Flatwater

Queen Elizabeth Wildlands Pro. Park April 26 - May 2, 2014

Outing Type → 

MY annual spring trip (pre-blackfly) to QEWII Prov. Park. This year going to clear some trails to 2 small lakes that are not plant covered all year. Not a great distance to be covered; there use to be a trail marked in in the 70's. Distance tothe lakes is approx. 7 ks and several short portages that will need to be cleared and marked. Will be a base camp setup on one of the lakes and take some time to mark the hiking trails up the various ridges in the area. Depending on weather may delay the start by a day.

The Basics
Event Location

Queen Elizabeth Wild Lands Prov. Park

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
6 to 7 days depending on wether black flies come out.
Difficulty Rating
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited
Everyone
Maximum Group Size
10 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description

1 day paddle in/out
Other days will be spent of clearing/marking portages to these small lakes and hiking trails that will take you up the various ridges.

Required Items to Bring

Depends on weather,
Typical wilderness gear for this time of year.

How to Get There
Event Directions

will advise

Minesing Swamp

Outing Type → 

Day long flat water trip.
Reminder, trip still on this coming Saturday Rain or Shine (only thunderstorm will stop us)
Please bring all your own equipment - and rain gear as they are calling for showers off and on but it still should be a nice day. Bring your lunch/snacks and water as there will be no where to get anything along the paddle! and it could be a long paddle - 3 to 5 hours depending on water levels and downed trees etc.
See you all at 9:30 am. Please call me if you are not going to make it - 647-983-0418

The Basics
Event Location

Minesing and Edenvale, Ontario

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
1 day
Difficulty Rating
Beginner
Registration Cut Off
April 6th, 2014
Participant Info
Who's Invited
Everyone
Maximum Group Size
10 Boats
Minimum Group Size
4 Boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description

The Minesing Swamp

The Minesing Swamp, centrally located between Barrie and Wasaga Beach, has been identified as the largest and best example of fen bog in southern Ontario. The confluence of the Nottawasaga River with three tributaries provide for an interconnected network of swamps, fens, bogs and marshes. The swamp is an important staging area for thousands of migratory waterfowl, and contains a large heron rookery.

We will enter from Willow Creek, cross the central flood area before joining the Nottawasaga, and follow the river down to Edenvale. A pleasant day’s paddle for canoeists of all skill levels.
Kayaks are also welcome.

Required Items to Bring

Bag lunch.
Dry change of clothes.
Water shoes, there is some wading. High cut rubber boots might be good. Something to sit on if we do find a place to get out for lunch.
Awareness that through the main section, there will be nowhere to land. Thus, nowhere to find a bathroom either! Please watch your coffee/tea intake.

Recommended Items to Bring

Rain gear just in case; it could be warm and sunny, it could be cold and raining.

How to Get There
Event Directions

From Hwy. #400, exit at #96 to Dunlop Street West toward Angus.
Turn Right at George Johnston Road / Regional Road 28 toward Minesing.
After approx. 8km, there is a small parking lot on the left side next to the creek.

The take out is at the Edenvale Conservation Area. Continue on George Johnston Road and turn Left at Hwy. #26 West.
At Edenvale, there is a small parking lot on the Right side.

Other
Notes

If you don't have a boat and would like to come you can get (rent) everything you need from:
Outfitter:
Richard Bowering - Eagle Adventures
boweringr@gmail.com
(705) 888-2551

Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Park - Explore with Gary Ataman Part 2

Outing Type → 

ARE YOU READY FOR ANOTHER EXPLORE ADVENTURE?
Let's explore the hidden waterways of Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park. We will be travelling through classic Canadian Shield territory. I have traversed the park in summer and winter. Fall is always special, with the leaves falling and the crisp cold nights with the hint of winter coming.

Due to an over flow of people on the waiting list for the Nov 2/3, 2013 event, I decided to launch another event to explore another area of the park.

