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 a number of 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 wetsuit or drysuit. This is a relaxed day of paddling play & practice on a fun, forgiving stretch of river.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Black River at Washago
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, April 23, 2016 - 11:00
Event Duration: 
1 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Itinerary
Required Items to Bring: 

Whitewater boat with air bag flotation. Drysuit or wetsuit. Lunch.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

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. We put in on the northwest side of the bridge. Then, we do a 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: 
416-321-3005
Email: