to have a taste of it with some people who have quite a bit of experience. The camping on this trip is easy and comfortable ... and A LOT CHEAPER THAN GOING TO A PROVINCIAL PARK!????

The Basics
Event Location: 
Buckhorn to Lakefield
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, September 9, 2022 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
Sept 7, 2022
Event Duration: 
2 nights, 2 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
WCA members and friends
Maximum Group Size: 
4 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
One (me!)
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

I was planning a few days solo paddling on the canal and a friend suggested I open it as an opportunity for others to get a taste.
Presently I am planning to make it three days. I will begin Friday (Sept 9) from Bobcaygeon to Buckhorn (28km) and camp there. Saturday (Sept 10) I will paddle from Buckhorn to Lovesick Lake Lock (10 km) and camp there. Sunday (Sept 11) I will paddle from Lovesick Lake Lock to Lakefield (22 km).
Anyone wishing to join can either start with me at Bobcaygeon for the friday paddle, or just meet me at Buckhorn on the friday night and only paddle the saturday and sunday part of my trip.

Required Items to Bring: 

All your own normal tripping gear: tent, sleeping bag and pad, rain gear!!!!, canoes, paddles, PFDs, sunscreen, sunhat!!, etc.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Camera, some cash, a sunny disposition.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Meet either at the Bobcaygeon lock or the Buckhorn lock according to when you want to join me.

Carpool Info: 

We will work this out once I know who is coming. I live in Lakefield ... just a 5 minute walk from the takeout so we will coordinate the carpool according to how many people come.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
None. Just let me know asap!
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
iori miller
Phone: 
Please use email

Quetico -- Last of the Summer

Twelve days in the Park, catching the last of the summer. Water levels are relatively high, and the bugs are gone. There are fish. The portage crews have been through. The park had about 14 % burn last year, but there are currently no fires in the park. The plan is to seek the virgin forest in the park. From Baptism Creek to Baptism Lake to Cache, a rather long portage; if water levels are high, Cache River; if not, another long portage to McKenzie. Then over to Shan Walshe and back up through Kahshahpiwi/Chatterton and out through French.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Quetico
Date(s) & Time: 
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 - 07:30
Registration Cut Off: 
08/24/2022
Event Duration: 
12 nights in the park
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Quiet strong types and anyone else who can pretend to be one.
Maximum Group Size: 
3 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
2
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Meetup at French Lake; Plan is to head in from Baptism Creek. Skirting newly burnt areas, the trip will visit the Virgin forest of Shan Walshe Lake, the old pines which survived the recent burn. Tentative: Baptism, Trouser, McKenzie, Kawnipi Lake, Agnes, Shawn Walshe, Kahshawpiwi, Sark, McDougall, Chatterton, Sturgeon, Lonely, Walter, Jesse, Maria, Quetico and out at French.

Required Items to Bring: 

It can get chilly in early September in Quetico, particularly when it rains. So it is important that cool weather gear be brought, although some summer conditions are also expected. Boats, paddles, food etc.. as per back country; there are rentals available near the park.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Fishing gear is a plus.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

French Lake is on Highway 11, about 14 hours from Toronto. Thunder Bay airport is possible, shuttle is possible for one or two with my car, or can be arranged with local outfitters It's an hour and half from the Park. There is a campground on French Lake, where a night can be booked before the trip. Cars are left there.

Carpool Info: 

Possible from Toronto for one or two. Gas is about 700 return, split however many ways.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Martti Paloheimo
Phone: 
416 882 1420

Temagami Calling

We will leave from Mowat Landing, at the end of Mowat Landing Road, off Highway 11, 68 kms North of Temagami.
A short portage around the dam on the Montreal River takes us into Lady Evelyn Lake. The plan is to paddle down the East arm of Lady Evelyn Lake and camp on the lake. The following day we will portage into Sugar Lake and camp there for 2 nights. Day three will be a day trip into adjoining lakes. Day 4 we will portage back out to Lady Evelyn Lake and camp one more night before ending at Mowat Landing on Friday.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Lady Evelyn Lake, Sugar Lake
Date(s) & Time: 
Monday, August 22, 2022 - 10:00
Registration Cut Off: 
August 15, 2022
Event Duration: 
5 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Curious paddlers comfortable in the backcountry.
Maximum Group Size: 
4 canoes or 9 people
Minimum Group Size: 
1 canoe
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Participants are welcome to spend Sunday night and eventually Friday night as well at my farmhouse outside New Liskeard.
Equipment, breakfast, and dinners on the trip will be shared.
Lunch meals are your responsibility.

Required Items to Bring: 

PFD, paddle, tent, sleeping bag and mat,
Clothing, including rain gear
personal items

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suit!
Camera, a book

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

To view the proposed trip, see The Adventure Map Temagami 1, Northeast
Parking at Mowat Landing is free as is camping on Lady Evelyn and Sugar Lakes

Carpool Info: 

Depending on interest participants will be encouraged to carpool and pair up to paddle.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Together or solo, the trip is going ahead!!!
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Cynthia Sherwood
Phone: 
416-285-8638

Minesing Wetlands GeoPaddle IS FULL

Geo Paddling the Minesing Wetlands from Willow Creek Canoe Launch to Edenvale Conservation Area

Canoeing/ kayaking combined with geocaching during the trip.
I love paddling this area in the Spring time especially with the flooded forest portion.

Geocaching is/was my lifesaver throughout this Covid season and it give me positive feedback and mental satisfaction. I have explored up to 40 new rivers/ and lakes with geocaching and mostly solo paddling

Geocaching is game like treasure hunting, finding tupperware in the wilderness using satelittes.

it can be downloaded on your phone as an app, you can also check the https://geocaching.com website. It is for free, but for $35 a year you have more access to more options.

Water levels and scenery varies a lot from year to year. Having a GPS helps a lot. Plus now combining this with geocaching it will be way more interesting

The Basics
Event Location: 
George Johnston Rd, Minesing, ON L9X, Canada 44.422132, -79.823497
Date(s) & Time: 
Sunday, May 15, 2022 - 09:30
Registration Cut Off: 
Friday 13 May 2022
Event Duration: 
1 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Maximum Group Size: 
10 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
1 boat
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

gather at Willow Creek Boat launch, unload gear, Shuttle carsto Edenvale Conservation area
Parking fees are there now, which can be paid with a parking app on your phone.
This is how we did it last year.
But things could change from year to year.

Required Items to Bring: 

canoe/kayak - there is space for one other person in my canoe.
safety gear for your canoe.
Sturdy shoes or boots for when you have to get out of the canoe/ kayak when it is shallow or wihen there are beaver dams/ logs
Lunch/ drinks / snacks for trip
sunscreen / bug spray
being prepared that there will be no option to go to a bathroom - i have stood on a log to urinate in the middle of the swamp
masks for car shuttle

Recommended Items to Bring: 

GPS
pen

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

George Johnston Rd, Minesing, ON L9X, Canada
44.422132, -79.823497

Carpool Info: 

from Willow creek Canoe Launch on George Johnston Road to Edenvale Conservation area on Hw 26

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Emmy Hendrickx
Phone: 
0000
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