Cancelled :( Creeking on the Humber River - Bolton to Kleinburg
Between Bolton and Weston, where rains brought by Hurricane Hazel washed away 14 homes in October 1954, the Humber River is now carefully flood controlled by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Though this stretch is completely open and accessible, the two dam projects along its length have successfully reduced the river to mainly a fast flowing stream. Passage requires the highest water levels, but this means several hours of nearly uninterrupted swifts and rock gardens with no actual classified rapids.
In each April of 2010, 2011, 2017, & 2018 the WCA navigated the 27 kilometre section between Bolton and Kleinburg. An experience we had in 2017 was blamed on the ice storm at Christmas of 2013. That occasion required an additional 2 hours over the planned 6, to deal with an accumulation of log jams and sweepers. We called it the canoe obstacle course. However, there was a severe flooding event in February of 2018 which resulted in the death of a toddler on the Grand River, and subsequent to this, the count was only 3 liftovers and 3 canoe limbos.
Again in March of 2019 an ice jam shortly downstream of the diversion project caused minor flooding in Bolton, such that the heavy machinery and dynamite was brought in to break it up. The expectation is that after several large flows like these, most of the tree litter has been washed away. Shortly downstream of the Bolton proper the river is open and unobstructed with nearly continuous, shallow, fast flowing swifts and rock gardens, and no actual classified rapids.
This outing is suitable for anyone interested in introductory level moving water experience in a relatively safe environment, where the only response needed in the case of a capsize, is to stand up and walk to shore.
Beginners and guests are welcome, however, small children are not recommended due to the length of the outing and the lack of any escape routes.
