Whitewater

Saugeen/Maitland, FULL

Day paddles on the Saugeen and Maitland Rivers.
Depending on levels,
April 1st, Saugeen River, Priceville to Durham, intermediate run, one needs to keep an eye for sweepers and strainers around each bend.
Approximately 30km.
April 2nd, Saugeen River, Lobies Park, Walkerton to Access #7. 21km
April 3rd, Maitland River. Ball’s Bridge to Benmiller, and, or Benmiller to Goderich. Benmiller to Goderich requires 2.5 level and is rated class 3 on paddlingmaps because of some of the features. Ball’s Bridge to Benmiller is a great paddle odd swift and ledge. Mainland run can be decided closer to date.

The Basics
Event Location: 
9:30 at put ins
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, April 1, 2022 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
March 20, 2022
Event Duration: 
One to three days
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Paddlers
Maximum Group Size: 
Ten
Minimum Group Size: 
Two
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Since these are day trips with simple shuttles, paddlers can show up for 9:30 prepared with gear and packed lunch. We will try to prearrange shuttling plans so as to expedite the process.

Required Items to Bring: 

Proper equipment, PFD, helmet, whistle, throw rope, dress accordingly. Good humour!

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Good river running canoe. Wet suit or dry suit, water will be cold. Snacks, water. I do have an extra NC Royalex Prospector if someone needs to borrow it

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Priceville, little park by river on Artemesia Street north of 4.
Walkerton, Lobies Park.
Maitland, Ball’s Bridge on Little Lakes Road south of Auburn

Carpool Info: 

To be discussed

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Please don’t after March first.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Christopher Mayberry
Phone: 
519-878-9358

CASCAPEDIA RIVER - GASPE PENINSULE QUEBEC 2021 (CANCELLED)

With a length of 110 km, this spectacular river is filled with breathtaking views, wildlife and classic class 2 and 3 rapids. The Cascapedia River is a river located in Gaspesie National Park and born in the heart Chic Choc Mountains and flows into the Baie the Chaleurs. The river is relatively small and low the terrain alternates between Mountains and Valleys, this is considerate a mountain river with spring cold water and high current We will be paddling during 5 days following the current trough swifts and rapids, salmon pools and beaches where will be camping every night.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Le Gîte-du-Mont-Albert - Quebec
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, June 12, 2021 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
May
Event Duration: 
2 days driving / 5 days River / 2 days driving
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Anyone with River tripping and white water experience
Maximum Group Size: 
5 boats / 10 people
Minimum Group Size: 
3 boats / 6 people
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We will be leaving on June 12 in the morning and driving 2 days to Chic Choc Mountains Quebec

June 14 to 18 will be paddling 110KM during 5 days around 25km per day.

June 19 and 20 drive to south ontario.

Required Items to Bring: 

-Personal clothing/layering
-Rain Gear
-Wetsuit or Drysuite
-Helmet
-Extra paddles
-Painters
-Throw bag
-Rescue Equipment

Recommended Items to Bring: 

-Because it is a river tripping boots or runners are the best to wear during the day
-3 season tent,
-3 season sleeping bag, June we still have negative temperatures and snow please be
prepare for cold nights.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

first night June 13 we going to sleep in Rivière-du-Loup, June 14 in camping Lac Cascapedia.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
No refund in case of cancellation
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
SANDRO WEINER
Phone: 
6474073410

Magnetawan River (Cancelled due to COVID-19)

The Magnetawan River is a river in Parry Sound District, Ontario, Canada. The river flows 175 km from its source of Magnetawan Lake inside Algonquin Provincial Park to empty into Georgian Bay at the community of Britt on Byng Inlet. At the end of the 19th century, the river was used to float white pine logs to sawmills downstream. The river gained recent renown when it was featured in Bill Mason's film Waterwalker. The River has numerous rapids, such as, "The Thirty Dollar Rapids", "The Fourteen", "The Ten", the "Potato Rapids", "Lovesick Rapids", . We plan to start some where upstream around Maple Island area and end 4 days later in Bing Inlet on Georgian Bay. This works out to be ~55 Km. Thursday=13km, Friday~15km, Saturday~15km, Sunday~12km.   I did this trip back in May 18-21, 2013, so will be more or less following the same plan.

