Palmer Rapids/Lower Madawaska Play Weekend

Submitted by NessBill on Tue, 05/26/2015 - 13:04

Whitewater

Please join us for our traditional camping weekend at Palmer Rapids. We stay at local farmer Harold Jessup's campsite right on the river at the rapids. This is a fun, relaxing weekend suitable 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.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, if people are interested, Gary Ataman will take a run down the Lower Madawaska on Saturday, and Andrew Craig will do the same on Sunday.

I will be at Palmer all weekend to work with those who want to develop their moving water skills.

We're going to be there from Friday morning to Sunday, but you can come & camp; 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), 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.

The Basics

Event Location:

Palmer Rapids, Lower Madawaska River

Date(s) & Time:

Friday, June 26, 2015 - 10:00

Event Duration:

3 days

Difficulty Rating:

Novice

Itinerary

Itinerary description:

We'll reserve a spot and we will arrive at the campsite on Friday morning. You can arrive any time you like though. It's a relaxed, open weekend to just have fun. Usually we pack up after lunch on Sunday to miss the rush home.

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.

Andrew Craig tells us that nearby Madawaska River Shuttles makes a great homemade pizza on Fridays, and he will act as delivery man for those wanting to order pizzas. (Thanks, Andrew.). Check their website for menu.

For those looking for more sophisticated dining, there's the Wilno Tavern's well-known Polish buffet, as well as some good restaurants in Barry's Bay.

How to Get There

Event Directions:

Direction to Palmers Rapids
& Harold 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 usually posts a WCA sign for us.
 Look for my silver Honda Pilot 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.