WCA Canada Day Weekend at Palmer Rapids on the Madawaska River-- CANCELLED

Submitted by NessBill on Sun, 01/26/2020 - 12:22

Whitewater

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:

wness@rogers.com