Whitewater

Lower Credit River

Join me on this classic early spring favourite of Toronto area paddlers. We’ll catch the Credit in Streetsville and run down to the mouth at Port Credit.

The river is a delightful continuous Class 1 to 2 with lots big bouncy wave trains and play spots.There are loads of opportunities to practice easy ferries and eddy turns as we work our way down the river. However, downed trees over the winter can create sweepers, and participants need to be able to manoeuvre a canoe in moving water to avoid them.

As well, the water will be cold. You need solid basic moving water skills. A full wetsuit or a drysuit is required to participate (no exceptions). Boats should have air bags in them.

We'll have lunch on the river at a park near Dundas Street, so bring something to eat. We usually finish the trip around 3 PM.

Water levels; March 27, 24 the water level is 4.7m.  Predicting by March 29 the water level will be ~4.60m. .  I did the river in 2021 at 4.55m level and it was ok.

If you are looking for a canoe partner or canoe to sit in, let me know, and I will try and coordinate connected people with canoes with people looking for a canoe.  Send me an email or call me.

 

The Basics
Event Location: 
Lower Credit River, Streetsville to Port Credit
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, March 29, 2024 - 09:30
Registration Cut Off: 
3/28/2024 at 10 pm
Event Duration: 
1 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Solo and tandom whitewater canoes
Maximum Group Size: 
12 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
2 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We meet at the put-in at 9:30 am in Streetsville N43.5796, W79.7064

https://maps.app.goo.gl/1HNC1QJoBWWrMbmCA

Lunch on the river at Erindale Park N43.5485, W79.6553

https://maps.app.goo.gl/z7dwMFGtTpLHemTS8

Takeout at Port Credit N43.5507, W79.5879

https://maps.app.goo.gl/86SHcC1AkVmnza9A8

Required Items to Bring: 

Whitewater canoe or kayak. Wetsuit or drysuit. Airbags for canoe. Lunch/water

Recommended Items to Bring: 

For lunch, a thermos is recommended as weather can be cool.

Spare clothes in a dry bag, if you decide to swim some of the river.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

See Googlemaps Links

Carpool Info: 

We will coordinate at Streetsville putin on Friday morning.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
only sign up if you are 100% sure you will attend
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary Ataman
Phone: 
905-922-1434

Upper Salmon River, April 28

This is especially for those people paddling the Moira River, April 27, with Bill Ness. When finishing the Moira some of us will camp locally as we may as well make the most of being local to both rivers. Others are welcome to come just for the day.
Considering the lack of snow in the bush this winter we shall make a call on whether we can, in fact, paddle this river this year as the date approaches.
Normally this is a class II and III river so we are looking for people who have some experience. You must have a whitewater boat (plus a bailer) and you must have either a full dry suit or wet suit. The organizers of this trip will reserve the right to exclude you if you turn up unprepared. Please bring throw ropes if you have them.
Come prepared to have a good time, socialize, and be supportive of other people's experience.

The main intention for this trip is 'tandem practice' for those of us intending to undertake back country trips up north this summer. Solo paddlers will be welcomed too, should there be space in the group.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Upper Salmon River
Date(s) & Time: 
Sunday, April 28, 2024 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
Sat., April 21, 2024
Event Duration: 
one day, 6 hours
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
WCA members
Maximum Group Size: 
8 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
2 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We will paddle the length of the river and attempt all rapids available. We will begin at 10 am and be finished by 4 pm.

If you are camping locally the night before, or staying in a motel, please let the organizer know.
Also please let the organizer know who you are paddling with.

Required Items to Bring: 

White water canoe, an extra paddle, bailers, throw ropes, PFD's.
A proper wet suit or dry suit is mandatory.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Lunch, snacks, portable water?.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Put In: Gull Creek intersection with Arden Rd. (Hwy 15), east of Kaladar, Ontario. (44.590311, -76.997787)
Take Out: Woodcock's Mills Rd. intersection with Salmon River. (44.525543, -77.032063)

Carpool Info: 

Work this out on your own. A list of participants will be available a few weeks before.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
iori miller
Phone: 
please use email

East Branch Spanish River

The Spanish River is a Canadian Heritage River, that is supposed to have a little bit of everything for everyone. The East Branch will start out with some flat water and some swifts between lakes. And then it will turn into more of a river with some class 1-2 whitewater sections. There are portages if any of the rapids want to be skipped.
The geography of the area is classic Canadian Shield and boreal forest. The campsites are located on a mix of rock and sand. The river flows in the usual drop-and-pool style of Ontario rivers.

