Whitewater

July Weekend at Palmer Rapids, Lower Madawaska River

Please join us for our traditional WCA Canada Day summer weekend at Palmer Rapids on the Madawaska River. You can stay at Jessup's campsite right on the river at the rapids. This is an enjoyable weekend for both novice and experienced white water paddlers and an opportunity to meet WCA members and plan trips. 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 1-3 rapids almost outside your tent door. Bill Ness and other seasoned WCA members will provide informal paddling pointers to new river runners.
This is a lovely trip for families. There's a sandy beach where the kids can play or swim. For those who aren't into paddling, there are restaurants and shops nearby in Wilno and Barry's Bay.
Most will camp from Friday evening to Sunday but you can come & go at any time.
Bring canoes or kayak suitable for whitewater along with a helmet, PFD and paddle. Canoes and kayaks can be rented nearby at Paddler Co-op (www.paddlerco-op.com), or from Madawaska River Rentals (www.MadRiverRentals.ca). If renting, tell them you want thigh straps in the canoe. If you do not have a canoe you can likely share with other members.
On Sunday, depending on the weather and water levels, those with some experience will likely take a run down the Lower Madawaska.
On Saturday evening for those wanting a break from camp cooking we’ll enjoy the Polish buffet at the famous Wilno Tavern: www.wilnotavern.com
Subsequent to June 14 send your email address directly to tb@beakbane.com so I can give you access to a Google spreadsheet to coordinate shared equipment and carpooling.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Palmer Rapids https://goo.gl/maps/yt3CLnFEJKdCSL2GA
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, June 30, 2023 - 16:00
Registration Cut Off: 
June 23, 2023
Event Duration: 
3 days - 2 nights
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
All WCA Members
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Arrive on the Friday evening or Saturday morning. You can paddle both days at Palmer Rapids. On Sunday we'll likely organize a trip down the Lower Madawaska River which is scenic and has a series of class 2-3 rapids. Depending on water levels these can be handled by experienced flat water paddlers if paired with someone more experienced.

If you are an experienced moving water paddler please join us to help newcomers learn.

Camping rates are $20 per tent per night or $25 for 2 people and $10 for each extra person.

NB: Subsequent to June 14 send your email address directly to tb@beakbane.com

Required Items to Bring: 

Canoeing gear and clothes. Be prepared for beautiful warm weather as well as cold and wet.
Bring bug spray and protective clothing. Generally the bugs aren't bad at this location.
Toilet paper for the outhouse.
Gear for field/car camping. Clean water is available from a well.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Chair, beverages.
You can buy firewood at the camp ground.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

https://goo.gl/maps/yt3CLnFEJKdCSL2GA
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.
♣ 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.

Carpool Info: 

There will likely be individuals going from the GTA and Ottawa. Tom Beakbane will share a Google spreadsheet so that participants can share transport as you wish.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Cancel as you please.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Tom Beakbane
Phone: 
416-816-9665
Email: 

North French River - TRIP FULL

This is a solid white water river that tumbles off the Canadian Shield into the Hudson Bay Lowlands, and joins the Moose River about 20 km upstream of Moosonee/Moose Factory. I have excellent maps already prepared and all the logistics already worked out. This will NOT be an expensive trip; the trips costs will be driving up and back to Cochrane, probably two nights in modest hotel, shuttle costs (100$ each at most), the cost of the train returning to Cochrane ($150 each), and of course the food costs. We will be sharing all food and its preparation on the trip. The trip is fairly hard int the beginning as this is not a well traveled trip and the portages are NOT easy and frequently used. We have detailed information from people who have done it in the last few years though. The whitewater we will do is upwards of class 3 at times, and the portages will be challenging themselves. This will be a trip you will not forget easily. The group will need to be prepared to travel light and work together well. We already have 4 people/2 canoes for the trip. We are looking for at least 2 more people/one more boat.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Northern Ontario
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, July 1, 2023 - 07:00
Registration Cut Off: 
June 1, 2023
Event Duration: 
13 days approx
Difficulty Rating: 
Advanced
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Experienced paddler/trippers
Maximum Group Size: 
3-4 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
3 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Saturday July 1 drive to Cochrane from Southern Ontario and stay in a hotel. Meet our car shuttle people Sunday morning and travel to put in ... approx 90 km up the Detour Mine Road. Spend 2-3 days traveling up Wildlake River and Lakes to the headwaters of the North French River. We will take 8 or so days traveling down it, eventually meet the Moose River and paddle into Moosonee to catch the Polar Bear express back to Cochrane on or about July 13th.