The Basics
Event Location

Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Park

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
2 full days
Difficulty Rating
Intermediate
Registration Cut Off
10/28/13
Participant Info
Who's Invited
Anyone who has wilderness camping and canoeing experience and can do one shot portages with your partner
Maximum Group Size
4 boats
Minimum Group Size
1 boat
Itinerary
Itinerary description

If you are looking for a bit of exploration challenge then this outing is for you.
We will be exploring new and old canoe routes in Queen Elizabeth II Provincial Park.
We will be canoeing lakes, ponds, rivers and bushwhacking hiking to find our way around the park. The goal of the outing is to find new routes through the park.
I plan on doing a new route for this trip. I hiked it last fall. So let see if we can canoe it this time!
Our plan is to paddle ~10-15 km (5 hours) a day. The full loop will be 20-25 km. Participants should be prepared to perform one shot portages across un-marked bushwhacking Canadian Shield terrain.

We explored a good section of the park last fall and this spring. Check it out. This is what you can expect on my outings.
https://www.facebook.com/gary.ataman/media_set?set=a.10151409181692335…

https://www.facebook.com/gary.ataman/media_set?set=a.10151109084727335…

Required Items to Bring

One light weight canoe pack and wilderness camping gear to allow one carry portages.
Flat water canoe and camping gear
First Aid Kit
PFD, whistle, throw rope & bailer (per canoe), etc.
ORANGE hunting vest

Recommended Items to Bring

Camera
Food
Car clothes for drive home

How to Get There
Event Directions

See event organizer. I will distribute maps and direction a few days before the event

Carpool Info

Approximately $0.22/km split per carpool folks. Total $63.80/car

Other
Notes

To sign up for this event send me an email.
Don't worry if you don't have a canoe, partner, tent, etc.
I will distribute a planning sheet when you sign up. You will fill it in. After a few days I'll have everyone's info I will coordinate carpool, canoe teams, shelters, emergency contact/medical, etc.
Well trained dogs are welcome.

Not sure if you are ready for this adventure, well you can take a look at my Facebook page to check out my previous events, send me an email and/or give me a call 905-683-3100 ext 1286 to discuss.

I picked a route that's is fairly easy for this adventure.

Cancellation Policy
Only sign up if you are sure you will make the event.

Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Park - Explore with Gary Ataman "EVENT FULL"

Outing Type → 

ARE YOU READY FOR ANOTHER EXPLORE ADVENTURE?
Let's explore the hidden waterways of Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park. We will be travelling through classic Canadian Shield territory. I have traversed the park in summer and winter. Fall is always special, with the leaves falling and the crisp cold nights with the hint of winter coming.

The Basics
Event Location

Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Park

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
2 days
Difficulty Rating
Intermediate
Registration Cut Off
10/24/13
Participant Info
Who's Invited
Anyone who has wilderness camping and canoeing experience
Maximum Group Size
5 boats
Minimum Group Size
1 boat
Itinerary
Itinerary description

If you are looking for a bit of exploration challenge then this outing is for you.
We will be exploring new and old canoe routes in Queen Elizabeth II Provincial Park.
We will be canoeing lakes, ponds, rivers and bushwhacking hiking to find our way around the park. The goal of the outing is to find new routes through the park.
I plan on doing a bit easier route for this trip.
Our plan is to paddle ~10-15 km (5-6 hours) a day. The full loop will be ~20 km. Participants should be prepared to perform one shot portages across un-marked bushwhacking Canadian Shield terrain.

