Whitewater

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: 

Moira River--Cancelled

In support of health authorities increasingly forceful requests that all of us practice social distancing to minimize the spread of COVID-19, we will be postponing this trip. Since in good years the river can be run up into mid-May, we will continue to evaluate the situation. Let's hope for a wet spring and a speedy resolution to this public health threat.

 

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. 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 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.)
 

All canoes must have full flotation, and you are required to have a wetsuit or drysuit as the water will be cold. If you arrive without these, you will not be able to participate.

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 freezing 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 4, 2020 - 09:30
Event Duration: 
1 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
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: 

Full floatation for canoes as well as a wet suit or dry suit for all paddlers is required. If you show up without these, you cannot participate.
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 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: 
4163213005
Email: 

Lower Credit River--Cancelled

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 should have solid basic moving water skills, and wear a wetsuit or drysuit. 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.

If the weather is unfavourable on the Saturday, we'll re-schedule the trip for the Sunday.


 

The Basics
Event Location: 
Lower Credit River, Streetsville to Port Credit
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, March 28, 2020 - 09:00
Event Duration: 
1 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We meet at the put-in at 9:00 am. Exit south from HWY 401 onto Mississauga Rd./Erin Mills Parkway. Follow Mississauga Rd. south into Streetsville, where it becomes called Queen St. Follow Queen to just south of Thomas St., then turn left onto Church St. (just past the church, of course). Follow Church around a curve & you'll see the river on the right. Vic Johnston Community Centre is on right, and just south of it is a park, which is where we put in. Washroom facilities in the community centre are open to the public. We do a shuttle with the objective of getting as many cars at the take-out as possible so we can car pool back to the start and no one has to sit around.
Consequently, roof racks capable of carrying more than one boat are appreciated. Lunch is on the river around Dundas St. We should reach the lake around 3 pm.
For the car shuttle, from the arena go back out to Queen St. Turn left (south). Queen changes into Mississauga Rd. Follow it south to Port Credit. Turn left just after going under the railway bridge, onto Front St. Park on Front across from Port Credit Canoe Club building or adjacent streets. At the end of our trip, take out at the canoe club dock, and do a short carry to the car.

Required Items to Bring: 

Whitewater canoe or kayak. Wetsuit or drysuit. Airbags for canoe.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

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

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Please see itinerary.

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

DUMOINE RIVER - QUEBEC --CANCELLED

Please note that this WCA trip is cancelled due to COVID-19.

Dumoine the BIG sister of the Three sisters, Noire and Coulounge. With a length of 129 km, this spectacular whitewater canoe route is filled with breathtaking views, wildlife and classic class 2 and 3 rapids with portage options. The Dumoine is a remote river located in Western Quebec and flows into the Ottawa River.The river is relatively small and the terrain alternates between Canadian Shield rock and sand. The navigatable rapids are long and the portages are short. (The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association) We will be paddling during 5 days following the current trough swifts and rapids

The Basics
Event Location: 
Lac Dumoine - Quebec
Date(s) & Time: 
Sunday, October 11, 2020 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
September 1, 2020
Event Duration: 
1 day driving / 5 days River / 1 day driving
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Anyone with River tripping and Whitewater experience
Maximum Group Size: 
5 boats / 10 people
Minimum Group Size: 
3 boats / 6 people
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We will be leaving on Sunday October 11th in the morning and driving all day to Quebec where we will stay sleeping.
October 12th Monday we will have a shuttle where we will be dropped off and from there we will paddle south during 5 Days and 1/2 day (12 Thanks Giving,13,14,15,16,17) we will be paddling around 25km per day.
We are leaving the river October 17 Saturday and driving south ontario.

Required Items to Bring: 

-Personal clothing/layering
-Rain Gear
-Wetsuit or Drysuit
-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

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Lac Dumoine - Quebec

Carpool Info: 

I will provide more details

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

Grand River CANCELLED

NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
This very popular annual trip seems to be a great draw for all levels of paddlers. We are now into the 16th year doing this and we’ve enjoyed perfect weather (most times), portage free paddling, and a social barbeque that has followed our outing. This is a wonderful day to enjoy an easy moving water river and to socialize with other WCA’ers. The trip will start in south Cambridge where we will put in and then paddle to Paris. We will pass through scenic farm country, stop at a haunted mill, negotiate some easy grade one water, and stop for lunch along the way. Those interested are welcome to join us back at our house in Cambridge for some food, beverage, and social time.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Cambridge
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, June 13, 2020 - 09:00
Registration Cut Off: 
June 1st
Event Duration: 
6 Hours
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
All
Maximum Group Size: 
14 Boats
Minimum Group Size: 
8
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Doug Ashton
Phone: 
416-453-4653