Required Items to Bring: 

Full personal gear, I (me the organizer) will bring the 'kitchen' barrel.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

TBD

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

See Itinerary

Carpool Info: 

TBD 2-3 cars

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
We will have a deposit required April 1st.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
iori miller
Phone: 
See email

West Montreal River - TRIP FULL

This is an beginner/ intermediate spring run. The sections we will be doing are the two that are best described in the youtube videos prepared by Explore the Backcountry. We will be doing both sections and it does look scenic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0_kjLznT4g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrpSyF0njPQ
We will arrange for lodging in Shining Tree for Friday night, paddle Saturday through Monday am, and then the drive home.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Start: Shining Tree, Ontario
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, May 19, 2023 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
March 31, 2023
Event Duration: 
2 1/2 days on the water
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Maximum Group Size: 
8 people
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

One night cabin, Two nights camping.
As part of the organization for this trip, there will be a zoom call to sort out everything about the trip.

Required Items to Bring: 

Whitewater boats and boat gear. PDF's, helmets and whistles. Group camping gear provided by organizer. ie pots, pans, grills, utensils, tarp, and so forth.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

A drysuit. Warm weather gear. Personal gear such as tent, sleeping bag, etc...

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

These will be determined closer to the event date.

Carpool Info: 

These will be determined closer to the event date. We will be doing the shuttle by ourselves.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
April 30, 2023
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Neil Campbell
Phone: 
705 957 5191

Upper Petawawa River - TRIP FULL

Dates: Sept 1 - 4, Labour Day Weekend.
This is a challenging stretch of white water and is more difficult than the Lower Petawawa section. But we will be doing it late in the season, so the water levels will be low and less pushy. There appear to be portages for most sets and we will be scouting any rapids above a class 2.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Upper Petawawa R
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, September 1, 2023 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
April 01, 2023
Event Duration: 
4 days [incl travel]
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Maximum Group Size: 
8 people
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

The route is from Cedar Lake to Lake Traverse. We will do the car shuttle and probably camp the first night at the Brent Campground [put-in] The George Drought guide is a good reference. PDF's can be provided to those considering the trip.

Required Items to Bring: 

Boats and paddlers should be fully outfitted for whitewater

Recommended Items to Bring: 

White water equipment, helmet, whistle, throw rope, air bags, possibly spray skirts and personal camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, etc.... Group camping gear will be provided by organizer.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

To be forwarded to participants closer to date

Carpool Info: 

This will be organized closer to the date. And we will do our own group car shuttle.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Aug 01, 2023.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Neil Campbell
Phone: 
705 957 5191

Wind River, Yukon with Gary+Heather Ataman - TRIP FULL

Looking to do the Wind River late July 21 to  August 5.   You will need to arrive a few days before in Whitehorse (at least July 19, 23) .   Plan on exitting Whitehorse to home a few days later to allow for weather delays.

I did the Snake River years ago and really enjoyed hiking the mountains and paddling the crystal clear water.

The Wind River is one of northern Yukon's true jewels. Starting with a flight into McCluskey Lake, there is a short portage to the Wind.  We plan to exit at Taco Bar for our flight out.  The Wind River is typically described as a class 1 river.   So some basic class 1 whitewater skills are needed.  You will also need to be comfortable with remote camping and share the work load of group activities (setting up camp, cooking, etc.).

The hiking looks great, since the alpine ridges and peaks are close to the river. This is an excellent trip for novice to intermediate whitewater paddler. 

We plan on making the trip for around 16 days on the river.  You will need to arrive and depart Whitehorse with some buffer days on either end.

This will be a self guided trip. It will be a fairly easy going pace.  Expected shared cost will be ~$3500/person. not couting the commerical flight to Whitehorse which is typically ~$1000.  Once accepted on the trip you will have to provide a deposit to solidify your spot on the trip. Balance of trip rental/shuttle/float plane cost due ~6 weeks before trip.

If you have any questions give me a call.

Note; A typical guide trip usually runs around $8500/person plus commerical flights cost in/out of Whitehorse.

THE TRIP HAS 8 PEOPLE AND IS FULL.