I have room in my canoe for one more, plus other boats are welcome. A group of 3 canoes and 6 people would be ideal.

The Basics
Event Location: 
847 Agnew Lake Rd, Webbwood, ON P0P 2G0
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, July 13, 2024 - 09:00
Registration Cut Off: 
06/13/2024
Event Duration: 
7 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Anyone who would like to join, whitewater experience is preferred
Maximum Group Size: 
4 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
2 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Day 1: Duke Lake to Ninth Lake 10 kms
Day 2: Ninth Lake to First Lake 20 kms
Day 3: First Lake to Athlone Rapids 20 kms
Day 4: Athlone Rapids to Cliff Rapids 25-30 kms
Day 5: Cliff Rapids to the Knuckle 25-30 km
Day 6: Knuckle to Reynolds Creek 16-21 kms (Including a short hike to check out the old growth trees
Day 7: Reynolds Creek to Agnew Lake Takeout 20 to 30 km.
Day 8: Back up day incase we get windbound on Agnew Lake the day before.

Required Items to Bring: 

Canoes that can handle whitewater. Lining rope, paddles, helmet, lifejacket. Food, Shelter.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Clothing, Stove, Whatever you normally take on a trip

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Put in Agnew Lake lodge into GPS and meet there for 9am. Might have to pay for parking. Once I know whose coming we can plan on if we drive to Duke Lake, or use an outfitter to go with us and drive our car(s) back. More information will follow as I would like to communicate with the group on the finer details once the group is determined.

Carpool Info: 

I'm coming from South Western Ontario if someone would like to join I have room for another canoe on my car, and 3 people.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Let me know if you can't make it after signing up so we don't wait around for you
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Nathan Pray
Phone: 
5194101589

Spanish River - West Branch

Gauging interest in some solo boaters to run the Spanish River from Sinker Creek to Agnew Lake the first week of June.

This is a WW trip and there since it is early in the season water levels should be high and cold and will require participants to be comfortable paddling in pushy moving water. Interested paddlers should be self-sufficient, laid back, and adventurous.

We will be taking the train from the Sudbury area up to Sinker Creek and getting a shuttle back to the train station at the end of the trip.

Please contact me directly if you're interested!

The Basics
Event Location: 
Spanish River - West Branch
Date(s) & Time: 
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
May 21st
Event Duration: 
5 nights on the river
Difficulty Rating: 
Advanced
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Adventurous self-sufficient people!
Maximum Group Size: 
6 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
2 boats
Itinerary
Required Items to Bring: 

WW Equipped Boat
Drysuit/wetsuit
Backcountry camping gear

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Sense of humor and adventurous spirit.

How to Get There
Carpool Info: 

I will be driving from SW Ontario and have the capability to carry two canoes and gear for two people

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Please don't.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Dave Tyler
Phone: 
5199391603

Mississagi River 2024

We are looking for some more people to join us on the Mississagi River in August.
We will be departing Spanish Chutes on August 23rd, spending 8-9 days on the river, and coming off the river on Aug 31st/Sept 1st.
There will be a vehicle shuttle involved.

This is an intermediate trip involving lake, river, and some whitewater paddling. It is a remote river, with not a lot of traffic, so participants need to be comfortable in the backcountry and self-sufficient.

Interested paddlers will be vetted and final decision for participation is up to the coordinator.

A couple of good descriptions:
https://youtu.be/r9vQt-h7UbQ?si=O4Ii8McqsEWRTaE8
https://tripreports.voyageurtripper.com/mississagi-river-spanish-chutes-...

The Basics
Event Location: 
Mississagi River
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, August 23, 2024 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
July 20
Event Duration: 
9 Days +/-
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Adventurous self-sufficient people!
Maximum Group Size: 
4 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
2 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

August 22 - Travel day, meeting at Aubrey Falls, dropping off vehicle(s) and shuttling to Spanish Chutes (night #1)
August 23 -31 - on the river
Sept 1 - Shuttle and travel home

Required Items to Bring: 

Good attitude
Suitable Canoe
Backcountry camping gear

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Suitable shuttle vehicle

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
August 5
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Dave Tyler
Phone: 
5199391603

Moira River

On a spring day, the Moira River north of Belleville provides a fun paddling trip from Lost Channel to Latta.