 

THE TRIP WILL BE MOVED TO 2021

The Basics
Event Location: 
Magnetawan River
Date(s) & Time: 
Thursday, May 28, 2020 - 08:00
Event Duration: 
4 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Experienced whitewater canoeist / campers
Maximum Group Size: 
5 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
1 boat
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Contact me for details.

Required Items to Bring: 

Contact me for details.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Contact me for details.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Contact me for details.

Carpool Info: 

Contact me for details.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Only sign up if you are committed to go on the event.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary Ataman
Phone: 
905-922-1434

Cancelled :( Creeking on the Humber River - Bolton to Kleinburg

Between Bolton and Weston, where rains brought by Hurricane Hazel washed away 14 homes in October 1954, the Humber River is now carefully flood controlled by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Though this stretch is completely open and accessible, the two dam projects along its length have successfully reduced the river to mainly a fast flowing stream. Passage requires the highest water levels, but this means several hours of nearly uninterrupted swifts and rock gardens with no actual classified rapids.

In each April of 2010, 2011, 2017, & 2018 the WCA navigated the 27 kilometre section between Bolton and Kleinburg. An experience we had in 2017 was blamed on the ice storm at Christmas of 2013. That occasion required an additional 2 hours over the planned 6, to deal with an accumulation of log jams and sweepers. We called it the canoe obstacle course. However, there was a severe flooding event in February of 2018 which resulted in the death of a toddler on the Grand River, and subsequent to this, the count was only 3 liftovers and 3 canoe limbos.

Again in March of 2019 an ice jam shortly downstream of the diversion project caused minor flooding in Bolton, such that the heavy machinery and dynamite was brought in to break it up. The expectation is that after several large flows like these, most of the tree litter has been washed away. Shortly downstream of the Bolton proper the river is open and unobstructed with nearly continuous, shallow, fast flowing swifts and rock gardens, and no actual classified rapids.

This outing is suitable for anyone interested in introductory level moving water experience in a relatively safe environment, where the only response needed in the case of a capsize, is to stand up and walk to shore.

Beginners and guests are welcome, however, small children are not recommended due to the length of the outing and the lack of any escape routes.

Get Directions here.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Bolton to Kleinburg, Ontario
Date(s) & Time: 
Sunday, April 5, 2020 - 09:00
Registration Cut Off: 
Saturday 4 April 2020.
Event Duration: 
Approximately 6 hours on the river.
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Anyone. Guests are welcome.
Maximum Group Size: 
8 boats.
Minimum Group Size: 
Myself and a volunteer.
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We will meet at the parking lot in Dicks Dam Park (146 Sackville Street, Bolton) for 9am and shuttle to the take-out which is nearby. Starting from this location involves a mandatory portage around the McFall dam, cataract, and diversion project in the original Bolton village. Therefore we can avoid this by dropping our boats and equipment one at a time near the intersection of Humber Lea Road with King Road and then returning to Dicks Dam Park for the shuttle to Humber Bridge Trail. There is no parking at Humber Lea Road and limited parking at Humber Bridge Trail. The boats should be back on the cars and headed home for dinner by 4:30pm.

Required Items to Bring: 

Bag lunch. Dry change of clothes. Water shoes or tall rubber boots, as there may be some wading.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Rain gear just in case. It's April, it could be warm and sunny, it could be cold and raining. If you own one a dry suit will work great. Wet suits are not necessary as the probability of capsizing is quite low. Please bring a hand saw if you have one; it is in everyone's best interest if we expect to do this route again.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Directions Here.

There is a parking lot at the intersection of Sackville St. with Hickman St. near Dick's Dam Park in Bolton. The takeout is at Humber Bridge Trail (road) off of Highway 27, just north of Major Mackenzie Drive.

Cross between Highways #50 and #27 using Nashville Road.