You can submit your name if you want to be put on a waiting list if someone has to cancel off.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Wind River, Yukon
Date(s) & Time: 
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 - 07:00
Registration Cut Off: 
05/01/2022
Event Duration: 
14 days + flight in and out + buffer days either end
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Folks with some whitewater skills (Class 1+)
Maximum Group Size: 
4 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
3 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

See me

Required Items to Bring: 

See me

Recommended Items to Bring: 

See me

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

See me

Carpool Info: 

See me

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Only sign up if you are ready to commit
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary Ataman
Phone: 
905-922-1434

Bayfield/Maitland Full

April fool’s weekend spring paddling in South Western Ontario. March 31, Bayfield River, Clinton to Bayfield. Beautiful run, continual swifts and eddies. Novice run, potential sweepers to negotiate. April 1, Maitland River, Auburn to Benmiller. I love this run, it is only open in the early spring. The kids and I try to get it in a few times each year before it is too low. Beginner, odd C1. April 2, Maitland River, Benmiller to Goderich. Fun run, hopefully big water! Bring Flotation. Intermediate. These are day trips, do one, two or three. All subject to change due to water levels. (If Priceville to Durham on the Saugeen is in a day might be added, otherwise it will be a pop up trip earlier or later on)

The Basics
Event Location: 
Directions and schedule sent closer to date
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, March 31, 2023 - 07:00
Registration Cut Off: 
May 2023
Event Duration: 
3 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Paddlers
Maximum Group Size: 
12 people
Minimum Group Size: 
2 people
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Since these are day trips with simple shuttles participants can show up for 9:30 with packed lunches and gear. We will try to have shuttling planned to expedite the process.

Required Items to Bring: 

Proper equipment, dry suit, helmet, whistle, throw rope, dress accordingly. River running canoes. Good humour!

Recommended Items to Bring: 

It was cold this spring, even snowing! Bring layers, dry suit, snacks, gloves. I have an extra Prospector if needed.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

To be forwarded to participants closer to date

Carpool Info: 

Shuttling

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
March 1st
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Christopher Mayberry
Phone: 
519-878-9358

Dumoine River (Was the "Spanish River West Branch")

***UPDATE Aug 19!*** Due to low water levels on the Spanish, I'm going to change the trip to the Dumoine River from Bridge Rapids (Lac Benoit) 4-5 nights down to the Ottawa. Pretty laid back pace with at least one rest/WW play day on the way.

I'll be in a solo boat. Looking for another solo paddler(s) or a tandem pair to run with me. Need to be reasonably comfortable in moving water and self sufficient. Costs will be part of the shuttle cost (shuttle costs $485 for 2 boats, $595 for 3 boats, etc). I'll be leaving from the Orangeville area midday on the 12th and have room in the vehicle for up to two people and one boat if needed.
If you're interested email me.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Dumoine River
Date(s) & Time: 
Tuesday, September 13, 2022 - 09:00
Registration Cut Off: 
September 1, 2022
Event Duration: 
4-5 nights
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Looking for another boat or two, either solo or tandem
Maximum Group Size: 
4 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
1 person
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Optional: Sept 12th Staying local overnight (Driftwood PP, Stonecliff campground, DVG Camping, etc)
Sept 13th Shuttle to Lac Benoit/Bridge rapids staying at "Little Italy"
Day 2 is LOTS of WW, and staying just below Little Steel Falls
Day 3 is Grande Chute to Red Pine Rapids
Day 4 rest day
Day 5 is out to the Ottawa (possibly a hike to the top of Bald Eagle Cliff?)

Required Items to Bring: 

Personal camping gear, boat and paddling gear. Participants should be self sefficient.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

See above

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Shuttle with Dumoine Valley Guides Sept 13th.

Carpool Info: 

I'll have room for up to two people and one boat in my vehicle coming from the Orangeville area.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Dave Tyler
Phone: 
Contact me by email

Canoe Tripping on the Humber River - Bolton to the Lake

Since Hurricane Hazel washed away 14 homes in October 1954, the Humber River has been carefully flood controlled by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. There are a number of man-made obstacles which have successfully reduced the river to mainly a fast flowing stream, therefore passage requires the highest water levels. In each April of 2010, 2011, 2017, & 2018 the WCA navigated the 27 kilometre section between Bolton and Kleinburg. In 2015 & 2016 we tackled the 29 kilometre section between Kleinburg and the 401 at Dee Avenue in Weston. Mainly motivated by personal ambition and the frustration of 2020, then 2021, then 2022, for 2023 we are going to make a weekend of it and run the entire length from Bolton to Lake Ontario.

Though I doubt this will be the first time ever tripping down the river, there are no known records of anyone doing this as a trip previously (in modern times). I would like to be explicitly clear that we intend to stealth camp in the vicinity of Islington Avenue and #407. The weirs South of the 401 are seriously dangerous, and therefore this invitation is extended to appropriately motivated and prepared adults.