The river provides a great opportunity for good novice moving water paddlers to move up to an intermediate level river. I've moved the trip forward a couple of weeks from my usual time expressly to make the the run more novice-friendly with more places to practice without consequences and warmer weather if you do swim.

We'll meet at Chisholm's Mill at 9:30, do a car shuttle, and then warm up the easier lower section down to Latta. The rapids are not difficult; just a fun rollercoaster ride, with some surfing waves and eddies to catch along the way. We'll go back to Chisholm's for lunch at the cars, and then do a shuttle to run the more technical and challenging Lost Channel section. We should finish up around 4:00, and then we traditionally hit the nearby Maple Dale Cheese store along the highway for ice cream and cheese. (Real Canucks can buy cheese curds here for homemade poutine.)
 

Please note that as at the time of posting the river levels and weather cannot be predicted, the date could be changed if levels are not suitable or the weather is inclement. I like to play, and float along chatting with people. My idea of a fun outing isn't paddling in cold rain muttering to each other "don't worry, we'll soon be finished if we hurry." So if you sign up, you needn't worry that you are committing to a survival exercise-just a fun day.

 

The Basics
Event Location: 
Moira River, north of Belleville
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, April 27, 2024 - 09:30
Event Duration: 
1 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Maximum Group Size: 
8 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We'll meet in the parking area by the river across the bridge from Chisholm's Mill at 9:30. Full day's itinerary is above.

Required Items to Bring: 

Whitewater canoe with flotation.
Wetsuit or drysuit. The water will still be chilly.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Your lunch can stay in car. Just bring any snack or drink that you may want for the morning or afternoon runs.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Take Exit #544 north (HWY 39) from Hwy 401 at Belleville. Coming from the west, the exit is right after you go over the Moira River. Go north to the village of Roslin. Turn right onto Shannonville Rd. Go about 2 km and you will see the lumber mill and the river. Go over the bridge and turn right into the parking area.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Bill Ness
Phone: 
555-123-4567
Email: 

Lower Credit River--Changed to Washago Black River

Due to low water levels this season, we will have to cancel this outing on the Lower Credit.

As an alternative, we will go to the Washago Black River.

Last minute registrations are invited.

Note that this trip is suitable for experienced novices or better as long as you have a wetuit/drysuit as the water is very cold.

For details of the trip, see my description on my May 4th posting for the Black.

https://wildernesscanoe.ca/node/2985   Paste into browser address if link doesn't work.

We meet at 11:00 at the bridge over the river.

 

 

The Basics
Event Location: 
Black River near Washago
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, March 30, 2024 - 11:00
Event Duration: 
1 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Itinerary
Required Items to Bring: 

The following are mandatory. Whitewater canoe or kayak. Wetsuit or drysuit. Airbags for canoe. If you show up without a suitable boat or cold water/weather protective clothing, you cannot join us.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

For lunch, a thermos is recommended as weather can be cool. We will eat lunch on the river.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Please see itinerary description above.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Bill Ness
Phone: 
555-123-4567
Email: 

Black River at Washago

The Black River empties into Lake Simcoe south of Washago. There is a fun short section from the HWY 169 bridge crossing to the next concession road crossing to the west where the river loops around through many small rapids separated by flat sections. The section ends with an optional more challenging technical chute, followed by a Class 2 rollercoaster ride. This is an ideal spot for budding moving water paddlers to get some experience, and practice ferries and eddy turns. I'm happy do give informal pointers, and we're in no rush. The section of river is short enough that if you get cold or wet, you can quickly paddle out. However, if you want to work the section, you can play all afternoon. As a bonus, we meet at 11:00 so you don't have to haul yourself out of bed early to get there. We'll also finish around 3:00, so plenty of time to get back to the family dinner. Bring a lunch and we'll eat on the river. As the water will still be cold, you will need a dry suit or wet suit. This is a relaxed day of paddling play & practice on a fun, forgiving stretch of river.

 

The Basics
Event Location: 
Black River South of Washago
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, May 4, 2024 - 11:00
Event Duration: 
1 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Anyone wanting an easy, relaxed day on the river, especially new moving water paddlers who want to get some good practice.
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Please see description above.