Carpool Info: 

None provided.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Please don't.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Matthew Eberly
Phone: 
416-700-8815

Upper Credit River - CANCELLED

We will be running the Credit River from Inglewood to Glen Williams, water levels permitting. This run is suitable for novices but some competence in moving water is helpful. There are two weirs we must pull over and two other obstacles which generally can be run. Some years, navigating around sweepers has caused problems for novices. A potluck dinner will follow....details to follow.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Credit River...bridge at Inglewood...details will be emailed
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, April 18, 2020 - 09:30
Registration Cut Off: 
April 14
Event Duration: 
full day
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
all WCA members
Maximum Group Size: 
none
Minimum Group Size: 
none
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

all boats unloaded and cars ready to shuttle by 9:30 a.m. Begin paddle by 11 a.m. There will be a lunch stop on the river, so bring your lunch with you. We should be finished between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and then we will head to a home in the area for a post paddle potluck. Further info will be emailed to all participants.

Required Items to Bring: 

boat, paddles, PFD, lunch, change of clothes in waterproof bag. If you don't have a partner or a boat we may be able to find one for you.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Inglewood is close to Hwy 10 and Olde Baseline Road north of Brampton. We will provide more detail by email

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Barb & Dave Young
Phone: 
905-457-7937

May 24 Wine & Cheese Float..."Cancelled"

Join us for a run down the Lower Madawaska on the May long weekend
Intermediate skills required and preparation for fast cold water and big rapids and variable weather
If it is warm there will be black flies.

The Basics
Event Location: 
NE of Bancroft..Lower Madawaska
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, May 16, 2020 - 10:00
Registration Cut Off: 
May1
Event Duration: 
2.5 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
friendly people with moving water canoe skills
Maximum Group Size: 
6 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

From Aumonds Bay to Griffith...lunch time to lunch time

Required Items to Bring: 

snacks and deserts for the group meals and personal lunches

I will provide the dinners and breakfast...we all share in costs and prep

Recommended Items to Bring: 

if you have to ask...please contact me

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

directions will be sent out to participants

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Larry Durst
Phone: 
647 502 1152

Mistassibi River, Quebec

The Mistassibi is a relatively remote northern Quebec The river offers great northern Canadian Shield and boreal forest landscapes with paddling that ranges from swifts to class 3's. Along this 120km route there are almost 80 rapids, with most rapids being runnable and there are only two short portages. It is said that almost 1/2 the river is rapids. We'll see. If you are interested there are maps available online at:
http://www.cartespleinair.org/Canot/06/MistassibiNordEstLeduc2017.pdf

The Basics
Event Location: 
Mistassibi River, Quebec [Cancelled]
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, July 24, 2020 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
End of June
Event Duration: 
5 Days on the river
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Intermediate Paddlers
Maximum Group Size: 
3 boats, 6 people
Minimum Group Size: 
2 boats, 4 people
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

THIS TRIP IS FULL AND IS A PRIVATELY RUN TRIP

We meet up Saturday night, do a bit of a food and gear sort and meet the shuttle Sunday morning at 10am. With five + days on the river. [approx 800km ea way-we'll sort out ride sharing]

WED JULY 22 Drive to Dolbeau-Mistassini, Que
FRI JULY 24 Meet the shuttle the beginning of the forest road,
at Dolbeau-Mistassini, at the resto des Copains's parking.
FRI JULY 24-TUESDAYJULY 28 Paddle the river
TUESDAY EVENING/ WEDNESDAY JULY 28/29 Drive Home

Required Items to Bring: 

Outfitted whitewater boats
All the group gear is taken care of.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

We will be meeting at a hotel in Dolbeau-Mistassini, Que

Carpool Info: 

Carpooling will get sorted out at a later date. [approx 800km ea way-we'll sort out ride sharing]
River shuttle will be arranged through outfitter

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Neil Campbell
Phone: 
705 957 5191 evenings and wkends

Mountain River (Cancelled due to NWT travel restrictions)

The Mountain River has been described as a 'guides river' as it is 300km of river with whitewater, six canyons, hiking opportunities and wildlife viewing. Whitewater experience is obviously required and also tripping experience.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Norman Wells NWT
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, July 31, 2020 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
31 March
Event Duration: 
13 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Advanced
Participant Info
Maximum Group Size: 
4 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We will meet in Norman Wells on the 30th July and fly to Dusty Lake the following day. At the end of the trip we will be having a boat shuttle back to Norman Wells. It is possible to fly out on the same day but normally people stay over another night in Norman Wells. Due to flight schedules it takes two days to fly to Norman Wells.

