Palmer Rapids Canada Day Play Weekend

Submitted by NessBill on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 21:04

Whitewater

Note: Lower Madawaska Trip Option for Sunday added.

Please join us for our traditional camping weekend at Palmer Rapids. We stay at Jessup's campsite right on the river at the rapids. This is a fun, relaxed Canada Day weekend suitable for novice or better moving water paddlers. Probably more people had 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.There's a sandy beach where the kids can play or swim. For family members who aren't into paddling, there are restaurants and interesting shops nearby in Wilno and Barry's Bay.

For those who want more of a challenge, we can join Andrew Craig on his trip down the Lower Madawaska on Sunday.

We're going to be there from Saturday morning to Tuesday, but you can come & go at any time.
You will need a Royalex 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), or from Don Adams in Griffith, who will deliver to Jessups 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.

The Basics

Event Location:

Palmer Rapids, Lower Madawaska River Option

Date(s) & Time:

Saturday, June 29, 2013 (All day)

Registration Cut Off:

Book Immediately

Event Duration:

4 days

Difficulty Rating:

Novice

Itinerary

Itinerary description:

We'll reserve a spot and we will arrive at the campsite on Saturday morning. Others, who are lucky enough to have the day off, will arrive Friday afternoon. From then on, it's an open weekend to just have fun.

On Sunday, those who want more of a challenge can join Andrew Craig to run down the Lower Mad. I will coordinate this, so no need to additionally register with Andrew.

Required Items to Bring:

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.

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.
 Harold is usually there, ask him where the WCA people are.
 Failing that we will probably be in the area straight ahead of you.
 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.