We explored a good section of the park last fall and this spring. Check it out. This is what you can expect on my outings.
https://www.facebook.com/gary.ataman/media_set?set=a.10151409181692335…

https://www.facebook.com/gary.ataman/media_set?set=a.10151109084727335…

Required Items to Bring

One light weight canoe pack and wilderness camping gear to allow one carry portages.
Flat water canoe and camping gear
First Aid Kit
PFD, whistle, throw rope, bailer, etc.
ORANGE hunting vest

Recommended Items to Bring

Camera
Food
Car clothes for drive home

How to Get There
Event Directions

See event organizer

Carpool Info

Approximately $0.22/km split per carpool folks. Total $63.80/car

Other
Notes

To sign up for this event send me an email.
The event organizer will coordinate the trip with the aid of a Excel planning sheet. This sheet will collect info form individuals on the event. The sheet will be distributed to all to coordinate canoe/shelter teams, emergency contact/medical information, etc.

Not sure if you are ready for this adventure, well you can take a look at my Facebook page to check out my previous events and/or give me a call 905-683-3100 ext 1286 to discuss.

I picked a route that's is fairly easy.

Cancellation Policy
Only sign up if you are sure you will make the event.

Paddle Killarney from September 3rd to September 8th with a hike up to Silver Peak

Outing Type → 

There are 4 of us already going but would love to have more join us!

We will leave early morning Tuesday September 3rd coming back Sunday September 8

Tues and Wed, 3rd and 4th on Johnnie with a hike up to Silver Peak
Thurs, 5th on Kakakise
Fri and Saturday on Killarney; Saturday is either a rest day or explore OSA Lake and maybe Muriel.

The Basics
Event Location

Killarney (Johnnie Lake put in)

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
5 nights; 6 days
Difficulty Rating
Intermediate
Registration Cut Off
Saturday, September 1, 2013
Participant Info
Who's Invited
Everyone
Maximum Group Size
4 boats; 8 people
Minimum Group Size
4 people; 2 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description

Tuesday: We will leave early in Tuesday morning. Drive to George Lake to grab our permits(not everyone need go there) and leave a car for our car shuttle. Put in on Johnnie and camp there for the first two nights.

Wednesday: Leave early morning and canoe to the portage to Clearsilver. 830m portage. Canoe across Clearsilver, 1.5km to the hiking trail. It is 4km hike each way to Silver Peak. Things to note...

Difficulty The beginning of the hike is fairly flat and well traversed, then a steep one-hour climb to the top of the Peak. Hikers should be in good physical condition and be prepared for a strenuous hike.
Caution Exposed rock can be slippery.
Sturdy footwear is recommended.

Thursday: We have an 8km or more canoe to the Kakakise portage which is 940m, depending on where we end up on Johnnie. Be nice if we can leave in the morning so we can relax a bit here.

Friday: We have two really long portages this day! 1470m to Norway and then 1390 to Killarney where we will stay our last two nights.

Saturday: We have the option of either hanging out here or exploring OSA and even Muriel if we wish. It's only a 450m (or 130m if accessible) portage to OSA Lake and another 595 if we wish to Muriel lake.

Sunday: We have short paddle to the portage, 380m to George Lake. Still be nice to head out early so we can hit the road, get what canoe(s) we've rented back and head home.

Meals:
All dinners will be made by one of our group. Do our own breakfast and lunches, 5 each, though we will do a communal Saturday breakfast (optional) also put together by our group. Tuesday lunch on the way up.

Required Items to Bring

Gear: Backpack, clothes, rainwear, hiking boots, lunches and breakfasts and snacks, sleeping back, thermarest, dishes for own use, toiletries, headlamp,

Recommended Items to Bring

Will coordinate other gear such as water filters, saw, tarps, pots/pans, etc...

How to Get There
Event Directions

We will coordinate carpool depending on where you live. Could be King Rd carpool on the 400, Downsview for non-drivers or maybe even the George Lake Access(shuttle car) or Johnnie Access Point if you would prefer to meet in Killarney.

https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=killarney+provincial+park&client=safari&o…

Carpool Info

Approximately $176.51/car will be divided by number of passengers.

Other
Notes

Canoe rental I believe is $42/day (will confirm)
Park cost: $11.87/night
Communal Dinners will be shared to be determined.