Required Items to Bring: 

Canoe rentals are arranged and other items can be rented from the outfitter in Norman Wells.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

It is recommended to have done a Swiftwater Rescue Course.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Robin Rivison
Phone: 
705 742-0367

WCA Canada Day Weekend at Palmer Rapids on the Madawaska River-- CANCELLED

Sorry, but we have had to cancel this weekend due to COVID-19 concerns. It is simply not possible to conduct this event safely at this time.

 Please join us for our traditional WCA Canada Day summer weekend at Palmer Rapids on the Madawaska River. We stay at Jessup's campsite right on the river at the rapids. This is an enjoyable weekend for novice or better moving water paddlers. Probably more people have had their first taste of moving water here than in any other spot in Ontario. There are a couple of sets of Class 1-2 rapids almost outside your tent door. I'm happy to give some informal paddling pointers to new river runners. If the water levels are good, more adventurous types might want to get together to take a run down the Lower Madawaska on Sunday.

This is a great family getaway for the whole family. There's a sandy beach where the kids can play or swim. If you’re an angler, you’ll find the fishing here is pretty good. For those who aren't into paddling or fishing, there are restaurants and interesting shops nearby in Wilno and Barry's Bay. 

We're going to be there from Friday afternoon to Monday, but you can come & camp or go at any time.

You will need a whitewater canoe with flotation, and a helmet, along with the usual PFD and paddle. Canoes can be rented nearby at Paddler Co-op (see their website www.paddlerco-op.com), or from Madawaska River Rentals (see their website www.MadRiverRentals.ca ), or from Don Adams in Griffith, who will even deliver to Jessup's for a fee (613-333-2240). If renting, tell them you want thigh straps in the canoe. It will make a huge amount of difference to your control.

For those looking to escape camp cookery, try the famous Wilno Tavern: http://www.wilnotavern.com/index.php

The Wilno Tavern has a hearty Polish buffet every Saturday night that will fill the hungriest paddler. We book the restaurant for a group dinner for any who want to join in.

If you are new to the WCA, this is a highly recommended weekend for skills development and socializing.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Palmer Rapids, Lower Madawaska River
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, June 26, 2020 - 17:00
Event Duration: 
3 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Please see above.

Required Items to Bring: 

You need a whitewater canoe with flotation bags, etc.-as described above.
The campsite provides basic facilities of some picnic tables, outhouses, and water pump. It's car camping. We prefer to bring our Toronto water, but many prefer the well water. There is a general store and a small restaurant nearby in Palmer Rapids. Camp fees are in the range of $20-$25/tent/night.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Lots of energy for active days of paddling- and a big appetite if joining us for the buffet.

Though it's the end of June, the weather and water are not infrequently still cool, especially if it's rainy & windy. I recommend taking a light wetsuit or paddling top.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Direction to Palmers Rapids& Jessup’s Camp Ground:
 From Peterborough - go north up Hwy 28 to Bancroft.
 In Bancroft, turn left on Hwy 62 thought Maynooth and Combermere.
 In Combermere, just over the bridge turn right on Hwy 515.
 Just after you cross over the river again on your right you will see a local road (River Bend Road) turn right here --the river is on your immediate right.
 The road goes more or less straight.
 When it makes a sharp turn to the left, there should be a one lane dirt driveway straight in front of you. You will see a wooden sign with a teepee and canoe in orange paint.
 Go up the low hill and drive along until you come to the campground.
 Look for my red Mazda CX-5 with double roof racks.
 If you actually get into the village of Palmer Rapids, you've gone too far along 515, so just turn around, go back..
 The address of the campground is 266 River Bend Road.
 I believe the fee is $20-$25 / tent / night.
Google maps Palmer Rapids
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=266+River+Bend+Drive,+P...
Palmer Rapids Village is just to the right, off the map.
The road showing in the upper right is Jewellville Road.

There are other routes to the spot that your map software may recommend, and they are fine. I give this one because the roads are all good, and the route is straight-forward and easy to follow visually.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Bill Ness
Phone: 
4163213005
Email: 

Black River near Washago-- Cancelled

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 2, 2020 - 11:00
Event Duration: 
1 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Please see 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. 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: 
4163213005
Email: 
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