Moisie River to the St Lawrence

Its roughly a 375 km route ... 'current assisted' ... not a flat water paddle generally. This river can be paddled most anytime outside of the winter months. We will be going in early August, when the water levels are reasonable. The climate in the area can be wet at this time of the year ... sometimes more days of rain than those without it. Some trip reports highly recommend paddling with a spray skirt.
While the route begins on the higher 'flatlands', where lakes are common, our route quickly becomes a river route through incised topography, where canyons hold the river. This river is often referred to as the Nahanni of the East. It is a challenge. The river is a salmon fishery, and the lower half has plenty of fishing camps. This will not, though, be a 'fishing trip'.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Moisie River, Quebec
Date(s) & Time: 
Tuesday, August 4, 2020 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
June 1st
Event Duration: 
12-14 days on the river + travel days
Difficulty Rating: 
Advanced
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
WCA members with wilderness tripping and whitewater experience
Maximum Group Size: 
3 to 4 canoes
Minimum Group Size: 
2 canoes
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We will put in on the Pekans River, about 50 km west of Labrador City, and then continue from it down the lower Moisie River to Sept Iles on the North Shore of the St. Lawrence and finish there.

Required Items to Bring: 

All that's necessary to successfully complete a wilderness canoe trip. You will be expected to prepare breakfasts and dinners (probably dehydrated) for your part of the meals.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

A sunny disposition. :)

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Presently it is expected that we will drive 1.5 to 2 days (car pool) to Sept Iles, Quebec, and utilize a the QNSL train to transport our gear to Labrador City. From there we will utilize a short shuttle to get our gear from the train to the river put in. 12 days later we will arrive back at Sept Iles, pick up our cars from the train station and begin our 2 day drive back to southern Ontario.

Carpool Info: 

TBA

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Once the train tickets are purchased there will be no refunds.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
iori miller
Phone: 
please contact by email

A journey to Baker Lake - Barren Land exploration by canoe (Covid-19 Cancelled)

This is a 10-week long canoe trip that will take us from the northern edge of either Manitoba or Saskatchewan north across the height of land into long interconnected waterways ending in Baker Lake, Nunavut. The boreal forest will gradually diminish and the land will transition into tundra full of open vistas, precious plants and animals, excellent lake trout, sandy eskers easy to hike on.

Canoeists can join the whole trip or one or two sections. Different sections require different levels of skill.

The exact route, dates and pace of this trip will be determined by its participants.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Nunavut
Date(s) & Time: 
Monday, June 15, 2020 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
March 1st, 2020
Event Duration: 
10 weeks
Difficulty Rating: 
Advanced
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
tandem canoeist with tripping experience; Arctic and white-water experience is preferable
Maximum Group Size: 
3 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
1 boat
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Proposed route options and time lines:

A. Pelican Narrows, Sask. to Baker Lk, Nunavut via the Kunwak R & Kazan R

· Part 1 Pelican Nar–WollastonLk 300km; 2-3wks June

· Part 2 WollastonLk to KasbaLk 200km; 2 wks in July

· Part 3 KazbaLk to BakerLk 800km; approx. start mid-July- 5-6 wks

B. Elk, Thelon Rivers to Baker Lake

· Part 1 Approach to the Elk River Black Lk, Saskatchewan to Damant Lk ; 400km- 3weeks mid- June to July

· Part 2 DamantLk to BakerLk 1000km; 6wks in July & August

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

For more detail on skill levels, logistics of transportation, existing trip reports or cost estimates go to:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1J9ZtKii92h9hZ-NX4lG5gb-kxUlrAR95 or email: iva.kinclova@gmail.com

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Iva Kinclova
Phone: 
416-461-6000

French River From Restoule P.P. to Hartley Bay Marina (CANCELLED)

French River is the first designated Canadian Heritage River. Its 105 kilometer canoe route connects lakes, gorges and rapids from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay, offering breathtaking scenery.

We will start at Restoule Provincial Park, travelling Restoule River to French. We will take the Main Channel and finish at Hartley Bay Marina. There are some rapids along the way and all can be portaged.

The trip will take five days. We will car camping at Restoule PP for the first night and launch the next morning. We will shuttle the cars by ourselves. The plan depends on canoes and people signing up.

I will ask for a deposit to cover the park permits when time gets closer and set up a group chat among those who have confirmed the trip for the preparation.

Intermediate backcountry experience is required.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Will meet at Restoule Provincial Park
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, June 20, 2020 - 12:00
Event Duration: 
Five days
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Maximum Group Size: 
12 people
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Steven Mou
Phone: 
n/a
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