Cancellation Policy
N/A

Madawaska River Flatwater day trip from Combermere, Ontario

Outing Type → 

This outing day flatwater paddling trip will begin at the public launching area in Combermere on Saturday, October 5th, 2013. We will decide which direction of the Madawaska River to paddle. If the winds are strong then we will paddle northwestward to the mouth of Lake Kamaniskeg Lake. If they are light then we will paddle eastward further to the York River area. Everyone should bring their own camera including a spare memory card or film because the spectacular autumn foliage will be at their peak time. All kinds of boats are welcome except for power boats (who needs them) . Spare paddles and life jackets are recommended.

The Basics
Event Location

launching area is located in Combermere, ON off Highway 62 about 18 kms. east of MKC

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
about 4 or 5 hours
Difficulty Rating
Beginner
Registration Cut Off
no cut-off time (last minute showing is OK)
Participant Info
Who's Invited
anyone who knows how to paddle
Maximum Group Size
no limit
Minimum Group Size
no limit
Itinerary
Itinerary description

Departure location will begin at MKC (Madawaska Kanu Centre) where the WCA fall meeting to be held on the October 5th-6th weekend. Departure time at MKC will be aimed for at 10:30 AM. Approximate launching time at the Combermere public launching dock will be at about 11:00 AM. Please bring your own lunch and drink. Expected return time to same location will be about 4 or 5 hours later before 4:00 PM. Then return to MKC for our fall meeting that evening. Anyone who wishes to drive directly to Combermere without meeting at MKC are welcomed to to do that by showing up there at 11:00AM

Required Items to Bring

boats, paddles, lifejackets, bailers, throwropes, lunch, drink

Recommended Items to Bring

camera, warm clothing

How to Get There
Event Directions

Combermere is about 56 kms northeast of Bancroft on Highway 62, about 18 kms. south of Barry`s Bay on Highway 62 and about 15 kms. northwest of Palmer Rapids from Renfrew County Road 515.

Other
Cancellation Policy
only if weather is extremely miserable

Lady Evelyn Loop with Gary and Heather Ataman

Outing Type → 

We will be paddling Lady Evelyn Lake and surrounding Temagami area. This trip is mostly flat water. There are some rugged portages and there might be some novice whitewater skills required if you want to by-pass some of the portages. This trip was rated as one of Kevin Callan's Top 50 canoe routes in Ontario.

The Basics
Event Location

Lady Evelyn Lake and surrounding Temagami area

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
6-7 days
Difficulty Rating
Intermediate
Registration Cut Off
8/5/13
Participant Info
Who's Invited
Anyone with wilderness canoeing camping experience.
Maximum Group Size
4 boats
Minimum Group Size
1 boat
Itinerary
Itinerary description

The plan is to drive up on Sunday morning (8/11/13) to Mowat Landing on the Montreal River. We will paddle a few hours on the first day.
For the next 4-5 full days we will paddle the surrounding area. I am hoping to explore the Lady Evelyn River area.
The last day we will paddle out a few hours and then drive back home with our new memories and tan.

Required Items to Bring

Wilderness canoeing and camping gear.
PFD and other safety gear
First Aid Kit
Money

Recommended Items to Bring

Food
Camera
Suntan lotion, bug stuff, etc.

How to Get There
Event Directions

See event coordinator

Carpool Info

0.22/km shared per car.

Other
Notes

You need to be in reasonably good shape. The plan is to do portages in one shot, so pack wisely.

If you do not have a partner, let me know and we'll see if we can pair you up with someone else.

Cancellation Policy
Only sign up if you are 100% to make the trip.

POSTPONED: Peterborough Lift Lock Social Paddle

Outing Type → 

*Due to lack of participants, postponed to a future date*

Have fun paddling the Peterborough Lift Lock, located on the Trent Canal in the city of Peterborough,
Ontario, Canada, and is Lock 21 on the Trent-Severn Waterway. The dual lifts are the highest hydraulic boat lifts in the world, with a lift of 19.8 m.