The upper section to Kleinburg is quite fun. There are often log jams near town, and then several hours of nearly uninterrupted swifts and rock gardens with no actual classified rapids. Immediately before The Country Club there is a weir, and near the end of the golf course, there is a mandatory portage around a dam. This section tends to be slower and less exciting. On the second day there are 8 weirs to deal with between #401 and the Old Mill. Regardless, Whitewater Ontario used to have two named waves listed in the River Wiki that I believe are located near Scarlett Mills Park.

I have arranged to collaborate with the YouTube channel cjhoyle. In 2021 Christopher kayaked the 15 km section from Rexdale to just south of Dundas St. We will be recording the trip on video for YouTube.

The Basics
Event Location: 
The Humber River – from Bolton to Lake Ontario
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, April 1, 2023 - 08:00
Registration Cut Off: 
When I decide.
Event Duration: 
Friday evening to Sunday evening.
Difficulty Rating: 
Advanced
Participant Info
Maximum Group Size: 
3 tandems, maybe 4 tandems
Minimum Group Size: 
2 tandem canoes
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

The plan is to effect a shuttle by dropping cars at Sir Casimir Gzowski Park ahead of time on Friday evening, and paying appropriately to park there for the weekend. Then everyone will meet at the parking lot in Dicks Dam Park (146 Sackville Street, Bolton) for 8am on Saturday morning. It should take until early evening to descend to near the 407. On Sunday we will complete the remainder of the river down to Lake Ontario.

There are a number of decisions that can be made once we know who and how many people will be participating.

Otherwise I am trying to put as much useful information in here as possible. For example; this is the gauge: HUMBER RIVER AT ELDER MILLS (02HC025)
We need a minimum of 4 cubic metres per second.

Obstacles can be seen in the satellite photos at the following locations:
43.797423, -79.606239
43.792403, -79.596068
43.702927, -79.528695
43.692776, -79.513062
43.674873, -79.511731
43.672257, -79.512144
43.662240, -79.504306
43.660732, -79.502115
43.658465, -79.499099
43.656467, -79.501515
43.653477, -79.502627
43.652383, -79.495579

Required Items to Bring: 

It is likely that all meals and the preparation of them will be planned independently by each canoe.
A complete outfit for whitewater tripping is suggested including flotation bags for your canoe, helmets, dry suits if you own one, barrels, throw ropes, rain gear, tents, sleeping bags, kitchen, cool heads, and sober thoughts.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

An open mind.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Please don't.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Matthew Eberly
Phone: 
4167008815

Petawawa - 4 day whitewater - FULL

The crowds and bugs are gone from Algonquin Park, the water is still warm and the leaves are at their prettiest.

Tom Beakbane will be paddling down the prettiest and most challenging section on the Petawawa River shortly.

This trip is for intermediate + whitewater paddlers. We will paddle the class 1 & 2 rapids, portaging only where necessary.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Petawawa River from Travers Lake to McManus Lake
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, October 14, 2022 - 12:01
Registration Cut Off: 
October 12, 2022
Event Duration: 
4 days - 3 nights
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Maximum Group Size: 
5 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
4 paddlers - two boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Meet at McManus Lake take-out near Petawawa, Ontario at 12.01pm on October 14th. Drive to put in at Travers Lake in Algonquin Park. Put in at 2.30pm and paddle to camp site at Big Thompson Rapid, before sundown which is 6.30pm.

Note campsites cost $54 for 3 nights per person.

We'll aim to take out by midday on Monday for those that need to drive to Toronto or similar distances.

Required Items to Bring: 

Whitewater canoe with floatation & knee straps. PFDs, helmets, paddles. Tent, sleeping bag and one meal for the group.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

We'll do an inventory of required items and nice-to-haves (like chairs). The spreadsheet will be shared

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Put in on Lake Travers - accessible from the south: 45.957707309133006, -78.05606620075513

Carpool Info: 

Can join carpool from Toronto or Ottawa.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Tom Beakbane
Phone: 
14168169665
Email: 

Back to the Black

Last Saturday's trip on the Black was fun but we had such cold, wet weather. If anyone wants to try it in warm, sunnny weather-with even higher water levels-here's your chance. I'm going back this Saturday for anyone wanting a fun, relaxed day out in a boat.

 

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 at Washago
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, April 30, 2022 - 11:00
Registration Cut Off: 
10:59 on Saturday.
Event Duration: 
1 day.
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Meet at the southern bridge crossing of HWY 169 and the Black River. We do a short shuttle and take off down the river. We'll finish around 3:00

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.
Face mask for car shuttle.

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: 
123-456-7890
Email: 
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