Required Items to Bring: 

Whitewater boat with air bag flotation. Drysuit or wetsuit. Bring a lunch in your boat as we will stop to eat on the river.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Those coming from the eastern GTA will take HWY 48 north to HWY 12. Then north on 12 to just past the village of Brechin, where you exit right onto HWY 169. Follow HWY 169 north for about 10 minutes to where the Black River goes under the highway.
Those coming from the western GTA will go north on HWY 400 to Barrie, and then continue north on HWY 11 to the exit for Washago at the north end of Lake Couchiching. Exit right onto HWY 169 and follow it south to the river.
For a signpost, look for Black River Wilderness Park on the west side of the highway. The park is just north of the river.
We put in on the northwest side of the bridge across the Black. Then, we do a quick 5 minute car shuttle to the bridge at the first concession road to the west.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Bill Ness
Phone: 
555-123-4567
Email: 

Lower Madawaska Day Trip - 9 June 2024

Day trip down the Lower Madawaska River from Aumond Bay to Buck Bay. This is a beautiful section of the river, with mostly Cl II rapids, suitable for novice-intermediate paddlers.
Water will be high and cold; Wet/Drysuit highly recommended. Should take about 4-5 hours

Put In:
From Quadeville, travel South on Hyland Creek Rd. approx. 15km on gravel and look for the Aumond Bay sign on a minor road on the right. The road has a civic address of 4001 Hyland Creek Rd. Continue 1 km to a small parking area.
Take Out:
Travel South on Hyland Creek Rd. for 13km to the Buck Bay sign. The civic address is 2859 Hyland Creek Rd. Continue 1km to a parking area. Walk around the gate and 400m down to the water so you can identify the take out from river level.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Aumond Bay, Madawaska River: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z6kjqRv2rR8TCChy6
Date(s) & Time: 
Sunday, June 9, 2024 - 10:30
Event Duration: 
5 Hours
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Anyone with strong novice paddling skills and above.
Maximum Group Size: 
12
Minimum Group Size: 
4
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Arrive at location and prep boats. Shuttle vehicles to Buck Bay. Paddle, lunch, paddle. Take out at Buck Bay.

Required Items to Bring: 

Wet/Drysuit, helmet, PFD, paddles, whitewater boat with outfitting and floats, closed toed shoes, safety equipment.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Lunch, water, warm clothes, sense of adventure, positive attitude.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z6kjqRv2rR8TCChy6
Put In:
From Quadeville, travel South on Hyland Creek Rd. approx. 15km on gravel and look for the Aumond Bay sign on a minor road on the right. The road has a civic address of 4001 Hyland Creek Rd. Continue 1 km to a small parking area.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Please let me know if you cannot make it, so that we do not wait around for you.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Joe Tobin
Phone: 
6136181437

Lower Madawaska Day Trip - 8 June 2024

Day trip down the Lower Madawaska River from Aumond Bay to Buck Bay. This is a beautiful section of the river, with mostly Cl II rapids, suitable for novice-intermediate paddlers.
Water will be high and cold; Wet/Drysuit highly recommended. Should take about 4-5 hours

Put In:
From Quadeville, travel South on Hyland Creek Rd. approx. 15km on gravel and look for the Aumond Bay sign on a minor road on the right. The road has a civic address of 4001 Hyland Creek Rd. Continue 1 km to a small parking area.
Take Out:
Travel South on Hyland Creek Rd. for 13km to the Buck Bay sign. The civic address is 2859 Hyland Creek Rd. Continue 1km to a parking area. Walk around the gate and 400m down to the water so you can identify the take out from river level.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Aumond Bay, Madawaska River: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z6kjqRv2rR8TCChy6
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, June 8, 2024 - 10:30
Event Duration: 
5 Hours
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Anyone with strong novice paddling skills and above.
Maximum Group Size: 
12
Minimum Group Size: 
4
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Arrive at location and prep boats. Shuttle vehicles to Buck Bay. Paddle, lunch, paddle. Take out at Buck Bay.

Required Items to Bring: 

Wet/Drysuit, helmet, PFD, paddles, whitewater boat with outfitting and floats, closed toed shoes, safety equipment.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Lunch, water, warm clothes, sense of adventure, positive attitude.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z6kjqRv2rR8TCChy6
Put In:
From Quadeville, travel South on Hyland Creek Rd. approx. 15km on gravel and look for the Aumond Bay sign on a minor road on the right. The road has a civic address of 4001 Hyland Creek Rd. Continue 1 km to a small parking area.

Carpool Info: 

I’m coming from Renfrew, so happy to help out anyone along the way. If you need a ride and/or have capacity to carpool, please let me know and I will try to facilitate once people sign up.
Shuttles to/from take out will be arranged on the ground.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Please let me know if you cannot make it, so that we do not wait around for you.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Joe Tobin
Phone: 
6136181437
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