For those not familiar with Lift Locks, you boat into a "tub" which is then lifted up, like an elevator.

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peterborough_Lift_Lock

Also paddle up Lock 20 (Ashburnham) which is a standard lock

The Basics
Event Location

Peterborough / Beavermead Beach

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
4 - 5 hours
Difficulty Rating
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited
n/a
Maximum Group Size
n/a
Minimum Group Size
n/a
Itinerary
Itinerary description

*Due to lack of participants, postponed to a future date*

Required Items to Bring

You need to purchase a pass at the first lock ($1.60 per foot) which will be good the rest of the day. They accept credit cards / cash

Recommended Items to Bring

*Due to lack of participants, postponed to a future date*

How to Get There
Event Directions
Carpool Info

*Due to lack of participants, postponed to a future date*

RAIN LAKE (ALGONQUIN ) JULY 22-27, INCLUSIVE

Outing Type → 

CAMP FIRST NIGHT, THE 22ND, AT THE JUMP-OFF SITE. NIGHTS 23-26 AT A SITE ON RAIN LAKE. COME FOR AS MANY NIGHTS AS YOU LIKE. MUST CHECK IN AT THE PARK OFFICE IN KEARNEY BY 6:OOPM ON JULY 22.

The Basics
Event Location

RAIN LAKE, NEAR KEARNEY

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
6 NIGHTS
Difficulty Rating
Beginner
Registration Cut Off
JULY 16, 2013
Participant Info
Who's Invited
ANYONE, INCLUDING PETS
Maximum Group Size
NINE PEOPLE
Minimum Group Size
TWO PEOPLE
Itinerary
Itinerary description

PADDLE, HIKE (NEARBY TRAIL), SWIM, RELAX, READ, PHOTOGRAPH, ETC.

Required Items to Bring

BRING YOUR OWN CAMP GEAR, BOAT, FOOD, EQUIPMENT, ETC.

How to Get There
Event Directions

HWY 11 TO EMSDALE, WHICH IS NORTH OF HUNTSVILLE. TAKE HWY 518 TO KEARNEY. THE PARK OFFICE IS LOCATED IN THE KEARNEY COMMMUNITY CENTRE. AFTER LEAVING THE COMMUNITY CENTRE CONTINUE OF MONTIETH ROAD FOR HALF A KM. TURN LEFT JUST AFTER THE LIQUOR STORE, GO 1.6 KM AND TURN LEFT AGAIN.FOLLOW THIS ROAD (FIRST PAVED, THEN GRAVEL) FOR 24.5 KM TO THE RAIN LAKE ACCESS POINT.

FALL COLOURS-ROCK LK. (ALGONQUIN) SEPT. 22-26 INCLUSIVE. CAMPERS WANTED

Outing Type → 

I HAVE RESERVED A WATERFRONT SITE WITH BOAT ACCESS. THERE IS ROOM FOR 8 PEOPLE AND THREE TENTS. THERE IS PARKING FOR ONLY MY VEHICLE. OTHER VEHICLES WILL PARK IN A NEARBY PARKING LOT. EVERYONE WELCOME, INCLUDING PETS.

The Basics
Event Location

ROCK LAKE (ALGONQUIN]

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
FIVE NIGHTS
Difficulty Rating
Beginner
Registration Cut Off
SEPT.18
Participant Info
Who's Invited
EVERYONE
Maximum Group Size
9
Minimum Group Size
1
Itinerary
Itinerary description

HIKE, PADDLE, BIKE (GREAT BIKE TRAIL), RELAX.

Required Items to Bring

BRING YOUR OWN CAMP GEAR, BOAT, FOOD, ETC. I HAVE AN EXTRA KAYAK, IF SOMEONE WANTS TO USE IT.

How to Get There
Event Directions

SEE ONTARIO PARKS GUIDE OR WEBSITE